Emerald Hills Institute builds an inclusive community through active conversations among different faiths, cultures, and world views. Our differences are opportunities for connection, and we find compassionate ways to support each other through the channels of art, culture, humanities, education, and stewardship.
Emerald Hills Institute supports the sharing of ideas – but true change happens in partnership with action. Our vision is to enable the actions of service to others whenever possible as it leads to supporting, strengthening, and nurturing our shared and diverse community.
Emerald Hills Institute (or EHI) was founded as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization by a group of dedicated volunteers in Salt Lake City, Utah – citizens of the world who have been drawn to this area and now call it home. Our principle motivation is to do good for the community we live in. Emerald Hills Institute receives donations and is supported by business people and professionals, and consistently achieves and efficient, high level of output due to the support of many committed volunteers.
On September 11, 2026, Emerald Hills Institute Youth led a meaningful service project honoring the memory of 9/11 while supporting unsheltered youth in our community. Designed as a youth engagement
The Emerald Hills Institute Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Zeynep Kariparduc as Executive Director. A member of EHI since 2010, Zeynep has served as Board
Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Emerald Hills Institute remembers with deep respect and sorrow the thousands of innocent lives lost, as well as the families, first
On August 15, Emerald Hills Institute hosted a Turkish Water Marbling (Ebru) Workshop, bringing community members together to experience the centuries-old Turkish art of painting on water. During the hands-on
Alaa holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Science, which she earned in 2012. Her professional experience spans accounting, real estate, and event planning. She has worked in accounting for
Pakiza is a Grant Compliance Analyst with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. She previously worked with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and other organizations, supporting economic development initiatives
It is remarkably easy to relax into viewing all the world as endless encounters of “us” versus “them”. Through service and mutual appreciation, this core of volunteers quickly recognized that those things which are common among all people – a desire for health and safety, security for our children, and peaceful society – far outweigh the differences, and whatever differences there are such as language, background, and traditions can be explored and appreciated.
