Erika F. Washington moved to the Las Vegas valley more than a decade ago and instantly integrated herself into the community. Working for many years as a journalist for the only African American newspaper in the state of Nevada.  Currently as the Executive Director for the Make It Work Nevada and Make It Work Nevada Education Fund, she has sought out to refocus old community organizing strategy ideas and adjust the view through both a gender and cultural lens. She describes herself as a fiercely protective mother, a dope wife, loyal friend, foodie and wine snob.