Meet Emily Brunson
“It is incredible, all the opportunities that Houston has to offer. I met some of my best friends here”. ~Emily Brunson
Emily grew up on a ranch in the small town of Mount Pleasant, Texas. One of those towns where everyone knows everyone.
Emily’s first job was as a marketing intern at a bank in her hometown. On Fridays as an intern, she, and the other interns, were given the task of popping popcorn and greeting customers. Although it seemed like a meaningless task, she will tell you she learned a valuable lesson- that she enjoyed working with people. One important reflection was that the role prepared her for her career as Benefits Manager at the Houston Firefighters Pension Fund where she consistently works with members of the fund.
After high school, Emily moved to Waco, Texas to attend Baylor University. Having been from a small town, she was excited to meet new people and expand her community. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and soon after moved to Houston for a job. Living in Houston was a huge change for Emily, and not what she had expected, but she quickly adjusted to the new lifestyle and realized how much Houston had to offer.
“I like living in Houston. I appreciate the diversity of the city and everything it has to offer. I enjoy the hustle and bustle. Growing up in East Texas, I never had that.” ~Emily Brunson
A couple of years after moving to Houston, Emily met her husband Keith. She is now married and lives with her husband and their dog, Ripley. On the topic of family and friends, when asked what love means to her she replied “I think being able to be yourself with others is love. Allow people to be themselves and love them unconditionally- that is the greatest thing.” ~Emily Brunson
When asked about her favorite memory with friends, Emily said “I took a girls trip to Seaside in Florida and it was the best. I have never felt more loved and connected to my closest friends.” It was so special because several of her close friends now live in different cities.
“What makes them your best friends is that you can be 100% yourself around them, be honest and have them support you.” ~Emily Brunson
When asked what gets her up in the morning, she immediately answered “coffee and a workout!” Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are passions of Emily’s. She thrives when in a Pilates class, spinning or running. In fact, her love for running started back in East Texas running cross country with her two sisters.
Emily would also say she is a foodie at heart and loves a great meal. When asked if she could take one person to dinner, who would it be? - she answered her late grandfather. She grew up living a short walk away from her grandparent’s house and mentioned her grandfather instilled a lot of confidence in her by his constant words of encouragement. She stated that when she was younger, it seemed as if she had all the time in the world to spend with him and didn’t think to ask him the important questions she wishes she could now.
