Emily Cain

Emily Cain is a dual master’s student in City Planning and Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at UC Berkeley. She brings a strong background in public service from her time at HUD, where she administered community development and affordable housing grants, and her service as a Peace Corps volunteer in The Gambia.

Growing up in the Bay Area, Emily witnessed firsthand how rising housing costs reshaped communities, inspiring her commitment to addressing the housing crisis. Her California roots also sparked a deep commitment to addressing the climate crisis —she hopes to build a career at the intersection of affordable housing and climate solutions. As a Merritt Scholar, Emily looks forward to strengthening her professional network and finding mentors who can help shape her career.