Meet Freed To Lead’s Erik

Who and How I Am

Hey! I’m Erik, and my mission is simple: to help people become Freed To Lead.

Originally from The Bronx, NY, I now live in the Midwest with my wife and daughters. It was here that my journey as a follower of Jesus Christ began, and where I earned my Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration. As a licensed social worker, I use my faith and professional experience to help people live into their true selves:

• Free from fear and self-doubt.

• Free to pursue their purpose.

• Free to lead others to do the same.

My purpose is to encourage you to pursue yours. My reason is simple: because others have helped me, I help others. I've experienced my own transformation in how I see and move through the world, and my hope is that by partnering with others, I can support them to see themselves and lead from that same place of authenticity.

It is for this reason that I founded Freed To Lead PLLC in 2025.

Leading with Heart: Fostering Dignity and Transformation

My work is deeply rooted in the inherent value, worth, and dignity of every person, guiding my approach as a relational leader. I lead with care, humility, and a commitment to assist people to grow and flourish. My passion lies in creating environments where everyone shows up and moves authentically and fully, each honoring the unique strengths, stories, and experiences in that space.

I'm intentional about building bridges between people and systems. Whether working within organizations or alongside them, I focus on leadership development and shifting patterns that diminish human experiences. I bring heart and integrity to every step of this process, aiming to create environments where everyone is seen and valued.

My Journey

I've always been grounded in the belief that every person carries inherent dignity, and that systems should reflect—not erase—that truth. This calling, whether through my faith or my early work in youth organizing, has led me to support those who have been historically pushed away from opportunity to lead, thrive, and be seen in their full humanity.

This journey led me to community-rooted work, including roles in hospital systems and refugee resettlement programs, where I supported individuals navigating complex health and transition challenges. Over time, I realized my strength wasn't just in walking alongside people, but also in helping to transform the systems around them. This led me to coaching, facilitation, and design work, including several years at the National Equity Project. There, I had the privilege of supporting leaders in growing their impact and aligning their practices with their deepest values.

My Approach

• Transformational Leadership Development: I empower leaders at all levels to lead effectively from where they are, unlocking their full potential.

• Facilitation and Coaching: I design engaging spaces that build trust, encourage new perspectives, and grow capacity within individuals and teams.

• Community-Centered Systems Change: My approach goes beyond just designing strategy; I walk alongside people through the entire implementation process, ensuring changes are sustainable and rooted in community needs.

• Values-Driven Work: Informed by my faith and a strong commitment to ensuring everyone gets what they need to succeed, I bring both conviction and compassion to every project.

Who I’ve Helped Lead

No matter the industry, we're all driven by the same human desires: to do our best, meet expectations, and create spaces where others can thrive. I've had the honor of partnering with leaders across a wide range of systems, each with their own unique causes, challenges, and fears.

My goal is to support them through those moments of doubt so they can lead with authenticity. Here are some of the kinds of organizations and systems I've co-created and learned with:

Education

• State and County Boards

• Districts

• Central Offices

• School/Classroom Staff

• and more

Philanthropy

• Community Foundations

• National Foundations

• Faith-based Foundations

• Healthcare Foundations

• and more

Healthcare

• County Systems

• C-Suites

• Department Teams

• Patients and Families

• and more

Let’s Connect!

Now that you know a bit about me, I'd love to learn more about your story and see how we can work together. Send me a message, and let's start a conversation!