A seasoned leader and strategist, Erika specializes in building organizations and teams, orchestrating advocacy campaigns, and managing investment portfolios to drive systemic change. During her 14 years at the Gates Foundation, Erika led teams working to improve global health policy and funding environments and served as Chief of Staff to the President of Global Policy & Advocacy, the Chief Strategy Officer, and the President of U.S. Programs. She also held leadership roles on multiple global governing boards.

As a founding leader at williamsworks, a strategic advocacy consulting firm, Erika helped clients design and launch philanthropic, policy, and advocacy efforts while overseeing the firm’s operations.

Earlier in her career, Erika held various positions in the child welfare field. At Casey Family Programs, she helped establish the external relations and government affairs function for the then $2 billion operating foundation focused on foster care across 10 states. She also contributed to developing the inaugural organizational infrastructure for the then $600 million Marguerite Casey Foundation, which focuses on building community power to hold governments accountable.

Erika holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Honors, from Gonzaga University.