Meet the First Todd Otis Public Policy Intern: Emma Klingler

Think Small?s first Todd Otis Public Policy Internship is underway. The internship is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about Minnesota?s early learning policy and advocacy landscape.

Todd Otis? lifelong advocacy career in Minnesota, and his work as a change-agent in early childhood, has had a significant and long-term positive impact on early childhood public policies, systems, and most importantly on the quality of early learning experiences for children and families. When Todd retired in June 2017, Think Small started the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship to recognize his contributions and build on his legacy. Our goal is to create more early learning advocates to continue Todd?s work.Our first intern in this role is Emma Klingler. She is?currently in her last semester at the University of Minnesota finishing her Bachelor of Science in sociology. She became interested in a career in public policy advocacy during her off-campus semester with the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA) ? Inequality in America program, where she interned with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless during the 2017 legislative session.Emma is excited to get back to the Capitol and explore the particular issues of early education and their importance for reducing disparities and improving Minnesota?s future. In addition to school and the internship, Emma is the editor-in-chief of a student-run magazine, The Wake, and enjoys reading, writing, and trying out Twin Cities? restaurants and breweries.Throughout the 2018 legislative session, Emma is working with Think Small?s policy team to advance the organization?s public policy priorities. This includes attending hearings and meetings with state legislators at the capitol, supporting grassroots organizing, and helping to monitor legislation related to early learning.Please join us in welcoming Emma to the team!