Meet Emily Irwin, Assistant Vice President of Corporate & Foundation Relations with Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. Over the past 7 years at UNLV, she has modeled leadership while advancing UNLV’s focus on opportunity. She prioritizes relationship-building and finding balance.
Tell us about the work you do and your experience at UNLV?
I oversee a function of the university’s development operations—corporate & foundation relations (CFR). In CFR, we build mutually beneficial relationships with industry and foundation partners that advance innovation, outreach, and student success. Before taking over leadership of CFR, I was development director for the Boyd School of Law, which provided me with a great entry point to get to know UNLV and our local community. (My family relocated to Vegas in 2018.)
What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?
UNLV creates opportunity, and I enjoy advancing this mission. I have also developed some incredible friendships here, for which I’m very grateful.
What inspires or empowers you?
I am very mission oriented, and I am always inspired by the transformative power of a university. The atmosphere of opportunity and innovation—fostered by education and life-changing research—is exciting to be around, even when my own role isn't directly within a classroom or lab.
What issues are women facing today that you want to help solve, and how are you helping to solve that issue?
This is a loaded question, but from a professional perspective I have observed counterproductive competition among women hindering the development of genuine, trusting relationships needed for success. It is crucial for women to support one another and sincerely prioritize lifting each other up. I make an active effort to advocate for my female colleagues when needed, and also share my appreciation for male colleagues who demonstrate the same, supportive behavior.
What life lessons have you experienced recently or within the past few years that have really changed the way you look at life?
COVID helped me recognize how fleeting life can be, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing time and finding work-life balance (as much as any of us can). After years of burning the candle at both ends, I have become intentional about setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care so I can be more present and enjoy the time I have.
Tell us about a woman who’s been a mentor to you.
A key influence on my leadership style is a supervisor from my previous institution who demonstrated the essential difference between management and true leadership. While management is task-oriented, leadership—as she modeled it—is fundamentally about developing people. She achieved a delicate balance between demanding high standards and offering fierce support for her team—an approach I work to embody in my current role.
Who is an unsung hero at UNLV?
While I would love to call some colleagues out by name, I don’t want to alienate anyone. So, I would shout out the women in administrative and support roles across campus. They are often the ones quietly holding units together, managing complex logistics, and ensuring seamless operations. Their institutional knowledge and commitment are foundational to UNLV’s success.
Any advice for young women starting careers on campus?
The best advice I can give is to build relationships. Having a network within and outside of your unit pays dividends over time—whether you need objective advice from a trusted colleague, help with a project, or a listening ear.
You’re stuck between meetings with 30 minutes to kill on campus, what do you do?
As long as it’s not too hot (!)—go for a walk.
What did you do the last time you took time off?
Took my kids on a Disney Cruise for Spring Break. There’s nothing quite like having a whole week where you don’t have to plan for a single meal or snack!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I wanted to pursue a career in the foreign service as a diplomat. However, working for the State Department during graduate school taught me that working for the federal government is one of my least favorite things—a valuable lesson to learn early! Perhaps more importantly, I love all things Bravo.
What trait do you most like about yourself?
I think I’m pretty good at giving advice. I like to think about challenges from different angles which, I find, is helpful when trying to support a friend (or a kid) navigating a challenging situation.
If you could learn to master one thing, what would it be?
Organization—the physical kind. If I could figure out the perfect system to keep every closet in my house tidy, my quality of life would be transformed.