Her Story
About Erika
Dr. Erika Weber-Guzman, Ed.D., is a distinguished educator and educational leader with more than two decades of experience in teaching, teacher development, curriculum design, and educational leadership. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Lewis & Clark College, where she teaches in the Master’s in Teaching program, while also working as an English Language Development teacher with Reynolds School District. Throughout her career, she has supported multilingual learners, mentored educators, and developed professional learning initiatives designed to strengthen instructional practices and promote student success. Her diverse experience across educational settings has given her a comprehensive perspective on the needs of both students and educators.
Dr. Weber-Guzman earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and School Administration from Lewis & Clark College and her M.A. in International and Multicultural Education with a focus on Human Rights from the University of San Francisco. Her extensive international experience includes developing and delivering teacher-training programs in El Salvador, South Korea, Peru, and Mexico. She has collaborated with universities, educators, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy to support English language educators and strengthen teacher-training programs. Her dissertation research examines smartphone addiction and its impact on academic achievement among high school students, reflecting her commitment to understanding emerging challenges in education and improving outcomes for young people.
Dr. Weber-Guzman attributes her success to perseverance and the support of other women who have encouraged and inspired her throughout her career. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to her professional and personal values, and she is passionate about uplifting women, children, and individuals from all backgrounds. She strives to help students recognize their inherent worth, embrace their individuality, and develop confidence in their abilities. Through teaching, mentorship, research, and advocacy, Dr. Weber-Guzman continues to empower educators and students while advancing a more inclusive, equitable, and globally connected approach to education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Erika
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, resilience, and the support of other women. Their encouragement, mentorship, and willingness to share their experiences have been invaluable throughout my journey. I have learned that staying committed to my goals, embracing challenges, and supporting others along the way are essential to achieving lasting success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to embrace who I am, recognize my unique strengths, and never be afraid to share my story. My humble beginnings and experiences growing up with a lack of confidence taught me the importance of authenticity and self-belief. I believe that when we embrace our individuality and encourage others to do the same, we create opportunities for meaningful growth, connection, and inspiration.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to recognize their inherent value and believe in themselves. You are capable, talented, and worthy exactly as you are, and you should never allow self-doubt or the opinions of others to diminish your confidence. My own experiences with insecurity growing up taught me how important it is to feel seen, valued, and empowered. I hope to inspire others to embrace their individuality, recognize their strengths, and confidently pursue their goals without feeling that they need to change who they are to succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is smartphone addiction among high school students and its potential impact on academic achievement. This issue is the focus of my dissertation, where I am examining the relationship between excessive smartphone use and students’ academic performance. I see this as an important opportunity to better understand the effects of technology on young people and to identify strategies that can promote healthier technology habits and stronger educational outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are among the most important values in both my professional and personal life. I am committed to uplifting women, children, and people from all backgrounds by creating opportunities for everyone to feel valued, respected, and empowered. I believe our differences should be embraced rather than used to divide us, and I strive to promote understanding, connection, and respect while challenging discrimination and encouraging others to recognize our shared humanity.
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