Based in Basalt, Erika Germer is excited to support schools, students and employers in the Colorado Regions communities through her role as a K-12 Partnerships Manager. Prior to joining CareerWise, Erika was the founding director of the City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy, a nationally-recognized internship and college access program for high school students, most of whom were the first in their families to attend college. As a trusted mentor to hundreds of Asheville youth, Erika is a big believer in providing opportunities that can enhance or change a young person’s trajectory.

Erika’s professional background also includes several years as the director of public policy for a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the child welfare system, and serving as the research editor of Fast Company magazine. She holds a Master’s of Public Policy from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, and a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science. She is inspired by her mom Polly, who dedicated 30+ years as a child advocate in Ohio. Erika spends her free time hiking and biking the phenomenal trails in the Roaring Fork Valley with her husband Aaron.