When Emily Seidel was first offered the opportunity to lead Americans for Prosperity, she hesitated. Despite a strong background on Capitol Hill and years of experience in public policy, she hadn’t come from the world of grassroots organizing. She hadn’t knocked doors, led rallies, or built field operations across fifty states. She knew the mission. She believed in the work. But the role felt big—maybe too big. And for a moment, she considered walking away from it.
But someone close to her offered a challenge that changed her mindset:
“If a new job doesn’t make you nervous, then it’s probably not worth taking. It won’t grow you. It won’t challenge you.”
That single insight reframed everything. Emily didn’t say yes because she was certain she would succeed. She said yes because she knew the opportunity to grow was greater than the fear of falling short. And with that, she chose to Go Big.
From Uncertainty to Impact
Today, Emily leads one of the most impactful grassroots organizations in the country. Americans for Prosperity operates in all 50 states, with a full-time presence in 36 and thousands of everyday people stepping up to make a difference in their communities. Under her leadership, AFP has delivered hundreds of policy wins, built a scalable and trusted volunteer network, and helped spark national conversations around tax reform, education opportunity, and the proper role of government.
But success didn’t come from being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers up front. It came from a decision to lead with conviction, to empower others, and to stay grounded in the organization’s principles—no matter how turbulent the political environment.
Emily brought something more important than credentials to the table: clarity of purpose and the courage to take the next right step, even when the path wasn’t fully clear.
The Power of Citizen Voices
At the heart of Emily’s work is a belief that real change doesn’t come from Washington headlines—it comes from everyday Americans who decide to engage. AFP’s mission is simple but profound: to break down the policy barriers that prevent people from achieving their version of the American Dream. That mission is carried out not by elite lobbyists or insider operatives, but by ordinary people who decide to raise their voice, knock on a door, send an email, or attend a local rally.
Emily saw firsthand how this kind of civic engagement shapes policy. Early in her career, she fielded phone calls from citizens to congressional offices. She learned that when people speak up, they’re heard. And when enough people engage, it’s not just noise—it becomes momentum.
That belief in the power of grassroots action now drives every part of AFP’s strategy, from local field work to national campaigns. Emily’s leadership has helped the organization not just react to issues—but shift the conversation entirely, moving what once felt impossible into the realm of the achievable.
Leading with Principles and Purpose
One of Emily’s most important contributions to AFP has been reinforcing its identity as a principles-first organization. Whether the issue is tax reform, educational choice, or regulatory overreach, every decision the organization makes is filtered through a clear set of core beliefs: individual liberty, equal rights, opportunity for all, and the value of community-driven solutions.
This clarity gives AFP something rare in the nonprofit and political world: consistency. In moments of crisis, when headlines shift and cultural pressure rises, Emily and her team don’t panic. They go back to their principles. Those principles, as she says, are “our motor and our steering wheel”—they help the organization navigate through uncertainty with direction and purpose.
That approach has been tested over the last several years, from economic challenges to political polarization, and yet AFP’s team has remained focused, innovative, and mission-driven. And it’s no accident—Emily has helped build a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, experimentation is encouraged, and people are empowered to lead from wherever they are.
Go Big, Even When It’s Hard
Emily’s journey reminds us that Going Big isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being faithful to the mission, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about recognizing that growth often begins with uncertainty. That leadership often starts with listening. And that change begins when we decide to act—even when we’re not sure where it will lead.
She reflects often on a lesson from her childhood—how she used to avoid activities she wasn’t instantly good at, how fear of failure kept her from even trying. But that younger version of herself is exactly who she now speaks to when she encourages others to step up, take risks, and choose growth over safety.
Whether you’re leading a team, considering a new role, or simply standing at the edge of a decision, Emily’s story is a powerful reminder: You don’t need to have it all figured out to make a big impact. You just need to believe in something bigger than your fear—and take the first step.
Because when you lead with purpose, when you surround yourself with the right people, and when you’re willing to step into the unknown for something that matters—you’re already Going Big.
