Emiley Thomsen: 9 Years of Heart, Impact, and Innovation

Since joining Protech in 2016, Emiley Thomsen has played a key role in the growth and evolution of Good Grid—a project that brings together technology and compassion to make a meaningful difference. This June marks her ninth year with Protech, and her steady leadership and dedication to this work continue to inspire. Congratulations, Emiley, and thank you for all you do.

From Social Work to Social Impact

Emiley joined Protech straight out of graduate school with a master’s in social work, stepping into the role of Social Impact Analyst. She was one of the first employees on the Good Grid project and has had a front-row seat to its transformation and growth. In those early days, she worked directly with clients at Arkansas Community Corrections (ACC) facilities, helping them build resumes and connect to community resources through the platform.

Her interest in this work goes back even further. “I’ve been interested in corrections work since high school, so when I met Nisha Garimalla and learned that the team was partnering with the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, I was immediately drawn in,” Emiley explains. “I knew I wanted to help however I could—especially in that space.”

Over the years, her role has evolved in step with the project itself. She transitioned into project management, led national implementations, and now serves as Director of Client Success. “Now, I focus on increasing user engagement, leading monthly webinars, and coming up with creative ways—like our Good Grid Scavenger Hunt—to keep things exciting and impactful.”

Growing the Project

In the beginning, Good Grid was tightly focused on supporting justice-involved individuals. “We were laser-focused on our partnership with ACC,” Emiley recalls. “We even offered in-person services, like a weekly resume class at the downtown Little Rock library.” One of the biggest early challenges was figuring out the platform’s direction. “There were so many possibilities, and it took time to refine our focus and build something sustainable.”

That clarity paid off. Today, Good Grid has grown into a flexible, multi-purpose platform used by organizations serving a wide range of populations—from individuals experiencing homelessness to those navigating complex health and social care systems. “It’s incredibly versatile now,” she says. “The platform has become a powerful tool for streamlining services and improving outcomes.”

Milestones That Matter

Among the many accomplishments during her time on Good Grid, a few stand out:

Reduced housing application wait times from 2 weeks to just 3 days through an automated Transitional Housing project with ACC
Launched a COVID-19 rental assistance application on Good Gird in just a few days
Earned national recognition as the winner of the 2022 ACL Social Care Referrals Challenge

Still, it’s not just the big milestones that matter most to her. Emiley finds deep meaning in the everyday moments—like helping users overcome challenges and hearing how much easier she’s made someone’s day. It’s those small, human interactions that fuel her passion and remind her why this work matters.

A Culture That Lifts People Up

One reason Emiley has stayed with the project for nearly a decade is Protech’s unique company culture. “There’s a unique sense of purpose and innovation here,” she says. “Everyone genuinely wants to improve the way social systems work.” She describes the environment as collaborative and empowering. “Ideas are welcomed from every level, and that makes you feel both heard and supported.”

She also credits leadership for fostering an environment of trust and growth. “The culture at Protech has always been mission-driven, flexible, and supportive,” she explains. “Leadership has consistently encouraged growth and learning, and they’ve trusted us to try new things—even when it meant stepping outside our comfort zones. That kind of support is rare—and it’s made all the difference.”

Lessons from the Journey

After nine years on a single project, Emiley has picked up more than a few life lessons. “I’ve learned that change takes time, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it,” she says. One of the biggest takeaways? The power of listening. “It’s so important to listen—to our users, to our partners, to the people on the ground doing the work.”

Another key to success, she says, is staying flexible and open-minded. “The more willing you are to evolve, the more impact you can have.”

To those just joining the project, she offers this advice: “Be willing to jump in wherever you’re needed—there’s always something new to learn, and you might discover something you love doing that you hadn’t considered before. Flexibility and curiosity will take you far.”

Looking Ahead

Emiley sees an exciting future for Good Grid. “I see us continuing to grow our reach and impact—especially as more organizations look for better ways to collaborate and track outcomes,” she says. “I think we’ll keep building out tools that make real-time data and coordination easier, and I see us becoming a go-to platform for community-based work across multiple sectors.”

What excites her most about what lies ahead? “The possibility of creating real systems change,” she says. “The more we connect organizations, streamline services, and learn from the data, the more we can improve the experience for people who need support. It’s not just about the technology—it’s about making the whole system work better.”

As she reflects on nearly a decade of growth, impact, and transformation, Emiley is filled with pride. “This project has been such a big part of my personal and professional growth,” she says. “It’s shown me what’s possible when you combine technology with heart—and I’m so proud to be a part of something that’s helping people in real, tangible ways.”