Meet Erica

Entrepreneur, Mom, Mentor, Community Programming Whiz 

Erica Marks, an Entrepreneur, Mom, Mentor, and Community Programming Whiz, has dedicated herself to uplifting communities through her various endeavors. As a public librarian at the Cleveland Public Library, she has devoted eighteen years to pioneering unique and unconventional programming for youth. Spearheading initiatives such as Books-n-Beats, Girl Power!, and Man Up, CLE (Cleveland), Erica has effectively utilized her role to create successful empowerment events focused on promoting literacy, leadership, and self-respect.

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Inspired by her childhood dance group, Erica founded G.W.A. Global Girls with Attitude outside of her library work. G.W.A. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls in communities worldwide through a holistic approach encompassing literacy, the arts, and movement. G.W.A. strives to cultivate a supportive and nurturing environment where girls can discover their strengths, explore their passions, and unleash their full potential.

Erica's leadership extends beyond her entrepreneurial and non-profit ventures. She is actively involved in professional associations such as the American Library Association and has served on prestigious committees including the 2020 Randolph Caldecott Committee and the 2017-2018 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury. Notably, she served as Chair of the 2023 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, showcasing her dedication to excellence in literature and community enrichment.

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In addition to her professional achievements, Erica is a devoted mother to three young children, Zeke, Zoe, and Zélie. She actively contributes to her community as the Director of the East Cleveland Chiefs Cheerleading, where she cheered as an adolescent, and has devoted volunteer time for over 15 years. Erica continues to inspire and empower others to reach their fullest potential through her multifaceted roles.

Keep an eye out for Erica's vibrant story as it unfolds in the pages of "The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians," a captivating new book by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann, hitting shelves on April 8, 2024. In it, you'll discover a special chapter highlighting some of Erica's most cherished programmatic tales, showcasing her dedication to community upliftment and innovation.