Ericka Thompson Email & Phone Number

Columbus, Oh, Us

As a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, I was selected as one of 80 diverse leaders nationwide for this prestigious program, which is dedicated to advancing social equity and driving transformational change in communities across Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Orleans. This fellowship focuses on developing leadership skills that promote racial equity, community engagement, and innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges.In this role, I am actively engaged in a rigorous leadership program that combines intensive workshops, immersive site visits, and collaborative projects. Working alongside a diverse cohort of leaders, I am developing and executing strategies that create sustainable change in underserved and marginalized communities.This fellowship also provides opportunities to deepen my understanding of leadership, policy, and community development through networking with national experts and facilitators. Together with my fellow leaders, we are implementing community-driven initiatives that address systemic inequities and foster long-lasting, positive impact.

Michigan, United States

As the Founder and Project Manager of Mood Matters, I’m focused on revolutionizing mood and womb wellness through holistic, meticulously crafted solutions. I’ve developed and launched products and services that support womb wellness and emotional well-being, starting with our line of organic herbal tea blends.In this role, I lead brand storytelling, content creation, and community engagement, ensuring our message resonates deeply with our audience. I also co-manage all aspects of startup operations, from product development to marketing, while spearheading initiatives to grow the business and expand our offerings.As an herbalist, I contribute my expertise to enhance our product line, crafting solutions that honor emotions and cater to the diverse stages of the menstrual journey. My vision for Mood Matters extends beyond beverages—I'm committed to advancing menstrual equity, hormonal health, and emotional wellness, creating a future where our products support happier, healthier periods.

Michigan, United States

Founded and lead Kyd Kane Poetry, LLC, a creative enterprise dedicated to poetry and the arts. Curate, produce, and host a wide range of events, including workshops, keynotes, poetic performances, and art shows. Frequently contracted to design and facilitate programming across diverse platforms and venues, tailoring poetic content for businesses, organizations, and special events to enhance engagement and impact.Oversee all aspects of event production, from bookings and negotiations to marketing and design, ensuring that each event resonates with audiences and promotes artistic expression. Collaborate with artists and organizations to create memorable and impactful experiences, fostering a deep connection between art and community.Successfully manage the business’s strategic direction, implementing initiatives that engage audiences and elevate the role of poetry and visual art in public and private spaces. Through Kyd Kane Poetry, LLC, I aim to amplify voices, create space for meaningful dialogue, and connect communities through the power of words and art.

As a RiseUp with ServiceNow NextGen extern, I demonstrated proficiency in the ServiceNow platform through a 10-week reskilling program that included instructor-led and on-demand coursework, case studies, and hands-on projects. I conceptualized and configured custom applications across multiple ServiceNow instances, utilizing form configuration, scripting, Service Catalog configuration, Web Services, Homepages, Dashboards, and Service Portals.During this externship, I developed an application that significantly reduced customer feedback response times, resulting in improved customer satisfaction ratings. I also led a team project using Agile methodology, where I created the project plan, defined roles, and established tracking metrics to ensure cross-functional alignment and project success.I engaged in advanced ServiceNow training, gaining expertise through real-world projects and collaborative learning. My experience also included completing modules on ServiceNow implementations, best practices, and advanced functionalities, deepening my practical skills in ServiceNow's suite of applications and tools

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

As the official Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, I championed poetry as a vital cultural and artistic practice, representing the city in this prestigious role. I actively engaged the community through public projects and events, fostering a deep appreciation for poetry and the literary arts.Collaborated with the Grand Rapids Public Library and its Foundation to elevate community-based literary initiatives, creating platforms for voices across the city. Through workshops, readings, and performances, I inspired and connected diverse audiences, making poetry accessible and relevant to all.In my role, I served as an ambassador for the arts, contributing to the city's cultural vitality and enriching the community through the power of words and creative expression.

Led summer programs for students in grades 5-12, creating safe spaces focused on social and emotional development through mindfulness, yoga, bullet journaling, poetry, and creative arts, complemented by field trips with local artists and cultural leaders.Enhanced and facilitated culturally relevant youth programs across 13 schools, engaging hundreds weekly in creative expression, social advocacy, and empowerment. Strategized and executed program plans, including virtual and in-person workshops, ensuring broad participation and impact.Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Student ImpactCollaborated with businesses, artists, and organizations like Kent County Health Department, Wealthy Theater, Fair Housing Center, Grand Rapids Public Library, and Baxter Community Center to strengthen community connections and program delivery. As Poet Laureate at the Diatribe, Inc., created student opportunities through the Elevated Love Language Project, bringing poetry to public spaces, and initiated The Postcard Poetry Project with Grand Rapids Public Library, fostering creative expression and community involvement.Curated and hosted the Love and Peace Jam for the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, showcasing talent and fostering unity. Connected 30+ students to paid opportunities, ensuring their contributions were valued and fostering personal growth.Staff Professional DevelopmentMentored and supported teaching artists, focusing on professional development in student engagement, social-emotional learning, and performance dynamics, collaborating with the Director of Education to ensure high-quality program delivery.Virtual Programming During COVID-19Contributed to the organization’s virtual programming transition during the pandemic, maintaining student engagement and learning. Successfully pivoted summer programming to offer virtual alternatives for both beginner and advanced students.