Erika L. Anthony born and raised in Long Island, NY relocated to Cleveland several years ago. Erika holds a B.S. in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Masters of Public Administration from the Maxine G. Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. Currently, Erika is the Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy and Research for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP). In this role, she is responsible leading and shaping the policy and advocacy agenda for CNP’s core areas (CDCs, Economic Opportunity and Placemaking). Prior to CNP, Erika was the Director of Business Development at Oriana House, Inc., Project Coordinator for a pilot reentry program at the Centers for Families and Children and held various roles as a paralegal. Her diverse professional and community endeavors include law, advocacy, policy and civic engagement. Erika serves on a number of Boards in the area, including: Bike Cleveland, Ideastream’s Community Advisory Board, EDWINS and Negative Space Gallery and Studio (Board Chair). She has also completed the following leadership institutes: Cleveland Bridge Builders (Class of 2014) and 2014 Fellowship with New Leaders Council. Additionally, she continues to co-lead the voter engagement efforts in Cleveland for ClevelandVOTES, which works in partnership with Nonprofit VOTE to support voter engagement activities for local nonprofits. Most recently, Erika has served as one of the founding members of Hack Cleveland – a community-powered think tank, comprised of civic-minded makers and social justice advocates. Erika currently resides on the Westside of Cleveland with her husband Brian and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family, friends, travelling and exploring the historical and cultural assets of Greater Cleveland.