ERIKA WILKINS
Executive Director
Erika will be the first to say she is a “Bull City Girl.” Born and raised in Durham, Erika is a proud graduate of Durham Public Schools (Southwest Elementary, Lowes Grove Middle School, and Jordan High School). She credits DPS as starting her on a path to become an educator and an advocate for underserved students. Her work and passion is to ensure that every student and family have the resources and experiences they need to thrive in life and work.
Erika envisions a strong Durham and inclusive educational ecosystem that empowers the entire Durham community to take an active role in supporting and shaping the future of our public schools. Her personal and professional experiences have forged in her an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, collaborative decision making, parent and community engagement, transparent communication and accountability to support DPSF in meeting our community’s goals.
Erika began her career as a first grade teacher and often shares she will end her career back in the classroom. After teaching and moving into administrative work, Erika worked as an instructional coach and leadership coach before moving into district-level strategy leadership while focusing on organizing for public education.
Prior to joining DPSF, Erika supported district leadership teams across NC and the country to understand and close racial disparities as a Racial Equity and Education consultant. She also previously served as the Vice President of Equity and Learning at The New Teacher Center.
Erika lives in Durham with her husband, son, and two dogs. On the weekends, you can often find her at a farmer's market, gardening in her backyard or hosting a local bone marrow registry drive.