Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Howard.
Erica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started volunteering to feed the homeless with my mom when I was about nine. We would go every week to the shelter and help out. Over the years, when I was maybe a Sophmore in high school, I found myself focusing less on school and more focused on hanging out with friends. I wasn’t motivated. Being the oldest child, I felt I had no one to connect with to channel some of my frustrations so I began to just do whatever I wanted to do which created a bad relationship between me and my mother. After finishing high school, I went off to college but still lacked the same motivation. Never understanding why I was there and what I wanted to do so I left after my 2nd year. I became a mother at 22 and I knew quickly that I needed a good job to provide for my daughter and this is where I began working in banking. I learned so many great tools while there that it helped me to move on to do Financial Seminars for my employers. Developing great relationships with managers and co-workers gave me that insight into how important it was to have and be a great mentor. In 2014, my 2nd child passed away at birth. I had started a toy drive, donating to families in shelters and I named it “Khloe’s Secret Santa Project.” Since 2013, I have continued to do the Project. In 2018, I decided to get incorporated as an organization for the work that I have been doing since I was 9. This is how I founded She Is Undefeated INC
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has NOT been smooth. When you have a NonProfit organization, the bulk of your help and funds come from the support of others; family, friends, even strangers. Sometimes, I did not know where I would get donations from to feed those in need every month, but It always works out. When you are passionate about something, others can see that and that want to help you. Young women that are just starting and I want to say throw all expectations out of the window. Nothing will go how you think but how it should. Those who you think are going to be your biggers supporters probably won’t see and understand your vision. Do not allow that to discourage you or allow that to make you lose focus or drive. If this is your passion, continue to work hard for it. There will be bad days! Let’s just get that out and accept it. But those days will strengthen you and prepare you for what’s to come, better days.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
So, I specialize in Educating, Uplifting & Serving the Community. I educate by providing Financial Literacy Seminars to all group types, I uplift providing mentor services and special projects designated for Young Ladies and I serve by feeding families in need every last Sunday of the month. This is called Giving Sunday. My proudest moment is being able to do all of these things. Being able to pour into our generation like I need someone to pour into me. What sets me apart, is that I am not afraid to be relatable and let them know, I was just like you and I am NOT perfect.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Have Faith. Believe in yourself and never let the opinions of others discourage you.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 312-221-7925
- Email: SheIs01@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @SheIsUndefeated
- Facebook: @SheIsUndefeated
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