Meet Emily Braley: Bringing Data and Heart to Maine’s Innovation Economy

When you ask Emily Braley, MTI’s Chương trình MERC Coordinator, what drives her work, she doesn’t hesitate: supporting people who are working hard to build something meaningful in Maine. Whether she’s refining impact surveys or helping entrepreneurs navigate the MERC program, her focus is always on how MTI can better champion innovation across the state. 

Finding Her Path in Economic Development

Before joining MTI, Emily was deep into her graduate studies at the University of Florida, pursuing a master’s degree in economics. Her work in econometrics sharpened her ability to think critically about data—how it’s collected, interpreted, and ultimately used to make decisions.

“I didn’t expect to work with data as much as I do now,” she said. “It’s helped me design surveys that are collecting the right data and ensure I’m drawing informed and realistic conclusions.” 

While interning for USAID, Emily assumed she would eventually build a career in international economic development. But the more she learned, the more she realized her passion wasn’t tied to a specific geography—it was tied to entrepreneurship and the community-level change it can spark.

“I really believe it is one of the most powerful ways that people can change their economic circumstances,” she explained. “I love Maine with all my heart and felt that if I wanted to advance that mission somewhere, it would be in my home state.” 

The night she reached that realization, she discovered an open position at MTI. “I applied that evening at 1 a.m.,” she said. “And here I am three years later!” 

Connecting Data to Real-World Impact

In her role as MERC Program Coordinator, Emily blends analytical rigor with a deep appreciation for the people behind Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her economics background gives her a unique ability to translate data into meaningful insights that, in turn, help MTI strengthen its programs and communicate their value.

From evaluating the impact of MTI funding to shaping surveys that capture real business outcomes, Emily’s work helps illuminate how innovation shapes Maine’s economy. It also ensures that MTI continues to evolve in response to the needs of founders, startups, and small businesses across the state.

A Vision for Entrepreneurs Across Maine

When asked what challenge she wishes she could solve for Maine’s entrepreneurs, Emily didn’t hesitate: visibility.

“We have no shortage of excellent businesses with heart, integrity, and ingenuity,” she said. “But their stories and solutions don’t always make it beyond our borders and get the national visibility they deserve.” 

The result, she explained, is that companies miss out on the investor capital, strategic partnerships, and wider customer base that could accelerate their growth. If she could wave a magic wand, she’d help more people across the country understand what Maine entrepreneurs are capable of.

It’s a challenge she’s working on from the inside—helping MTI track impact and ensuring the organization is drawing informed, realistic conclusions.

Life Beyond MTI

When she’s not championing Maine’s innovators, Emily stays just as active and curious in her personal life. Daily exercise, especially weightlifting, helps her stay grounded. She also enjoys skiing on both snow and water, diving into fiction and nonfiction books, playing videogames (she’s currently working through Expedition 33), and attempting to train her “seemingly untrainable” terrier. 

Travel is another big part of her life. Her boyfriend’s family lives in Peru and she loves exploring deserts, rainforests, and mountains there.

Her favorite ways to experience Maine change with the seasons. Summer means long porch days and card games at Sebago Lake. Winter brings skiing and cozy meals at restaurants that are too busy during tourist months. Fall is all about long walks and park visits, while spring is best spent inside avoiding mud.

Books, shows, and music are woven into her days, too. Right now she’s reading Circe by Madeline Miller, watching Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and listening to Christmas albums by John Denver and The Carpenters. 

Weekends That Reflect What She Loves Most

Ask Emily about her ideal weekend, and she paints a picture filled with the same warmth and community-mindedness she brings to her work.

In December, she loves getting into the festive season: attending the Maine State Ballet’s Nutcracker, walking through the Old Port to see holiday lights, and ending the evening with Korean BBQ at N to Tail. 

But her favorite weekend of all is a quiet September day at Sebago Lake, starting with coffee on the porch, spending time with family, visiting local farmstands, and ending the evening with a home-cooked meal shared around a big table.

A Steady Belief in What Maine Can Build

From studying econometrics to supporting entrepreneurs across Maine, Emily’s journey reflects a constant thread: a belief in the power of innovation to change lives. Her work helps MTI better understand the impact of its investments, but it also helps the organization keep sight of the people behind the data.

As Maine’s innovation ecosystem grows, Emily is one of the steady hands helping ensure that entrepreneurs not only succeed, but are truly seen.