Emma Gianoplus
Emma Gianoplus is an accomplished education leader dedicated to equity, access, and community-centered design. Currently, she serves as the Director of External Affairs at Libertas Academy Charter School in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen relationships with families, partners, and the broader community. Emma also manages the school’s brand vision and marketing efforts, ensuring that Libertas’s story of excellence and opportunity resonates widely. Her work is guided by a commitment to creating lasting impact through strong systems, authentic relationships, and thoughtful storytelling.
Emma’s career in education has spanned several leadership roles, including Director of Special Projects and Director of Student Operations at Libertas Academy, as well as Student Services Manager of Data at Achievement First. In these positions, she has honed her expertise in operations management, strategic project implementation, and cross-functional collaboration, consistently driving improvements in student outcomes and organizational efficiency. She also led the planning and execution of Libertas Academy’s new school building; a multi-year capital project aimed at expanding access to high-quality education in Springfield.
A lifelong learner, Emma is pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at the University of Maryland, where she is developing skills in information access, digital curation, and equitable service delivery. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Spanish from the University of Vermont as an Honors College Scholar and studied abroad at the University of Murcia in Spain. Emma’s professional practice bridges education, operations, and information science, driven by a belief that strong systems and authentic engagement can create meaningful, equitable change in communities.
• AmeriCorps Certification of Service
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• University of Vermont-B.A.
• University of Maryland- Master's
• University of Murcia
• UVM Honors College
• ESL Tutoring Club
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to equity, access, and community-centered design, combined with a passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference, all fueled by self-motivation.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay motivated and positive, be a team player, stay actively involved through networking, and give my very best every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, try different things, and be courageous in pursuing your path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now involve adapting to changes in the Education Department while strengthening our school’s connections with families, partners, and the broader Springfield community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are thoughtful decision-making, mentoring others, and being a good listener to my students.