Erika Sugarmon
Erika Sugarmon is an educator, public servant, and lifelong advocate for equity and justice in the Memphis community. A dedicated teacher with Shelby County Schools, she has spent nearly three decades in the classroom, teaching U.S. government and social studies to more than 8,000 students. Her classroom is a dynamic space where real-world issues come alive, empowering students to analyze current events, draft legislation, and even debate bills at the state level. A proud graduate of University of Memphis, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Arts in Teaching, and is currently completing her doctorate.
In addition to her work in education, Erika serves as a Shelby County Commissioner, where she has championed ordinances focused on equity, public safety, affordable housing, workforce development, and economic justice. Known for her tireless commitment, she balances full days in the classroom with long evenings at the commission, often working seven days a week to craft meaningful legislation. Among her most impactful achievements is the passage of a living wage ordinance that improved financial stability for working families across the county. She is deeply committed to showing up for her constituents and has maintained a perfect attendance record as commissioner.
Raised in a family rooted in civic engagement and the civil rights movement, Erika learned early the value of advocacy, perseverance, and community leadership. Though neither teaching nor elected office was her original career plan, both became powerful callings shaped by family influence, personal conviction, and a desire to serve. Guided by a promise to her late mother to complete her doctorate and continue running for office, she embodies resilience and purpose in every role she holds. Above all, she treasures her roles as mother and grandmother, which ground her work and inspire her ongoing dedication to building a stronger, more equitable future for the next generation.
• Social and Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
CITI Program
• University of Memphis- Master of Arts in Teaching
• University of Memphis- Master of Public Administration - MPA, General Studies
• Currently completing Doctoral degree from University of Memphis (defending March 6th, graduation May 9th)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to family. I come from a strong family of educators, principals, college professors, and civil rights activists. My parents were both civil rights activists and very involved in Memphis, and from childhood, faith, family, education, and giving back were instilled in us. I am a child of the civil rights movement, and even at a young age, I learned to fight and be an activist. My mother was a strategist for my stepfather and father when they were campaigning, and she was the one who pushed me to keep going when I wanted to give up after losing elections twice. Right before she passed away, she reminded me that 22,800 people believed in me and asked how I could turn my back on them. She made me promise to run one more time and finish my doctorate. That family foundation, that legacy of service and activism, and the support and accountability from my family - that's what has driven my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my passion. My mother once told me that she would rather see a student who may not be the most naturally gifted but is passionate and driven, because passion and determination will always outwork raw talent alone.
That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. In the entertainment industry, drive, resilience, and genuine enthusiasm make all the difference. Passion fuels persistence, and persistence creates opportunity. I’ve learned that when you truly care about what you do, you will continue to grow, adapt, and succeed.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education or politics is to go for it, and when you make it, take along others. Keep those doors open, because they're closing fast and furiously. Don't just succeed for yourself - bring other women with you and make sure you're opening doors and keeping them open for the next generation.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are misogyny and the belief that men should have leadership roles. We live in the South, and there's a lot of resentment, particularly toward Black women in leadership roles. In Memphis, there are a lot of Black women with leadership roles, and men became very resentful. However, I think when Kamala Harris ran for office, Black men in particular realized that we need to come together, even if it's a woman, and that opened their eyes. I believe men in general are now seeing that there is a need for strong women, period, regardless of race, because we're the nurturers, we're the ones that get things done. In my community, there's a renewed appreciation for women in their roles as leaders, and I think young people are seeing that too. The opportunity is that we're at a pivotal moment where we can make a real difference and craft legislation that impacts people's lives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are work ethic, morality, and faith. I lived in a fishbowl all my life, and my father instilled in me that not only must you do the right thing, you must give the perception of doing the right thing. I'm a role model for my peers, my students, and my family members. I walk in faith every day. In my professional life, I value doing the work that people elected you to do, even when nobody's looking. I have not missed one day as a commissioner, and it's very frustrating when my colleagues miss so many days that it impacts the outcome of votes. So many times they miss days, but I believe in showing up and doing the work, even though nobody else is looking at you - do the work. That work ethic is everything to me.