My folks laugh about the fact that I have always been a curious, tiny sponge…

Trained as a fine artist and all around creative, I also devoured information and channeled it into creation. I remember a moment when my dad, seeking a moment of quiet from me (lol), tossed me an "HTML for Beginners" book. Little did he know what he ignited. At 10, I designed my first website—complete with an animated GIF—along with a business plan to sell my artwork (I had a logo, business cards, a pricing structure, projections, all of it). Even walked around with my little portfolio 😎.

I attended the University of Michigan on a full-tuition academic scholarship, graduating with a degree in Public Communication and Culture Studies, and Marketing. Later, I was nominated for and completed studies at Harvard Business School’s Social Enterprise Program. Still a lifelong artist at core, my career has taken me into marketing, sociology, and technology teams utilizing strategic creative and design practice. I have gained lateral industry experience in designing, curating, leading and consulting in prolific global companies and studios, including Meta, Amazon, IDEO and FCA.

Consciously Creating

As I grew in ways that make the little girl born on the Eastside of Detroit proud (Cass Tech girlie!), I became more intentional in my purpose.

Consciously creating means designing with empathy, curiosity, and accountability. It’s about asking who benefits, who is left out, and how we can reimagine systems together? Each chapter of my journey—whether designing at Meta, co-creating with grassroots organizers, or producing a wellness-centered event—has been about listening deeply to tell the stories or create the things that matter.

I’ve learned that true innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, but in relationship: with community, culture, and the experiences that raised me. I believe the arts hold the power to connect and heal the world, transcending barriers words often cannot—and I can measure that impact in joy, trust, and transformation.

Today, I serve as Chief Creative Officer of The Health Equity Collective, a non-profit (born of IDEO.org) that curates spaces of joy, healing, and collaboration for those who care for others. Our work connects 260+ members across the nation and has mobilized over $13M toward community-led healing systems—where equity isn’t discussed, it’s designed into practice.

It’s a lifestyle

To make it through life’s challenges, I believe we need and deserve to celebrate how far we’ve come. My life revolves around finding ways to create and nurture wellness, growth, and joy. If I’m not working on a project, I'm probably spending time with my cool pup—Chai, DJing, creating art, reading, learning, going on an adventure (travel/outdoors/sports), gardening, hosting events, producing music. Whatever feels nourishing at the moment becomes a source of inspiration. Most importantly, as a recovering overachiever, I enjoy rest.

By the way…I dance all the time; not in some neatly choreographed way…in a “Ima move this body to this melody” kind of way. I shimmy when I’m happy.

AFFILIATIONS

Design Justice Network Member

We Are Hue Member

IDEO Alum

University of Michigan Alum

RECENT AWARDS, PUBLICATIONS, EVENTS, EXHIBITS 

Phillips, Erika (2025), The Detroit Institute of Arts, Talent

Phillips, Erika (2025), Afrofuture Festival, Talent

Phillips, Erika (2024), Anthem Award (Webby), Learning Hub. 

Phillips, Erika  (2023). Pathway to Equity Game (Physical and Online). Detroit, MI 

Phillips, Erika. Ephemeral: The Art of Unloving. "Transmuting" . Swords into Plowshares Gallery. Detroit, MI. 25 February - 11 March 2023

Phillips, Erika (2022). Pathway to Equity Game Online. New York, NY

Phillips, Erika (2022). Liberation Library Leadership Journal. New York, NY