Erica Soto has lived and served in the City of Grand Rapids for over 15 years. She is a mother and dedicated community leader. Erica joined the BL²END Board of Directors in 2017, as Marketing and Communications Co-Chair and was elected President of the BL2END organization in 2019. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from the University of Phoenix in 2017.
Erica’s leadership experience includes advocacy for under-served communities, advocacy for the disability community, youth development and programming, bilingual education, and community connection. A graduate of the Latino Talent Initiative, now known as LEADeres, through Ferris State University and serves as the Kids Summit Coordinator for the City of Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit. Erica was recognized as a Top 50 Latina in Michigan in 2018 by the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan for her service and leadership in the community. Erica believes that all professionals of color deserve intentionally created spaces that support their growth and uplift them to their highest potential.