Emma Cunningham

Emma Cunningham is a strategic marketing leader, educator, and elected public official with over a decade of experience driving award-winning brand strategies and digital transformations. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from the Australian Institute of Business, a post-graduate certificate in Book and Magazine Publishing from Centennial College, and has earned numerous accolades, including a Silver Cannes Lion, Gold CMA, three Clio Awards, a Queen’s Jubilee Pin, and a Pickering Civic Award.

Elected as Trustee for the Durham District School Board in 2022, Emma ran a grassroots campaign that placed first in every poll across her ward. Since then, she has championed initiatives to improve student safety and equity, and continues to advocate for human rights and inclusive education.

Her professional career spans senior strategy roles with top agencies and global brands, including Four Seasons, Chevrolet, GSK, and McDonald’s. She has led high-impact rebrands, overseen major digital strategy transformations, and conducted significant primary research into Canada’s newcomer experience. She is also recognized for her expertise in integrating artificial intelligence into business workflows.

As a professor at Seneca Polytechnic and Centennial College, Emma has designed and taught beginner to advanced courses in marketing strategy, analytics, and research, coaching students to success in national competitions.

Beyond her professional and academic work, Emma is deeply engaged in community service, having led grassroots and charitable initiatives such as Caremongers Pickering-Ajax and the Southside Foodbank delivery program.