Emma Gardner is an inclusion-driven creative leader, parent carer and advocate for authentic disability representation across the creative industries. She started in advertising as a receptionist in 2001 and worked her way up via creative production and operations to Managing Partner of elvis before leaving in 2020 to focus entirely on inclusion.
Emma became a parent carer in 2014, an experience that accelerated her unlearning around ableism, deepened her understanding of systemic exclusion, and helped her recognise and accept her own less apparent disabilities. That lived experience, combined with 20+ years’ industry experience, is what fuels her purpose.
As Co-Founder and COO of Talent and Production agency With Not For, Emma helps brands and creative teams make their practices inclusive by default, designing operational systems, production processes and creative environments that support Disabled talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Emma’s leadership and advocacy have been recognised across the industry, including BIMA 100 – Champion for Change 2024 and a special mention in the IPA iList 2024.