Meet Erika
My Work
As Executive Director of the Alliance for Innovation & Transformation (AFIT), I lead a community of visionary college presidents and higher education leaders who are reimagining what’s possible — for today’s learners, their communities, the institutions that teach them, and the companies that hire them. I convene leaders and their teams, create space for bold conversations, and help them turn disruption into opportunity.
Beyond higher education, I love inspiring mission-driven leaders of all kinds to unlock potential — in themselves, in their teams, and in their organizations. Through speaking, writing, and fractional leadership, I blend curiosity, creativity, and strategy to help leaders see differently, think bigger, and act with confidence.
Over the years, I’ve helped changemakers:
- Turn sparks of inspiration into meaningful impact.
- Build community and embrace collaboration through strategic partnerships.
- Experiment, learn from success and failure, and apply lessons from across sectors.
- Envision bold futures — and find the courage to pursue them.
At my core, I’m a connector — of people, of insights, of ideas. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I create the spark and the space where changemakers discover their own. Because that’s where bold change begins.
My Strengths in Action
I lean into my top five CliftonStrengths — Strategic, Developer, Intellection, Positivity, and Achiever — to guide my work.
These strengths allow me to help leaders and teams:
- See possibility where others see obstacles
- Develop people’s unique talents and gifts
- Ask the deep, reflective questions that lead to insight
- Infuse optimism and hope into challenging conversations
- Drive purposeful action toward meaningful goals
“You are an outstanding professional, and AFIT is lucky to have you as their Executive Director! I appreciated your ability to remember names; recognize others in your teams and membership partners; and how well the pre-conference and during-conference communication, agenda, and program of work occurred. Even the follow-up email is top notch, so thank you for being the professional you are!”
Dr. Matt Gotschall
President
Central Community College
“Thank you for your sharing a glimpse of your inspiring journey with AFIT. It’s truly heartening to hear how you’ve found your purpose through mission-driven work, supporting those who make such a significant impact on their communities and beyond. I am confident that our audience will find great value in the insights and experiences you bring to the table.”
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee
President
Community College of Aurora
“Thank you for your exceptional work on the Courageous Leadership e-book. It is powerful! Your writing is moving, and your presentation of the stories brings you closer to the profiled leader in a way that causes you to literally lean in while you’re reading.”
Liz Murphy
CEO
CampusWorks
Fractional Leadership | Facilitation | Advisory Support
I partner with mission-driven leaders and their teams to disrupt the status quo, navigate complexity, and build resilient strategies for the future. Through hands-on leadership, facilitation, and advisory support, I help organizations cultivate a culture of innovation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock the brilliance that too often remains stranded.
Keynotes | Panels | Workshops
I bring bold ideas and real-world insights that inspire fresh thinking and inspire courageous action. Through engaging talks and facilitated conversations, I challenge assumptions, ignite curiosity, and equip changemakers with the clarity and confidence to lead transformation in their organizations and beyond.
Thought Leadership | Case Studies | Organizational Storytelling
I help organizations capture their big ideas and bring them to life through clear, compelling narratives. Whether it’s showcasing impact in a case study, building brand awareness through thought leadership, or amplifying an organizational story to inspire connection and action, my writing sparks reflection, fuels imagination, and drives action.
Quotable Source
I am a trusted resource for journalists, podcasters, and event organizers seeking insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of learning and work. My hands-on collaboration with dozens of college presidents and chancellors provides a front-row view of how higher education is evolving—and what it means for leaders, students, and communities.