Erika Mitchell

Since being elected to the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education in 2018, Erika Mitchell has emerged as a prominent public servant, actively engaging as a Board Member and emphasizing the importance of parent and community engagement. Mitchell spearheaded significant initiatives, including introducing District 5's electronic newsletter, establishing community partnerships, advocating for the district Planetarium's renovation, and repurposing vacant school buildings into community centers. She passionately supports essential programs such as school-based food pantries, one-to-one digital devices for all students, and a dedicated focus on student outcomes.

Mitchell's leadership extends to policy development, where she played a pivotal role in crafting the school district's first policies on Literacy, Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Restorative Justice Practices. She also co-authored the Atlanta Public Schools Equity Policy.

Her commitment to education is evident through her roles on various committees, including the Atlanta Board of Education's Policy Review Committee, Board Development, Adult Committee, Equity Task Force, and the Board of Directors for the Atlanta BeltLine.

Mitchell's influence extends nationally. Currently participating in the "Aspiring Coaches" cohort for the Council of Great City Schools' "Student Outcome Focused Governance framework," Mitchell is an active member of the Urban Board Alliance Committee of the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA). She represents Atlanta Public Schools as a Delegate for the Georgia School Board Association and the Council of Great City Schools.

Elected to the National School Boards Association's Council of Urban Boards of Education's Steering Committee (2019-2021) and serving as Vice Chair (2021), she also held the elected Secretary position of the National Black Council of School Board Members (2021), chairing both councils' Policy & Resolution Committee.

Mitchell served on the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force Workgroup, Fulton County Citizen Court Watch for Zone 4, and was appointed by Atlanta Mayor Bottoms to serve on the Atlanta 2020 Census Committee. In 2019, Mitchell was selected to serve on the Fulton County Juvenile Court Judges section interview panel.

Education is a cornerstone of Mitchell's personal and professional development commitment. Holding a Master's in Business Administration and Public Administration with a concentration in Government from Keller Graduate School of Management, she has also earned a Human Rights Certification from the US Institute of Diplomacy & Human Rights. Mitchell has furthered her education through specialized programs at prestigious institutions like Georgetown University and Harvard School of Business.

As a Respected Public Servant and Atlanta native, Mitchell is dedicated to bridging support gaps between non-profit organizations and for-profit companies, striving to enhance services for diverse communities. Beyond her educational roles, Mitchell actively served as a Program Advisor for NFL Fuel Up To Play 60. She also founded Atlanta Women In Sports (AWIS), recognizing and honoring Atlanta businesswomen in sports while providing networking opportunities for women passionate about the sports industry.

Mitchell's dedication and achievements have garnered recognition through prestigious awards, including Riverwood High School Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Track & Field, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc (The Greater Atlanta Chapter) Public Servant Award, the 2019 C.T Martin's Public Servant Award, and honors from Alabama State University's "50 under 50" Class of 2018, the 2018 America Caribbean Captains of the Industries, and the 2016 Barack Obama's "President Lifetime Volunteer Service" Award.

In the early days of her journey, Mitchell's athletic prowess earned her a full scholarship at Alabama State University, where she excelled in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. Winning SWAC Championships in 2001, 2002, and 2003, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems, leading to roles as an information technology specialist with major global brands such as Coca-Cola, Cbeyond, and Kodak.

Furthering her education, Mitchell received a full scholarship from Esani Paul Mitchell's Partner School to become a Licensed Esthetics Educator. Beginning her teaching career at AVEDA Institute, she created AVEDA's first makeup artist curriculum and small business development. Mitchell's dedication to volunteer work led to the founding of La Reina Pageant Productions in 2010, producing events such as Atlanta Latino Fashion Week, Atlanta Caribbean Fashion Week, Miss Georgia Latina™, Miss Teen Georgia Latina™, Miss Alabama Latina, and Miss Teen Alabama Latina. As the Producer and state Director, Mitchell envisions mentoring and creating opportunities for Latinas and Caribbeans to pursue their goals while impacting the community through cultural awareness.

Erika Mitchell's journey is marked by a remarkable commitment to community, education, and empowerment, which has established her as an influential figure in Atlanta and beyond.