Erin has over 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, most recently serving as the US based Executive Director for the international community development organization, SurfAid. Erin was responsible for the development and implementation of the philanthropic strategy to support SurfAid’s Mother and Child Health Programs in some of the world’s most remote and impoverished communities. Erin’s career path was strengthened by additional philanthropy focused roles at Girl Scouts San Diego, Center for Community Solutions, American Heart Association and Magdalena Ecke YMCA.

Erin holds a Bachelor’s in psychology from California State University Chico and a Masters in human services administration from Springfield College School of Human Services. Erin was raised by her father who provided for his family as a local fisherman off the coast of Oxnard, California. Recognizing the challenges with seasonal labor, it was her father who encouraged her pursuit of education to build a more stable life. Until recently, Erin was the first in her family to graduate college – a title she was happy to relinquish to her nephew Lucky who is now the second member of the family to obtain a college degree.

Erin began a career in the non-profit sector after recognizing the collective impact that can be made through community development. Education has been a driving force in Erin’s life and having the chance to help students benefit from the opportunity of education is what drew her to BLCI.

Favorite Quote: If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got.

Favorite Activities/Hobbies: Reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her husband Peter and their two kids, Theo (Senior, future Cal Poly Humboldt attendee) and Stefania (Sophomore) and their two dogs. Erin also serves on the Board of conservation organization, Live Ocean.