Erica provided economic justice strategy using insights gained through a robust community engagement process that included an initial landscape study, a city-wide survey, and a comprehensive community engagement strategy.  The final plan, launched in September 2022 can be found at: www.economicjusticestl.org. 

Erica serves as NFG’s Amplify Program Missouri lead consultant to advance local power building and equitable development effiorts by building relationships, landscaping, strategy refinement and capacity building for grass root organizations. Building on Amplify’s strategy development, relationships, and grantmaking to date.

Erica oversaw the federal investment of more than $200 million to the St. Louis footprint. She has convened more than 200 partners in the Promise Zone to discuss collaborative efforts to reduce disparities through programming, services, and system change.

Erica served a part of the grant writing team and a lead strategist and advisor to BioSTL, Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis Small Business Empowerment Center (SBEC), WEPOWER, and Greater St. Louis, Inc. This collaborative work resulted in developing the successful $25 million federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant. The federal grant will unlock the full potential of the region’s advanced manufacturing cluster, fueling its growth and contributing to the continued development of two of the metro’s next generation industries: bioscience and geospatial technology inclusive of a strong equity focus and intentional and inclusive community engagement.

Developed a six-part series to provide an opportunity for members of the community and business owners to have an opportunity to become educated on the process of community development in partnership with the Urban Land Institute and the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce.