With Kindness, Anything Is Possible: Emmie Levy and The Emmie Effect

By Mia Dubin

Emmie Levy, founder and creator of The Emmie Effect, has spent years empowering young minds through a simple yet profound message: kindness matters, and believing in yourself can change the course of your future.

When asked what inspired Levy to create the Emmie Effect, she explained that it grew from her lifelong passion for kindness, confidence, and making a positive impact. After launching a bracelet business in high school that supported teen suicide prevention, studying Childhood Education, and achieving her dream of performing in the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show with Usher, Levy realized that self-belief and kindness are essential to pursuing any goal, big or small. Inspired by her own journey, she created The Emmie Effect. 

“That's how The Emmie Effect was born. What started as an idea became a 90-minute workshop experience focused on Confidence, Kindness, and Manifestation, helping children and young adults recognize their worth, believe in themselves, and understand that their dreams are more possible than they think,” Levy said.

When asked what experience or turning point led her to realize this was the path she wanted to pursue, Levy explained that although she initially earned a degree in Childhood Education and became a certified teacher, her student-teaching experience during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that her true passion extended beyond traditional teaching. 

“I realized my passion wasn't just teaching academic subjects. It was helping young people believe in themselves,” Levy said.

And of course, when talking about who her MUUZ and role model was, Levy explained that her family has been the greatest foundation and role models in her life, highlighting their endless support and guidance that allow her vision to become her reality. 

“One lesson they've taught me that has stayed with me throughout my life is that people may forget what you say, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. That's become one of the guiding principles behind The Emmie Effect and the way I approach both leadership and life,” Levy said. 

The most rewarding aspect of the Emmie Effect so far has been all of it, Levy said. Whether it is encouraging a child to try out for a team, speak up in class, make a new friend, or believe in a dream, those moments reinforce her mission. 

“The moments that stay with me most are when a young participant comes up to me after a workshop and says, "I really needed this today." They're so young to already be carrying self-doubt, comparison, or insecurity, and the fact that I get the opportunity to help them build confidence and see themselves differently is something I never take for granted," Levy explained.

Levy explained that this year has been an exciting part of her life. A member of the New York Knicks organization for the past three years, she recently celebrated the team's historic NBA Finals victory by participating in the championship parade alongside Knicks legend Allan Houston and his family, an experience she describes as both surreal and deeply meaningful. At the same time, she is preparing for the third year of The Emmie Effect Summer Tour, which brings confidence and kindness workshops to camps and communities across the country, inspiring thousands of young people through meaningful conversations and connections.

“Every summer I leave inspired by the conversations, stories, and connections that come from those experiences, and I can't wait to see what this year brings,” Levy said.

The advice that Levy wants to share with young minds is to be yourself and lead with kindness. 

“Be where your feet are. It's a phrase I live by and one of the most important lessons I've learned. So often we're focused on what's next that we forget to appreciate where we are right now. I would also tell young women to be themselves. The world doesn't need another copy of someone else. It needs you. Say yes to opportunities, especially the ones that scare you a little. Some of the biggest moments of my life happened because I was willing to raise my hand, step into a new room, or take a chance on myself. At the same time, know your worth. You can be grateful for opportunities while still valuing your time, talents, and expertise. Most importantly, choose kindness,” Levy said.

With this, Emmie wants everyone to know that kindness can be a superpower. By empowering young people, and hopefully those reading this article, she hopes to encourage others to fully embrace their self-worth and pursue their dreams with confidence. She is creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom. As her mission continues to grow, Levy is an inspiration, inspiring the next generation to choose with kindness and to be unapologetically themselves, always.