Erika’s journey began in humble circumstances in Tampa, Florida. A sixth generation Floridian growing up in a broken family and facing challenges in her early years, she saw firsthand how limited opportunity can shape a child’s future. For Erika, education was the ticket out of poverty – the key that opened doors and transformed the trajectory of her life.

After earning her degrees and building a successful career as a financial executive and managing partner at a multi-billion-dollar investment management firm, Erika chose to bring that same drive for excellence and opportunity into the world of education. She saw an urgent need for accountability, innovation, and choice, and dedicated her life to expanding access for all families.

When her own sons entered school, Erika became deeply aware of the barriers parents face in accessing high-quality education. She took action by starting a charter school and then running for – and winning – a seat on her local school board. What began as local advocacy quickly evolved into a national mission to bring freedom and excellence to America’s classrooms.

In 2017, she founded the Optima Foundation, a nonprofit created to expand access to classical education through public charter schools across Florida. Renamed the Education Freedom Foundation in 2025, the organization now leads nationwide efforts to advance policies and programs that empower families, promote school choice, and expand opportunity for students. In 2020, Erika launched OptimaEd, the world’s first virtual reality school, delivering an immersive classical education experience to families across the country.

Learn more about Erika’s Mission, Vision, and Values.