Think Rubix names Emma Willis principal

Emma Willis of Rogers has joined public affairs and consulting agency Think Rubix as a principal.

Launched in 2017, Think Rubix touts itself as a minority-certified and woman-led agency for social impact. It maintains headquarters in Washington, D.C. and has staff in Arkansas, California and Africa.

“With a career dedicated to fighting for equity and opportunity for underserved children, families, and communities, Emma brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role,” a Think Rubix news release said Thursday (Feb. 9).

Most recently, Willis was the chief operating officer for Bentonville-based Venture Noire, a national nonprofit focused on supporting Black entrepreneurs.

“When companies are looking for innovative ways to address complex problems — they need to bring strategic thinkers to the table. I am excited to join others tirelessly aiming for not just a better place for us but to dismantle the very systems that will prevent a prosperous place for all of us,” Willis said in the release.

A Little Rock native, Willis also worked as the executive director of the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan (formerly the Gift Plan), sponsored by the state treasurer’s office. She led the program’s assets to increase from $600 million to $1 billion and released Gift Arkansas 529, the first state-run plan app in the United States.

“Emma brings added global perspective to our firm and work,” said founder Tristan Wilkerson. “She’s an expert diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner who understands the economic challenges facing corporate, government, and philanthropic leaders. We’re excited for the growth our firm, and our clients will experience with her leadership.”

Willis is a Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce board member and a Northwest Arkansas Business Journal 2021 Forty Under 40 honoree.