It seems like Erika knows every girl in Boston and every girl in Boston feels she has their back. Erika more modestly sets that number at 20%. One thing is certain: Erika has mentored, coached, and supported girls across our city for 20 years in her role at BCYF. She organizes learning opportunities and opportunities for fun. She rides the T so she can reach more young girls, striking up conversations, handing out her business card, and hoping to hear from them if they need her. “It’s the little things that matter,” Erika says.

Erika grew up in Cambridge, making friends across generations and groups from the time she ventured out to play. She attended high school in Quebec and on Cape Cod and returned to get a degree from Northeastern. She went to work with the Boys & Girls Club, briefly leaving youth work to become Political Director for Mayor Menino’s 2005 campaign. Erika then joined BCYF where she has led girls’ programming ever since. Erika credits her mother and her aunt, both community-oriented, with setting her on her path.

Erika has been an incredible partner to LEAP for 17 years. We are grateful to her for bringing LEAP to so many youths and for championing the safety and empowerment of young people everywhere.