Area of Focus
Erica Nelson (she/her) brings extensive experience and a deep passion for advancing equity and justice to her role as Equity and Engagement Manager. She collaborates with internal teams and external partners to build meaningful relationships, promote equitable policymaking, and create a more inclusive workplace at WRA.
Rooted in her commitment to addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, Erica draws on her expertise in fostering inclusion and amplifying diverse perspectives. She supports WRA’s organizational growth by thought partnering with team members on diversity, equity, and inclusion, while strengthening engagement to ensure equity is a core practice throughout all WRA’s climate advocacy work.
Background
Before joining WRA, Erica cultivated a dynamic and multifaceted career rooted in equity, outdoor leadership, human resources, and organizational development. As the co-founder of REAL Consulting, Erica guided individuals and organizations on their journeys toward racial equity, justice, and inclusion, leveraging her understanding of systemic inequities to create meaningful change.
Erica is also a fly-fishing guide, where she continues to create inclusive spaces in the outdoor recreation industry. As an ambassador for Brown Folks Fishing (BFF), she has built community and advocated for equity and justice within fishing and its related industries. She also co-created the Angling for All Pledge in partnership with BFF, a commitment adopted by numerous corporations and organizations across various sectors to integrate DEIJ principles into their strategic planning and initiatives.
Her contributions to the outdoor industry have been widely recognized, with features in publications such as The New York Times and Field & Stream, as well as appearances on varying podcasts. Erica is also a keynote speaker, sharing her insights and passion for equity, inclusion, and justice in the outdoors and beyond.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Outdoor Leadership from Sierra Nevada University – Lake Tahoe
Favorite Thing about the West
Nothing beats a southwest sunset, a snowy alpenglow on the Elk Mountains, stars on a river trip, or the sunrise on multi-layered canyon walls.
