Emily Williston (LaCour)

My name is Emily Williston LaCour and I am a 2010 graduate of the HAB program. After graduating I did a year of service through AmeriCorps with the International Institute of St Louis where I worked in the Refugee Resettlement program. Now I work as a full-time staff member at the International Institute. As the manager of the Health Insurance department, my main responsibility is to help refugees and immigrants get access to healthcare through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through public benefit programs. I am also working part time towards a Masters in Social Work at the University of Missouri- St Louis.

The HAB program well prepared me for my current endeavors. Most importantly it helped me hone my communication skills, which are crucial when working with people with limited English proficiency. I have also found my writing skills to be an important asset as a graduate student. The ability to effectively express oneself is an invaluable skill for any career.

In addition to its practical benefits, the program introduced me to my best friends and spouse! I loved the camaraderie that naturally developed after 4 years of classes together. I would also highly recommend the Greece trip. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

The last pic of me in 2008 on the Rio Antirio Bridge (a.k.a the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge), which crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras and was completed just in time for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.