Erika F. Jackson
Erika F. Jackson is a seasoned leader in the older adult housing industry whose career spans more than 27 years, beginning unexpectedly as a student leasing apartments to her peers. What sets her apart is her unique academic foundation in gerontology, which has shaped a distinctly holistic approach to her work. Rather than focusing solely on operations, Erika views housing through the lens of lived experience—considering how every decision impacts the quality of life for older adults. This perspective has guided her evolution from on-site roles to strategic leadership, where she now influences how communities are designed, operated, and experienced.
In her current role, Erika works on the corporate side of the business, focusing heavily on talent development and organizational strategy. She partners closely with teams in the field, providing guidance on budgets, marketing strategies, and product positioning while ensuring that decisions align with both business goals and resident needs. Through tools such as focus groups and market analysis, she translates the voice of the end user into actionable business plans, creating outcomes that are both operationally sound and deeply human-centered. Her work reflects a balance between data-driven strategy and empathetic leadership, ensuring that both people and performance are prioritized.
What Erika is most proud of is the authentic leadership style she has cultivated over time. From her early days in leasing to her current executive presence, she has remained committed to growth, self-awareness, and giving back. She believes that true leadership is rooted in being fully present and creating space for others to show up as their authentic selves. By empowering individuals while staying grounded in her own identity and values, she has built a leadership philosophy centered on service, impact, and longevity—one that continues to inspire both her peers and the next generation of leaders in the industry.
• Concordia University Chicago
Doctorate of Education, EdD, Organizational Leadership
• Concordia University Chicago
Master of Arts - MA, Gerontology
• Purdue University Northwest
Master of Business Administration - MBA, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
• Purdue University
Baccalaureate of Arts, Marketing Communications
• American Society on Aging
• Sigma Phi Omega
• The International Honorary Society for Gerontologists
• Lead the older adult ministry at my church
• Lead women's fellowship at my church
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of tenacity, deep commitment to my industry, and the ability to consistently see the bigger picture. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of being fully present in every role I’ve held while also allowing myself to evolve as both a professional and a person. I’ve never lost sight of where I started, and I believe that looking back and giving back has been essential to maintaining both perspective and purpose throughout my journey.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to take the time to truly understand who you are before allowing others to define you. When you have a strong sense of self, it becomes much easier to navigate challenges, make confident decisions, and remain grounded in your values. Stay true to yourself, even when it feels difficult, because authenticity is what ultimately sustains both your career and your personal fulfillment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—I see right now is leaders finding and using their voice in an industry that often follows a standard or traditional approach. There is tremendous opportunity for innovation, but it requires individuals to step outside of established norms and lead with intention. Those who are willing to challenge the status quo thoughtfully have the ability to shape the future of the industry in meaningful ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are authenticity and my Christian faith, which serve as the foundation for how I lead and live. I prioritize kindness, generosity, and consideration for others, and I strongly believe in putting people first. Servant leadership is central to my approach—leading in a way that uplifts, supports, and empowers others—while always remembering the importance of giving back and making a positive impact beyond myself.