Kokai Emily Hilldore

 Emily Hilldore Diebolt

Emily Hilldore began practicing Zen meditation at Mid City Zen in New Orleans in 2010. At that time, she received her MBA from Loyola University while also working as a professional musician. In the midst of pursuing a PhD in Financial Economics the following year, she decided to move to San Francisco Zen Center to engage in residential practice. She received Lay Ordination from Ryushin Paul Haller in 2014 in New Orleans. After living at Tassajara for three years, she is happy to be practicing at City Center and continuing to play the clarinet.