Emily Palacios

I've been working in the nonprofit world since 2014, when I started as a volunteer with Behind Every Door. I was a single mom of five living in an apartment community in Oak Cliff, in the 75216 area of Dallas, which is the most represented zip code in the Texas prison system. I wasn't in a really great, safe environment at the time. Someone knocked on my door and told me about programs that were literally right across from me, and I had no idea we had those services there. I really loved the outpour they provided to my kids, and I wanted to be involved. Through that involvement, the trajectory of my life changed. Not only did they offer me a job, but being around those resources and people who were there to pour into the community made me realize I wanted something better for my kids and that I needed to leave the environment I was in. I went from surviving to thriving, and that's the heart of why I do what I do - I want other people to know there's more out there and to help them find their way to a better life and future for them and their kids. I've been with the same organization since 2014, moving from volunteer to youth development specialist, then Assistant Community Programs Coordinator, Community Operations Manager, and now Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. Before nonprofit work, I went to dental assisting school and worked the front desk for a few specialty practices, which taught me to be the front-facing person of an office. Today, my main area of expertise is community outreach and connecting people in underserved communities with resources. I remain curious and don't act like I know everybody's story - I get to know them and walk alongside them and their families. I also work with other community partners because I don't feel like there's competition when working with community - it takes a village.