Representative Emily Carris-Duncan

Emily Carris-Duncan (They/She) was raised in Rutland Vermont in a fifth generation family with 3 siblings. Their father, Bill is a business person and former Vermont State Senator. Their mother is an artist, community arts organizer, former state rep and state senate candidate.

Carris Duncan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Studies from The New School University in NY and a Master’s Degree in Photography from University College of Art in England.

Carris Duncan spent their early career in education as a substitute teacher in the Rutland public school system. They also spent time enriching the lives of young students and adults teaching photography and working as a museum educator in New York.

Carris Duncan has grown to be an award winning textile artist and small business owner. Over the past ten years they have worked as a gallery owner and arts educator in Philadelphia. They have taught in schools and worked with community-based arts organizations and larger institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, the Clark Institute, and the International Center for Photography in New York and most recently at Penn State University.

Carris Duncan is passionate about community and their work as an artist and business owner has led them to advocate for the arts and housing their communities volunteering with senior meals in Whitingham VT. Carris Duncan sits on a variety of non profit arts and civic boards including the Land Access Opportunity Board which works with stakeholders in Vermont’s housing ecosystem to provide housing and land access to the state’s diverse minority community. Though board work like this they have been able to consult on organizational diversity practices, mentored young artists and emerging business owners.

Board member: LAOB (Land Access Opportunity Board): Present Representative Member: Every Town Project Vermont: Present Board member: Seeger Bartlett Foundation 2018-Present Volunteer: Whitingham Senior Meals (2022-2023) Board Member: Culture Works Greater Philadelphia 2018-2020 Zoning Board Member Fishtown Neighbors Association Philadelphia 2016-2020 Poll Worker: 2016-2020 Fishtown Business Association Member 2013-2022

When they’re not working Carris Duncan enjoys Djing, photography, traveling, exploring, rock climbing, engaging in the arts, and foraging.