Emiko Atherton is Executive Director of Social Venture Partners Seattle, where she leads the organization in partnering with communities to co-create a Puget Sound region where everyone thrives regardless of income or race.

Emiko has over fifteen years of leadership experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. Her career includes extensive work in strategic planning, policy development and implementation, fundraising, coalition building, and advocacy. Prior to joining SVP Seattle, Emiko served as Vice President for Thriving Communities at the national nonprofit Smart Growth America. In this role, Emiko received national recognition for her work to bring a racial equity lens into national and local transportation policies. Her work was highlighted in national media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and NPR.

Emiko was born and raised in Southeast Seattle, just a short walk from the Othello Light Rail Station. She received her Masters of Public Administration from University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.