Erika J. Wood
Erika J. Wood is a corporate professional, creative entrepreneur, and experiential events specialist based in Washington, D.C. She serves as an Events Operations Coordinator at American Association for the Advancement of Science, where she supports large-scale STEM convenings and national conferences. In addition to her corporate role, she is the founder and CEO of Keep The Promise Productions LLC, where she channels her creative vision into photography, acting, and independent production work. She is also an alumna of the University of South Florida, where she earned her foundation in public and cultural communications.
Her professional background spans experiential marketing, event coordination, and entertainment. At AAAS, she manages logistics for conferences ranging from hundreds to over a thousand attendees, overseeing planning, vendor coordination, accessibility needs, and attendee engagement for STEM-focused events. Outside of her full-time role, she works in experiential marketing and brand activations, developing immersive consumer experiences and managing brand ambassador teams. She is also an actress with film, television, and commercial experience, alongside her work as a photographer through Imagery by Erika J., where she provides headshots and creative sessions for professionals and performers.
Erika’s work is grounded in a philosophy of gratitude, service, and human connection. She emphasizes creating meaningful experiences where people feel seen, valued, and supported—whether at large conferences, on set, or during personal photography sessions. As she continues to grow Keep The Promise Productions LLC, she is focused on expanding her creative autonomy through grants, sponsorships, and independent storytelling projects. She also contributes to the arts community through volunteer photography work with initiatives such as Film Fest DC, reflecting her commitment to both professional excellence and community impact.
• NYU Hospitality and Tourism Industry Essentials Certificate
• Skills to Build Stronger Work Relationships
• Social Media Marketing: Strategy and Optimization
• Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences
• Event Planning Foundations
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• New York University
• University of South Florida - BA
• Washington DC International Film Festival
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for humanity, my detail-oriented nature, and a consistent practice of gratitude. I choose to focus on what I can contribute rather than what I lack, which keeps me grounded and purpose-driven. My greatest motivation is being a positive, kind presence in people’s lives—especially for students—where even small gestures of encouragement can make a meaningful difference. I believe true impact starts with self-awareness and self-love, which then allows for genuine compassion and kindness toward others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My best advice for young women entering the events industry is to be kind to yourself and prioritize self-care. Stay grounded through deep breaths and remember that not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t let other people’s expectations weigh you down—trust your instincts and believe in your abilities. Stay focused on your vision, take consistent small steps every day, and over time, the bigger picture will come together beautifully.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit and grant-funded space is limited budgets, which can impact salaries and restrict flexibility and autonomy in how work is executed. However, this environment also presents strong opportunities, particularly through securing grants and sponsorships that can help expand capacity. These funding pathways open the door to scaling independent production work and ultimately achieving greater creative and operational autonomy.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value gratitude, kindness, and compassion in both my work and personal life, choosing to focus on what I can give and the positive impact I can make in others’ lives. I believe that even small gestures of care and encouragement can create meaningful change, and that self-love is essential to extending genuine compassion to others. I also strive to release societal pressure around timelines and expectations, trusting in personal purpose and growth while living each day with humility, appreciation, and intention.
Locations
AAAS
Washington, DC 20001