Ericka Lesley is living proof that community power works! Born in Southern California and raised in a military family, Ericka learned early the values of service, resilience, and adaptability. In 2009, she chose Santa Monica as the place to raise her children, drawn by its strong schools and sense of community. It was here that she found not only a home, but a calling.

As a survivor of domestic violence who overcame homelessness, Ericka understands firsthand the challenges families face when systems fail them. Those lived experiences have shaped her commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to opportunity, stability, and dignity.