After high school graduation, Erika spent a year in the Phillipines through a Rotary post-graduate program. During that time she attended Cebu City College while simultaneously teaching flute.

She returned to attend UW-Eau Claire where she majored in Political Science, graduating in 2008.

During the summer, she worked as a wilderness firefighter to pay for her education.

Here is where her life began to take twists and turns.

Her first job was as an organizer with AFCSME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) first in Minnesota and then in Wisconsin. Based in Eau Claire, she worked for the union from 2009-2016.

She was then offered her “dream job” with the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees (IATSE) as its International Political and Legislative director until 2019.

Then came an opportunity that would change her life. Erika was recruited as the National Labor Director for Joe Biden’s campaign for President. She then served in the White House for President Biden’s entire 4-year term. During this time, she was promoted to Special Assistant to the President and Senior Labor Advisor.

Her experiences included flying on Air Force One with the President and briefing him in the Oval Office.

Erika’s most significant accomplishments during this time were helping to institute labor protections in President Biden’s four major spending bills.

Currently Erika serves as Senior Executive Vice President for a Washington D.C. consulting firm.

She plans to make D.C. her permanent home.

There is no doubt that Erika is living an exciting life! Thanks, Erika for sharing it with us.

Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]