Influential Woman · Events Services / Experiential Events Management
Erika J. J. Wood
Events Operations Coordinator - AAAS, CEO - Keep The Promise Productions LLC
Washington, DC 20001
Her Story
About Erika J.
Erika J. Wood is a dynamic corporate professional, creative entrepreneur, and experiential events specialist based in Washington, D.C. With a solid foundation in public and cultural communications from the University of South Florida, her career spans over fifteen years across experiential marketing, event coordination, and entertainment. In her corporate capacity, Erika serves as an Events Operations Coordinator at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Here, she orchestrates logistics for large-scale national conferences and STEM convenings, seamlessly managing everything from intricate vendor coordination and accessibility needs to dynamic attendee engagement for events hosting hundreds to over a thousand participants.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Erika is the visionary founder and CEO of Keep The Promise Productions LLC. Through this venture, she channels her extensive creative talents into independent production, acting with credits across film, television, and commercials, and writing as the author of a children's book series. Her entrepreneurial spirit also thrives through her photography business, Imagery by Erika J. While continuing to provide compelling headshots and creative sessions for professionals and performers, Erika is actively expanding her visual services into advertising, brand partnerships, and high-end e-commerce photography, continually pushing the boundaries of her creative autonomy.
Erika’s expertise is also highly sought after in the freelance space, where she excels as an experiential marketing and brand activations manager. She has a proven track record of developing immersive consumer experiences and leading high-performing brand ambassador teams. Furthermore, she brings a highly proactive, forward-thinking leadership style to curating specialized boutique event experiences for non-profit organizations and private gatherings. By working ahead of the curve and anticipating needs, Erika ensures that every activation and event is executed with precision, leaving a lasting, flawless impact on attendees.
At the core of Erika’s multifaceted career is a grounding philosophy of gratitude, service, and human connection. Whether she is managing a major scientific conference, directing a photography session, or developing independent storytelling projects, she emphasizes creating meaningful environments where people truly feel seen, valued, and supported. Dedicated to community enrichment, Erika actively volunteers her photography skills with arts initiatives such as Film Fest DC. As she continues to grow Keep The Promise Productions LLC through strategic grants and sponsorships, her commitment to both professional excellence and lifting up the communities around her remains her guiding force.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Erika J.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for humanity, a meticulous attention to detail, and a consistent practice of gratitude. By focusing on the value I can contribute rather than what I lack, I remain grounded and purpose-driven. My greatest motivation is being a positive, guiding presence in others' lives—especially for students—knowing that even the smallest gestures of encouragement can make a profound difference. Ultimately, I believe true impact begins with self-awareness and self-love, which creates the foundation for genuine compassion and kindness.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is simple: "Let your 9-to-5 fund your dreams!"
03What 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 yourselves and prioritize self-care. Stay grounded, and remember that not everything will go exactly as planned—and that is perfectly okay. Don’t let external expectations weigh you down; instead, trust your instincts and believe in your capabilities. Stay focused on your vision, take consistent small steps every day, and over time, the bigger picture will come together beautifully.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A significant challenge in the nonprofit and grant-funded sector is operating within limited budgets, which can constrain compensation and restrict flexibility in how work is executed. However, this environment also offers immense opportunities. By actively securing grants and strategic sponsorships, we can expand our capacity. Ultimately, these funding pathways empower entrepreneurs to scale their independent production work and achieve greater creative and operational autonomy.
05What 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.
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