Sarah Emily “Em” Smith Givens
Class of 2009
Design Director, Color at Cotopaxi
Em began her journey as an intern at a startup, seamlessly transforming the role into a full-fledged career as the company grew. Who knew picking colors could be a career? Certainly not Em, but here she is, leading a team and meticulously selecting every hue and shade for every product Cotopaxi produces. Her creative vision and keen eye have helped the company, known for its striking colorways, make color a core pillar of its identity. Living in Utah with her family and a pack of dogs, Em continues to live a colorful life, both in her work and her love for the outdoors, passions that were nurtured during her time at McGehee.
Playing sports, acting, and being in choir — being part of a team — were incredibly important to Em. Those experiences and memories supported her through her move out west, helping her make new friends, strengthen her relationships with the team at Cotopaxi, and deepen her love for the outdoors that she now shares with her family.