Erica Ford is a globally recognized human rights activist, subject matter expert, and pioneer in violence prevention, social justice, and trauma healing. With an extraordinary career spanning over 35 years, she has saved lives, transformed communities, and redefined public safety through her innovative, compassionate, and strategic leadership.As the founder and CEO of LIFE Camp, Inc., Erica developed programs that address violence as a public health crisis, equipping marginalized communities with tools for healing, self-determination, and sustainable peace. She is the lead architect of the New York City Crisis Management System (CMS), a groundbreaking initiative that expanded from five pilot sites with a $5 million budget to over 46 sites funded at more than $100 million. Under her leadership, CMS achieved a 17% reduction in gun violence citywide and over 80% in Southeast Queens, where her community experienced a record-breaking 562 days without a shooting and nearly four years without a homicide.Erica's expertise has been sought by institutions such as the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). As co-chair of the National Black & Brown Gun Violence Prevention Consortium, she has united leaders nationwide to create equitable opportunities, foster trauma recovery, and combat systemic oppression.Beyond her organizational work, Erica has trained hundreds of thousands of young people to become entrepreneurs and leaders, fostering a new generation of changemakers. She co-founded the Code Foundation with Tupac Shakur, building national movements for social justice and empowering underserved communities.Erica's powerful voice has resonated at high-profile events such as the New York Times DealBook Summit, the United Nations, South by Southwest (SXSW), and the Essence Festival, where she collaborated with Deepak Chopra to advance healing initiatives. She also appeared on Jada Pinkett Smith's "Red Table Talk" to discuss solutions for violence prevention and peacebuilding. Her work has been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times, CBS This Morning with Gayle King, MSNBC, and O, The Oprah Magazine.Her groundbreaking contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the MIT Elevate Fellowship and the proclamation of April 8th as Erica Ford Day in New York City. She also founded Peace Week, now an official part of the city's calendar, promoting her mantra: "Peace is a LIFEstyle."Erica's forthcoming book will encapsulate her decades of experience, offering a practical blueprint for addressing violence, healing trauma, and fostering community transformation. Designed to inspire action, the book is an essential resource for leaders, policymakers, and anyone committed to meaningful change.Erica Ford is not just a leader-she is a movement. Her work has reshaped policies, empowered communities, and redefined what is possible in violence prevention and social justice. Whether advising the White House, mentoring youth, or mobilizing global audiences, Erica's mission remains clear: to inspire a world where peace is the ultimate lifestyle.
