Erica Lee Schlaikjer

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Erica Lee Schlaikjer

Writer + Strategist

Hello there. I’m Erica.

I'm currently a Strategist at Zeus Jones. I use research and insights to inform brand, service, and experience design. My role is to help our clients understand and articulate what makes them meaningful to the world.

I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion—in the workplace and beyond.

My résumé will tell you that I develop brand experience, marketing and communications strategies for mission-driven clients that are committed to a purpose beyond profits.

I’m still pinching myself that I achieved my lifelong dream of writing children’s picture books. My first is slated to be published by Sleeping Bear Press in 2024, and my second will be published by Blue Dot Kids Press in 2025.

My past lives have also included being a festival organizer, community builder, professional blogger, non-profiteer, journalist, fact-checker and researcher. I was trained by the AP Stylebook not to use the Oxford comma.

When I’m not glued to a screen, I’m taking walks around the neighborhood with my husband, daydreaming about taking a ‘round-the-world trip for a creative sabbatical, or growing our succulent garden.

I’m “from” a lot of places: Fairfax, Va. > Guangzhou > Taipei > Beijing > Geneva > Hong Kong > Germantown, Md. > Chicago > Washington, D.C.

Right now, you can find me in San Pedro, on the southern tippy tip of Los Angeles.

 

EXPERTISE

Brand Planning + Strategy
Experience Design
Cultural Strategy
Integrated Marketing
Editorial Content
Communications
Social Impact
Sustainability
Business Innovation
Media

CLIENTS

Target
Land O’ Lakes
McKnight Foundation
GoFundMe
23andMe
Audi
Barbie
Federal Student Aid
Google
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
LA Phil
The White House
YouTube
+ more

publications

Crain’s Chicago Business
Huffington Post
Triple Pundit
National Geographic
The Chicago Reporter
+ more

HONORS

Backstage Capital LA Mentor
826LA Volunteer
StartingBloc Fellow
WeDC Ambassador at SXSW
99U Local event host
CatalystCreativ Speaker