Get to know the minds behind the movement.
Name
Emmanuel J. (EJ) Pratt
Where are you from?
The west side of Lancaster city
Tell us a little about your professional background.
I am currently a Deals Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where I work on a variety of projects related to mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on pre-sign, sign-to-close, and post-close separation and integration activities. I graduated from Temple
University with a double major in Finance and Risk Management and Insurance. Before
that, I attended Lancaster Catholic High School.
What is your passion?
My passion lies in connecting with others and pushing myself to grow. Whether it is
playing a competitive game of basketball or studying the strategy behind chess, I enjoy
activities that encourage focus, critical thinking, and discipline.
What morals and values do you live your life by?
Integrity, hard work, and kindness. I believe these are foundational to building trust,
creating opportunities, and making a positive impact in any community.
What is a quote that speaks to you?
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” —Albert Einstein
This quote resonates with me because it emphasizes the importance of character over
achievements. I believe true success comes from adding value to the people and communities around you, not personal accomplishments. Living by this mindset motivates me to focus on integrity, kindness, and hard work in everything I do.
When you leave a room, what do you want people to say about you?
That I was prepared, thoughtful, and kind. I want to be remembered as someone who
added value and made others feel respected and heard.
What is a belief you once held strongly that you have since changed your mind
about, and what changed it?
I used to think that figuring things out on my own was the best way to prove myself.
Now, I understand that asking for help is not only smart but necessary. Collaborating
with others has expanded my perspective and helped me achieve better results.
What do you love the most about Lancaster?
The people, I have been fortunate to travel across the United States, and I can say
without a doubt that there is something special about the warmth, and authenticity of the people in Lancaster. No matter where I go, it always feels like home.
What does a perfect day in Lancaster County look like to you?
It begins with grabbing coffee from Mean Cup, my favorite coffee shop in Lancaster,
followed by a drive through the scenic backroads of southern Lancaster County. The
rolling hills, open farmland, and quiet stretches of country road offer a peaceful break
from the pace of everyday life and a reminder of how special this area really is. I would
spend the afternoon with family and friends. ending the day at my favorite spot in town,
the Horse Inn.
What does the phrase “Next Generation of Lancaster” mean to you?
To me it means stepping up and taking responsibility to ensure that the values and experiences that shaped us are preserved and strengthened for those who come after us. It also represents a group of emerging leaders who are ready to raise their hands and carry the torch forward. By doing that, we create
opportunities for established leaders to support, guide, and invest in our collective mission for the future of Lancaster.
Connect with EJ via social media:
This blog post was a Q&A, questions crafted by Jordyn Ney, answers provided by EJ Pratt.