Emma Ahlert is a community builder and founder dedicated to building professional pathways for people to work in female and sexual healthcare in Scotland and beyond. 

Her advocacy began in the United States, where she launched a student-led initiative that delivered domestic violence prevention workshops to more than 1,400 students. At 21, she was facilitating sessions for hundreds of student-athletes, often as the only woman in the room. 

After moving to Scotland in 2019 to study Sociology at the University of Edinburgh, Emma conducted qualitative research exploring how inadequate sex education in adolescence impacts women’s emotional wellbeing in adulthood. The findings deepened her commitment to dismantling shame and silence around sexual health. 

Alongside her studies, she co-founded Back Off Scotland, a national campaign that successfully fought for 150 metre safe access zones around abortion clinics, legislation that has since been passed into law. The campaign was featured by the BBC, STV, and The National. 

Following her master’s degree, Emma built a portfolio career supporting more than 10 purpose-led brands, including Daye (period care), Jude (bladder care), Vira (menopause), and Roam (sexual wellness). She currently supports Fertility Matters at Work, helping employers implement fertility-friendly policies across the UK. 

In 2024, Emma used her experience across the sector to launch Elsie, the first global community for freelancers in female and sexual health, named after Dr Elsi Inglis, who founded Edinburgh’s first women’s health hospital. Today, Elsie connects more than 130 members across 15 countries, including translators, copywriters, coaches, and product developers, working on topics such as menopause, period care, neuroscience, and longevity. The platform offers work opportunities, access to an extensive network, and sector-specific learning opportunities. 

In May, Emma pitched at SexTech EU Berlin, and she will be speaking on panels in Bristol and Brussels in the coming months. She was also awarded £10,000 from Scottish EDGE. While Elsie’s reach is global, Emma remains committed to strengthening Scotland’s role in FemTech innovation and ensuring the country continues to lead on equitable healthcare and workplace inclusion.