Emilyn Slemons

The Fulbright Aberystwyth University Summer Institute on Identity and Nationhood

Emilyn Slemons is a native of Gilmer County, Georgia, which is located in the mountains of southern Appalachia. She is a first-year student in the Honors Program at the University of North Georgia. Emilyn is studying American history, with an interest in the region of Appalachia, and minoring in political science and Spanish. Her plan is to pursue a Ph.D. and teach at the collegiate level.

As a social activist and catalyst for change, Emilyn derives her sense of purpose from addressing the needs of her community. She founded the nonprofit organization Women Together Period, Inc. at the age of fifteen to alleviate period poverty in north Georgia.

She currently serves as Executive Director. Given the similarities between Wales and Appalachia, the Summer Institute at Aberystwyth will support Emilyn’s work by enabling her to learn how political and economic systems function in Wales and how this knowledge can be applied to challenges faced in the United States, particularly in her community. She eagerly anticipates immersing herself in Welsh culture and engaging with her cohort.