Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Willie.
Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I look back at my journey, what stands out most is that it’s been driven by perseverance and curiosity more than anything else. I’ve always been someone who works hard, tries new things, and isn’t afraid to fail along the way.
Growing up, I wasn’t actually a dancer at all. I was the girl running track and playing in the band. Dancing didn’t enter my life until I was about 20 years old, which is considered pretty late to start if you’re thinking about performing professionally. But I’ve always believed that if you’re willing to put in the work and stay disciplined, you can grow into things that once felt out of reach. That mindset carried me through a lot of different chapters in my life.
I started my professional career as a software engineer at IBM after studying engineering in college and later earning a master’s degree in instructional technology. I’ve always loved solving problems and working with technology, but I also had a creative and expressive side. When I began dancing, I threw myself into it with the same determination I brought to school and work. Eventually, that led to becoming a cheerleader for the San Francisco 49ers and performing as a professional salsa dancer.
Being part of the NFL organization opened doors I never expected. Cheerleaders were not only performers but also ambassadors for the team and the brand. We represented the organization at community events, corporate functions, and major productions. Even now as an alum, I still work many of those events, traveling as an ambassador for things like the Pro Bowl, international NFL games, and large corporate conferences.
When I moved to Jacksonville, my career evolved again as I moved into the business side of technology. I’ve worked in tech sales with companies like AT&T, Cisco, and HubSpot, and today as a HubSpot partner, helping organizations use technology to grow and innovate. I love being in a space where strategy, relationships, and technology intersect.
Along the way, as a wife and becoming a mom of three also deepened my sense of purpose. I wanted to create something that would help young girls see themselves in fields like science and technology. That vision led me to start the ScienceSIS Foundation, a nonprofit focused on building confidence and exposure for girls in STEM.
Looking back, every part of my journey, from engineering, to dancing, to technology leadership, to nonprofit work—has been connected by a belief in growth and community. I’ve learned that brilliance isn’t just about natural talent. It’s about perseverance, being willing to try things that feel uncomfortable, and continuing to show up even when the path isn’t clear. Jacksonville has become a place where I’ve been able to build both my career and my impact, and I’m excited to keep growing from here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I’ve learned that most meaningful journeys aren’t. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating multiple identities and paths at the same time. I’ve moved between technology, performance, nonprofit leadership, and motherhood, and sometimes people expect your career to fit neatly into one box. Learning to trust that my path didn’t have to look like everyone else’s took time.
Another challenge has been stepping into spaces where I didn’t always see people who looked like me or had similar backgrounds. Working in technology and building a career in STEM-related fields can sometimes feel isolating, especially as a woman and a mother. It pushed me to work harder, speak up for myself, and stay confident in what I bring to the table.
Personally, I’ve also had to learn how to balance ambition with real life. Raising three children while building a career and launching a nonprofit requires constant adjustment and perseverance. There are moments when things don’t go as planned or when you question whether you’re doing enough in any one area.
But those challenges have also shaped my perspective. They’ve reminded me that brilliance isn’t just about talent, it’s about resilience, discipline, and the willingness to keep going even when things feel uncertain. In many ways, those experiences are exactly what motivated me to start the ScienceSIS Foundation, because I want young girls to grow up knowing they belong in spaces like STEM and leadership. Every obstacle has reinforced my belief that perseverance and community can open doors that once felt closed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The ScienceSIS Foundation was created from a very personal place. After spending much of my career in technology and STEM-related fields, I realized how important exposure and confidence are for young girls who may not always see themselves represented in those spaces. I wanted to create something that would help change that.
ScienceSIS focuses on building confidence, curiosity, and community for girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. We create experiences that make STEM feel exciting and accessible, from hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship to community events that help girls see what’s possible for their futures.
What really sets ScienceSIS apart is that we focus just as much on confidence and identity as we do on education. We want girls to not only learn about STEM, but to believe that they belong in those spaces. Representation and encouragement are incredibly powerful, and when young girls see women thriving in science, technology, and leadership, it expands what they believe is possible for themselves.
I’m especially proud of how the foundation brings community together. We partner with local organizations, volunteers, and mentors who all share the same vision of investing in the next generation. The goal is not just to teach STEM concepts, but to cultivate leadership, perseverance, and a sense of belonging.
At its core, ScienceSIS is about empowering girls to recognize their brilliance and pursue opportunities they might not have imagined before. My hope is that readers see it as more than just a program, it’s a movement to open doors, build confidence, and inspire future innovators right here in our community.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about continuing to grow the impact of the ScienceSIS Foundation and expanding the opportunities we create for young girls interested in STEM. My goal is to reach more students, build stronger mentorship networks, and create programs that not only expose girls to science and technology, but also help them build the confidence and leadership skills they’ll need in the future.
I’m also excited about continuing to grow professionally in the technology space. Technology is evolving so quickly, and being able to help organizations innovate and adapt through digital tools is something I’m passionate about. I love being in environments where problem-solving, strategy, and creativity come together.
On a personal level, I’m looking forward to continuing to balance these different parts of my life being a mom, building community through ScienceSIS, growing my career in tech, and taking advantage of opportunities to work on large events and global experiences. Each of those areas brings something different to my life and keeps me learning.
More than anything, the future for me is about impact. I want to continue building spaces where young people, especially girls can see what’s possible for themselves and feel encouraged to pursue big ideas. If the work I’m doing helps even a few young women believe in their own brilliance and step into leadership, then I’ll feel like I’m on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesciencesisfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesciencesis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theScienceSIS/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericawillie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesciencesis/featured
