H I, I A M E R I K A
event architect + lifestyle expert + lover of style and beauty + survivor + author
I have a strong track record of producing excellence. I am a seasoned and respected Certified Meeting Professional, Digital Event Strategist and an event logistics expert. With over 20 years of experience coordinating government, corporate and exclusive, luxury social events for the country’s top business leaders and their elite constituents and clientele.
"I BELIEVE THAT PERSONAL SUCCESS IS DISCOVERED WHEN YOU IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DOING WHAT YOU LOVE."
- erika summers
My impressive body of work is a testament to my craft. I served Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley in the Mayor's Office of Scheduling for two terms, leading the logistics of all mayoral events and appearances and coordination of all mayoral national and international travel arrangements.
I joined Ariel Investments as Vice President of Corporate Events. and managed all client, shareholder, and staff incentive events as well as exclusive personal events hosted by the firm’s top executives. I led the management of Ariel’s annual signature gathering, the Black Corporate Directors Conference.
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In 2022, I co-authored, Faith, Failure, Success Vol. 2.
My chapter is my autobiography of my life's journey of overcoming fear and finding joy after experiencing insurmountable loss, grief, and surviving cancer. By discipling myself to focus on gratitude, I was able to define what happiness and success looks like for me.
I am successful because I get to do what I love.
Flowers bring me joy! Imagine how lucky I feel to serve on the board of Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory, the nation's largest of its kind. It houses hundreds of species of plants and flowers. As co-chair of its signature fundraiser, Fleurotica, I host its annual one-of-a-kind, runway floral fashion show featuring wearable designs made by Chicago's local florists.
I am a 15-year cancer survivor! It is only fitting that I give back by hosting a bi-annual holiday toy drive for the patients at Comer Children’s Hospital.
- erika summers
"MY CLIENTS FUEL MY JOY, MY PEACE AND MY PURPOSE."