Erin’s academic journey reflects her local and global perspective and commitment to lifelong learning. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in International Affairs, specializing in China and Asia.  She later earned dual master’s degrees in Community and Regional Planning and Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.

Before calling New Mexico home over 20 years ago, Erin honed her skills at the Duke Clinical Research Institute, an academic health sciences research organization, and later navigated the fast-paced world of tech in Research Triangle Park, NC, and San Francisco, CA.

Community service is at the heart of everything she does. She has served as an AmeriCorps/VISTA member and has dedicated her time to numerous local nonprofits, including serving as President of the New Mexico Public Health Association and on local boards of CLN Kids (Cuidando Los Niños), and the Street Food Institute.

Erin thrives on collaboration, innovation, and action—working alongside others to build stronger, healthier communities.