Spring Into Atlanta Careerrise

Erika Smith is a goal-oriented and innovative problem solver who unapologetically loves black people and focuses on creating economic and political power for BIPOC communities improving their pathway to economic mobility. In her role as Senior Associate for Economic Opportunity at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Erika directs the Foundation's $1M economic opportunity portfolio to improve residents' economic mobility, cultivate entrepreneurship, and increase activities targeting youth and young adults, all with a racial equity lens. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, and a graduate of Florida A&M University, Erika began her career in marketing and ultimately landed in economic development which allowed her to combine her purpose and her love for community with her work to improve the lives of black people. The Casey Foundation focuses its grant making around three core tenets: “amplifying the needs of youth and young adults, a systems approach as well as a programmatic approach, and ensuring the lived experiences and knowledge of the people we seek to serve can be integrated into solution development,” Erika explains. Her personal approach to her portfolio is investing in “systems and programs, and establishing strategic partnerships, while being very aware and mindful of the future by making sure we're positioning young people to participate in the economy of the future.” We are proud and grateful that Erika serves on the CareerRise Leadership Council representing The Annie E. Casey Foundation. She is enthusiastic about CareerRise’s work to remove barriers and the understanding that a racial equity agenda is necessary as it aligns with her purpose and the amazing work she does at the Casey Foundation. Erika has a sincere and deep love for the community and strives to “make a tangible impact that can be felt, seen, tasted and heard by people in the community and that they feel and see the impact that I'm seeking to invest in.”