Her Story
About Emily
Emily Sui is an Executive Director and CEO in the nonprofit and public health sector with four years of experience leading initiatives focused on cultural competency and health literacy. She is the founder of Project Link, a U.S.-based organization with global chapters dedicated to improving healthcare understanding and access for vulnerable and immigrant populations. Through student engagement, global health initiatives, advocacy, and healthcare navigation support, she works to expand awareness of health disparities and promote more equitable outcomes worldwide.
In her leadership role, Emily oversees global chapters, manages organizational logistics and operations, and leads strategic planning, training, and onboarding for teams. She is responsible for building partnerships with aligned organizations and ensuring cohesive execution across all programs. Under her direction, Project Link has engaged thousands of students globally in a unified mission to improve global health outcomes and foster greater cultural awareness within healthcare systems.
Emily is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Washington, with a minor in Global Health, and is expected to graduate in 2026. She also holds an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Her professional and volunteer experience includes scientific research in the Mulligan, Pal, and Hwang Lab, work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, serving as a Patient Care Coordinator in a low-income and uninsured clinic, and co-founding the UW Public Health Case Competition, which has engaged over 300 students and featured collaboration with senior public health leaders. She has been recognized with several honors, including the Katerina Casey Leadership & Research Award (2025), the Ingrid Deyrup-Olsen Peer Facilitator Award (2026), and selection as a Homecoming Scholar Finalist (2025).
Emily’s passion for global health is deeply rooted in her personal experiences navigating different healthcare systems in Canada and the United States, where she witnessed firsthand the disparities in access and outcomes. These experiences continue to shape her commitment to advancing health equity worldwide. Guided by compassion, discipline, and a strong belief in the power of relationships, she is driven by a mission to create meaningful, lasting impact. She credits her growth to a strong support system and mentors such as Dr. Mandy Schivell, Dr. Brian Buchwitz, Dr. Carey Farquhar, Dr. Irene Mukui, Dr. Robert Yates, Dr. Billiana Hwang, and Sam Mielbrecht and she continues to encourage others to embrace their own paths, speak up confidently, and pursue action over silence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emily
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people I surround myself with, the mentors who have inspired and guided me along the way, and the opportunity to engage in work that I am truly passionate about.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that everyone’s path looks different, so it’s important to avoid unhealthy comparison and instead use others’ journeys as inspiration. I’ve learned to stay focused on my own growth, trust my timing, and maintain confidence in my abilities—even when others may not fully see or support my vision.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is not to be afraid of failing, because setbacks are often part of growth and learning. I encourage them to voice their concerns, advocate for themselves, and speak up for what they believe is right. Taking action is always more powerful than remaining silent, and confidence in your voice can open doors and create meaningful impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include pushback from stakeholders or government officials and working with individuals who may not initially believe in or fully support project goals. These situations can create obstacles in alignment and progress that require patience and resilience to navigate. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to strengthen outcomes through careful planning, clear timelines, and strong logistical coordination. By maintaining transparency, communicating credibility, and staying organized, I’m able to build trust and help ensure successful project implementation despite initial resistance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my work and personal life are compassion and discipline. I believe in approaching every situation with empathy and a genuine effort to understand others’ perspectives, while also maintaining the structure and consistency needed to achieve meaningful results. I also place a strong emphasis on building and nurturing relationships, as I’ve found that trust and connection are essential to both personal fulfillment and professional success.
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