NEWBERG, Ore. — Emma K. Winn of Newberg has been named to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Thirty Under 30 cohort, recognizing emerging professionals shaping the future of kitchen and bath design.
Winn, a graduate of Portland Community College’s Interior Design Program, completed her associate degree and two design certificates in 2022 according to a release sent from Portland Community College. The annual NKBA honor recognizes young professionals for leadership, innovation, and contributions to the industry.
Winn and fellow PCC graduate Bethany Broussard were both selected for the designation, marking the first time the NKBA Columbia River Chapter has had two honorees in the same year. The dual selection is also a first for any college nationally, according to PCC.
Interior design faculty chair Robin Fisher said Winn’s recognition highlights both her individual achievements and the program’s preparation of graduates for professional advancement.
“I really get jazzed when I hear about our graduates’ success,” Fisher said. “Emma is the third graduate to earn the Thirty Under 30 distinction in the last three years. It’s a huge honor and business opportunity. They’ll spend the next year traveling to manufacturers and becoming spokespeople for the NKBA.”
As part of the recognition, Winn will travel internationally in 2026, including a factory tour in Austria hosted by hardware manufacturer Blum and attendance at EuroCucina in Milan, a major global kitchen design exhibition.
Winn began PCC’s Interior Design Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, when courses shifted online. She said the support of instructors helped her complete the program and pursue a design career.
“For the first time in my life, I was excelling academically because I loved what I was learning,” Winn said. “The instructors adapted quickly and pushed us to succeed. Robin gave me the confidence to think I could make it in this industry.”
While enrolled at PCC, Winn worked in retail and later joined Arizona Tile, gaining industry experience. She went on to work as a design assistant at C Change Design in Portland, contributing to residential remodeling projects, preparing construction documents, and coordinating with clients and vendors.
In 2026, Winn began a new role as a designer and cabinet specialist at Crystal Remodeling in Wilsonville, where she works on full-service remodeling projects.
“Not only is this a great opportunity, but it’s so close to home,” Winn said. “I’m settling in and getting to know so much about Crystal and full-service remodeling from a design-build perspective.”
In addition to her professional work, Winn has been active in the NKBA Columbia River Chapter, where she joined as a student member. She now serves as chapter president for the 2026–27 term following a leadership transition.
Winn and her husband purchased their first home in Newberg in 2024. She said she plans to apply her professional experience to future remodeling projects at their home near the Chehalem Mountains.
