Dayton HRC Executive Director Accepts New Role

Executive Director Accepts New Role with Learn to Earn

Erica Fields, Executive Director for the Dayton Human Relations Council has accepted a position with Learn to Earn. A nonprofit organization that works to ensure equity in workforce and education throughout the Dayton region.

Erica has served as the Executive Director of the HRC for the past five years, providing thoughtful guidance to the organization whose mission is to enforce civil rights and provide business and technical assistance to minority-owned, woman-owned, and small disadvantaged businesses throughout the region.

Amaha Sellessie, community activist, current board member and long time supporter of the HRC spoke fondly about Erica stating, “I remember when Erica was hired at the HRC. It’s been such a blessing to watch her rise and grow in her vision. Erica has a deep commitment to community! She is an amazing listener who truly seeks to understand what is happening at the root. She has always centered the community, even withstanding increased pressure on her as being a bridge between the community and the city. She has a real heart of gold, I am thankful to have served under her leadership.”

Donerik Black, Business and Technical Assistance Administrator for the HRC stated, “You can’t work for the HRC under the leadership of Erica and not be infected by her over the top passion for the work that we do. Her passion for the HRC is contagious. I have learned so much from her leadership. She will be missed but I know she will continue to support the mission of the HRC in her new role.”

When asked about her new role Erica said, “This new role presents a unique opportunity for me to advocate in a different and new capacity. It will allow me to acknowledge and enact meaningful action-oriented systems of change, with equity and people at the forefront. These priorities deserve to be fundamentally engaged with critical work and investment that is needed and has existed in vulnerable and underrepresented communities for decades. I look forward to and am excited to be a part of that process.”