I am passionate about creating environments where everyone can flourish.

FROM THE STAGE

In 2000, I joined The Joffrey Ballet as a teenager. I performed lead roles throughout a 15-season Joffrey career, dancing in hundreds of performances in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Sun-Times spotlighted me as a "Black History Maker," and Ebony Magazine featured me as a Young Leader of the Future in the Arts. I am also featured with The Joffrey Ballet in Robert Altman's movie “The Company” and have been interviewed for a variety of TV shows. My pictures served as the face of many marketing campaigns and I am even presented in the children's book "Beautiful Ballerinas" as a famous ballerina.

MEET ERICA

TO DIRECTOR

After 15 years of soaring across the stage, I found a higher purpose as the Director of Community Engagement at The Joffrey Ballet. Providing access, awareness, and appreciation of dance through arts education to the youth of Chicago and Chicagoland was my mission. As the Director of the Midwest’s largest dance education program, I was committed to creating and updating policies, procedures, and assumed practices to be rooted in DEI. Speaking nationally about diversity or the lack thereof, has become a reflection of my life experiences.

BACK TO THE STAGE

My journey from dancer to leader was rooted in changing systems through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. After heading DEI initiatives as a ballerina and Director of Community Engagement at The Joffrey Ballet, I independently expanded my DEI services to strengthen my reach. Now I captivate a wide variety of clients with authentic and innovative facilitation. I reshape the dynamics of the workplace to produce environments where all can thrive. Whether I am speaking to an audience of thousands or facilitating a workshop for a small group, I am passionate about creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.

TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After working as a consultant and advising multiple companies, I wanted to be a part of team to implement changes. In August 2023, I became the Executive Director of Giordano Dance Chicago. I am honored to lead this legendary dance company administratively and be a part of our 60+ year legacy. It is a joy to make an impact regionally, nationally, and internationally through this role.