Erica Lee Schlaikjer
Writer + Strategist
Hello there. I’m Erica.
I'm a Strategist at Zeus Jones and Innovation Lead at Hellen (currently on maternity leave until September 2025.) I use research and insights to inform brand, service, and experience design. My role is to help our clients understand and articulate what makes them meaningful to the world.
I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion—in the workplace and beyond.
My résumé will tell you that I develop brand experience, marketing and communications strategies for mission-driven clients that are committed to a purpose beyond profits.
I’m still pinching myself that I achieved my lifelong dream of writing children’s picture books. My first, Wild Greens, Beautiful Girl, was published by Sleeping Bear Press in August 2024, and my second, Sky Luck, will be published by Blue Dot Kids Press in September 2025.
My past lives have also included being a festival organizer, community builder, professional blogger, non-profiteer, journalist, fact-checker and researcher. I was trained by the AP Stylebook not to use the Oxford comma.
When I’m not glued to a screen, I’m playing with my kitten Kismet and newborn boy Dahoud, daydreaming about taking a ‘round-the-world trip for a creative sabbatical, or growing our succulent garden.
I’m “from” a lot of places: Fairfax, Va. > Guangzhou > Taipei > Beijing > Geneva > Hong Kong > Germantown, Md. > Chicago > Washington, D.C.
Right now, you can find me in San Pedro, on the southern tippy tip of Los Angeles.
EXPERTISE
Brand Planning + Strategy
Business Innovation
Experience Design
Cultural Strategy
Integrated Marketing
Editorial Content
Communications
Social Impact
Writing