Hi! My name is Emma Houlihan and I am a recent graduate of UCLA, where I earned a degree in Sociology with honors. While at UCLA, I served as President the Skateboarding Club, which became a vibrant hub for students across all experience levels. I am currently an East Coast-based skateboarding instructor, creative community organizer, public speaker and aspiring author, and plan to return to California in the fall to pursue opportunities in the skate and creative industries.

My creative direction is rooted in the belief that skateboarding is a transformative way to connect with others, and carve out joy, and express yourself. I bring this philosophy into everything I do, whether I'm teaching kids how to drop in, designing graphics for a community event, or dancing through a freestyle run set to disco music!

My work has been featured in a “Who’s Rad” spotlight, and I am currently flow-sponsored by S1 Helmets and Rusty. I also competed in the US Open for Freestyle Skateboarding, where I placed second in the Rookie Division.

SKATE CLUB UCLA

As President of Skate Club UCLA, I helped transform the small bruin skate scene into a thriving, inclusive skate community on campus. I led beginner lessons, organized regular skatepark meetups, and hosted large-scale events like skate jams, live music sessions, and even a full block party with a flea market, art gallery, and live graffiti—all centered on skateboarding and mental health awareness. I've worked with brands like Nike SB, GrlSwirl, Monster, and Redbull, collaborated with local legends, and grew our women’s group chat from just a handful to over 150 members. I also ran our social media, helped design promotional materials, and mentored new skaters, always prioritizing inclusion, creativity, and connection.

Senior Thesis

VENICE SKATEPARK: “ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE?” PLACE, PERFORMANCE, AND THE SPECTACLE is a deep dive into the gender dynamics, social choreography, and everyday performances that make Venice Skatepark a living spectacle. Blending ethnographic research with personal narrative, I explored how skaters shape and are shaped by the park as both a physical place and a public stage. This project earned the Lisa Mederos Award for Outstanding Thesis and is currently being adapted into a series of personal essays that blend sociology, storytelling, and skate culture. These essays trace my journey from a small coastal town in Massachusetts to the heart of the Los Angeles skate scene and will be my first published collection!

NIKE SB

I’ve collaborated with Nike SB in several exciting ways, including co-leading a women’s skate event at the iconic Primitive Skatepark, participating and organizing a Nike-sponsored skate jam through Skate Club UCLA. These experiences allowed me to help create inclusive spaces, amplify women’s skateboarding, and contribute to the future of gear from a skater’s perspective.

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