The mantra “think globally, act locally” is a fact of life for Generation United Member, Erika Moore. She leads an active life built upon service and adventure – two key themes that help this busy nonprofit professional come to life – all in an effort to improve herself and our community. Erika’s enthusiasm is contagious, catch her fever:

Q. Current position/undertaking:
A. I’m a Community Impact Coordinator at Valley of the Sun United Way. I help accomplish our community objectives of ending hunger and homelessness in the Valley.

Q. What goal are you currently working toward in your career?
A. CEO!!!!!!!

Q. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Doctor and a WNBA player, at the same time!

Q. Best vacation ever?
A. Wasn’t really a vacation because there was no rest, but I did a Mission trip with Experience Arts School to Brazil and Argentina that was amazing!

Q. What does volunteering mean to you?
A. Volunteers play a crucial role in things getting done. Have you ever read the story A World Without African American People? Stay with me. What if there were no volunteers? I wonder what that story would look like. Volunteers are the glue, the missing puzzle piece who are essential to well-functioning organizations we work with.

Q. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during your professional career?
A. Politics are everywhere and in everything.

Q. What advice has helped you professionally?
A. You can be yourself and be known for being you or you can fit into the mold and be known for being just like everyone else.

Q. What will you be like when you're 75?
1. In great shape and health. I want to be featured on the news for doing abnormal things for my age group!
2. Most likely still working/volunteering with the flexibility to travel to all the parts of the world I have not been.

Q. What would be most surprising to learn about you?
A. I once ate a cricket.