Introducing 2010 Inspire Fellow: Erika White
Erika White
Hometown: New Rochelle, New York
Organization: Association for Enterprise Opportunity
Previous Employer: Jones Lang LaSalle
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
The passion I have for positively impacting the local and global community was the long-term inspiration. Recently, however, I realized that not only did that passion for learning about the sector remain, but I had also developed personality traits and a certain business acumen that would allow me to contribute effectively to the sector as well. It seemed like the ideal time to get into the sector and determine whether or not my passion should be turned into a career or just a philanthropic venture.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I am a Project Manager of U.S. Microenterprise Industry Strategy at Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO). Currently, I am working on analyzing the U.S. microenterprise industry (key players, latest innovations, challenges in reaching demand) to determine how AEO can be most relevant in the industry and most effective for our members. With that said, my days have recently consisted of interviewing CEOs of various microenterprise or microenterprise-related organizations, having planned/unplanned brainstorming sessions with my colleagues to share information or to gain advice on project strategies. We are a small team but there is quite a bit going on and a lot of room for creativity, so it’s really important to maintain an open flow of communication.
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
Prior to joining AEO, I was an Analyst with Jones Lang LaSalle’s Public Institutions team where I developed strategic alternatives to public sector real estate portfolios to maximize cost efficiency and to achieve organization mission-related goals. My position required me to perform comprehensive market analysis, financial analysis and occasional policy research to support each strategic alternative.
What are you involved in outside of work?
For the past two years I have been playing soccer with WAWSL (Washington Area Women’s Soccer League), I am a volunteer with Greater DC Cares and I am a member of African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP).
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role.
My past leadership experiences have ranged from official titles of leadership in sports and organizations to taking an unofficial leadership role in situations where a gap existed. It is the latter experiences that I have learned the most from over the years and feel myself drawing from in my current role. On a small team, everyone needs to be a leader and take responsibility for their projects and for contributing effectively to the organization’s mission. My previous “official” leadership roles help me to understand the pressures put upon a CEO and the need to have a strong team willing to support you at all times.
If your friends and enemies had to describe you in three words, what would they be?
Trustworthy, Independent, Passionate
Where do you hang out in the D (DC), M (Maryland) and V (Virginia)?
I love the Logan Circle and U Street neighborhoods. There are some great coffee shops for reading, listening to music, talking with friends, or people watching.
What book are you reading right now or what is your favorite book?
I don’t have an absolute favorite book but one that is very close and in the front of my mind is Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi.