Small Victories, Big Impact -Unbreakable Spirit her Commitment to Activism and Empowerment
In this exclusive interview, Erika takes us through her remarkable transition from a gymnast to a dynamic force in real estate and community activism.
With a deep passion for uplifting underserved communities, she shares how her background in gymnastics laid the foundation for her drive to create safer neighborhoods, revitalize homes, and make a lasting impact.
Join us as we explore Erika’s inspiring journey of leadership, advocacy, and the powerful message she carries forward as a role model for women everywhere.
Erika, what inspired you to transition from gymnastics to real estate and community activism?
I’m truly grateful for my time as a gymnast. That period of my life shaped me into the woman I am today. Gymnastics taught me discipline and responsibility, given that it’s an individualized sport. However, due to injuries, I had to transition out of gymnastics.
This shift led me to real estate, driven by a desire to make a difference in underdeveloped communities. I focused on areas that were underserved, lacking proper funding and essential services like grocery stores, and I worked to make them safer and better places to live.
My work in real estate naturally complemented my community activism. l volunteer for several nonprofits and host an annual charity event to give back to the community. It’s incredibly special to me. I strive to identify needs within the community and work diligently to meet them.
Can you share more about your experiences revitalizing homes in underserved communities?
It wasn’t intentional for me to focus on the most derelict properties, but that’s often what happened. I would choose houses with crumbling walls and foundations, envisioning their potential, and transform them into beautiful masterpieces.
This work was very special to me. It also meant a lot to create tax dollars in underserved communities, which provided more resources, such as grocery stores, and created safer neighborhoods for children.
I also applied for tax abatements, which helped with the resale value of the homes and gave families a break on their taxes. This not only made the properties sell faster but also provided family vith benefits that would last for the next 5 to 10 years.
How do you balance your roles as a spokesmodel, host, journalist, and community advocate?
Balance is something I have evolved into over time. It is a posture I have had to create for myself, and it has taken me years to reach this point. While I haven’t mastered it yet, l am enjoying the process.
In my roles as a spokesperson, host, journalist, and community advocate, l assess the opportunities presented to me by digging deep to understand their root causes and determining how I can make an impact.
I ensure that whatever I involve myself in is something I am passionate about or enjoy. This approach helps me create balance in this phase of my life, and I am very intentional in aligning with my natural inclinations.
What motivated you to participate in the Miss Missouri USA Pageant, and what message do you hope to convey through this platform?
At one point, the Miss Missouri USA pageant had an age limit, which I believe sent the wrong message. It suggested that beauty ends at 26 or 28, which is simply not true. When I learned that the age limit was lifted, felt it was crucial to demonstrate that beauty exists at all ages.
As an African-American woman, I also wanted to show that beauty comes in different shapes, sizes, colors, and body structures.I’ve been through a lot in my life, including a major hardship when my dad got sick and underwent a heart and liver transplant. Being deeply involved in his journey made me feel like I lost myself for a while.
Although I am incredibly grateful that my dad is here, it was vital for me to rediscover myself. Participating in this pageant helped me find Erika again. I fell in love with myself and made a decision to fully embrace myself flaws and all.
I want to show others what it looks like to lead by example. Although pageantry can be seen as a congeniality contest, it goes much deeper. To me, a true queen is someone who loves herself, knows herself, and embodies kindness and grace. She is active in her community, gives back, and remains humble.
It’s crucial for pageant systems to select winners based on more than just physical appearance, because beauty fades, but true queens sustain their titles through their impact.I would love to see more black and brown girls in the pageant system.
Pageants are expensive, and many communities lack access to these resources. I would like to see funds raised by pageant systems go towards helping underserved communities and providing scholarships to minorities.
This would allow them to participate, gain confidence, and have platforms to amplify their voices. I want my experience and platform to help bring other young women, especially minority women, along this pathway.
Could you elaborate on your vision for fostering peace and unity within communities as Miss Missouri?
Although I did not win Miss Missouri USA according to the judges, I did win the People’s Choice award, meaning the people voted for me. Regardless, I consider myself a queen. I am going to use my platform, as I still hold the title of Miss Gateway St. Louis, to make an impact. With or without the crown, the work must continue.
I believe I can demonstrate peace and unity by being active in my community, putting my face at the forefront, and bringing together people from different ethnic backgrounds. My goal is to create an environment where people help, love, and embrace one another, showing how good it feels to embody unity.
How do you believe your diverse background has influenced your approach to leadership and advocacy?
I believe that the moment we stop evolving, a part of us starts to wither. While that might sound extreme, it’s true. We must continuously grow and evolve to become the best versions of ourselves. My diverse background has helped me identify where change is needed and step into a leadership role to advocate for that change.
Can you discuss some of the impactful events you’ve organized with organizations like the Urban League and Daughters of Destiny Inc?
Working with Daughters of Destiny has been an incredibly humbling experience. This nonprofit truly embodies a heart of service. When you’re collaborating with entities that genuinely aim to serve the people, the rest of the process becomes much easier.
I have been very blessed that the Urban League offered their facilities to host my charity event, and I am forever grateful for that. Being able to help my community has been impactful not only for those receiving the donations but also for me.
Seeing the joy on children’s faces as they receive toys and the relief on parent’s faces as their kids shop around and have a great time is truly fulfilling and gratifying. I strive to make this charity event increasingly impactful each year.
I listen to the community’s needs and ensure that we provide items that are genuinely beneficial to these households, easing burdens and providing relief for parents.
What strategies do you employ to engage with and uplift your local neighborhoods?
It’s essential for my community to see me lead by example. This involves adopting a humble and approachable attitude.
To genuinely engage and uplift, I must immerse myself in the community, as leadership can’t be effective from the sidelines.
I need to be fully involved so I can understand the needs and desires of the people and then develop a plan to drive change.
In your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges women face today, and how can we work together to overcome them?
In my recent experience with pageantry, I realized that women often face the challenge of being objectified and judged by superficial standards. However, we are so much more than that.
Women need to unite and show the world our strength, resilience, creativity, and depth. Beauty might open doors, but it won’t keep us there. By supporting each other, exploring our talents, and putting them to good use, we can become a truly powerful force.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue careers in areas such as real estate, media, and community activism?
No matter what career path your being lead on, always know your why. With a firm foundation and understanding of your purpose the rest with gracefully unveil before you.
It’s always crucial to establish hard boundaries. Rigidity can lead to missed opportunities, but the lack of boundaries can leave one over committed and over exerted.
Could you share some memorable moments from your interviews with esteemed figures in sports and music?
When I interviewed Ozzie Smith at the annual Nelly Black and White Ball, I asked him what the holiday season meant to him and his family.
He responded simply, ‘family,’ which deeply resonated with me. As someone who greatly values time spent with loved ones, that moment was particularly meaningful.
I also thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Ronald Isley. We discussed his liquor line, Contagious, and seeing his excitement and passion was inspiring.
Despite being a legendary figure in the music industry, he has other interests that he pursues with equal fervor. I’ve tried both his cognac and vodka, and I must say, they are delightful.
What message would you like to share with our Global Women readers, inspiring them to make a difference in their communities?
Remember to celebrate the small victories. The ultimate goal is to be impactful and create change, and to do so, we must show up for ourselves and our community every day.
Take one step at a time, focus on what we can control, and recognize that each step toward our goal is part of the vision. Choose kindness and humility, and treat others as you would want to be treated.
Understand that everyone faces ups and downs, whether financial or mental crises, and offer grace in lieu of judgment. Love one another, embrace change, let go of rigidity, and trust that your efforts will make a difference.
