Erika Haskins
Hometown:
Wolcott, IN
Connect: LinkedIn
Erika is excited about getting capital into the hands of Maine’s startup founders while proving there are innovative paths forward for “capital deserts” and nascent ecosystems, which has big implications beyond the Pine Tree State. She is driven by a passion for fostering inclusive economic growth and is excited to utilize her expertise in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems.
ERIKA HASKINS is a startup veteran, impact executive, and strategic ecosystem builder. With over 15 years of leadership experience within mission-driven and professional service organizations, Erika has a proven track record of success in developing, delivering, and scaling high-quality, data-driven programs and solutions for educational equity and economic mobility.
Erika recently held the position of Head of Partnerships & Revenue Operations for Make Startups, a national entrepreneurship support & advocacy organization, as well as Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) for University of Texas at Austin. Previously, Erika served as the Chief Executive Officer of 3 Day Startup, a nonprofit organization providing entrepreneurship education and support to young people in 42 countries. During her time, Erika secured 12 contracts from the U.S. Department of State for entrepreneurial ecosystem development initiatives globally.
From 2016-2020, Erika held the position of Senior Director of Leadership Development at BES, a national organization transforming public education through launching innovative charter school models. She managed a portfolio of 34 entrepreneurs, secured over $3.5M in grants and gifts, and was instrumental in the design and delivery of 16 distinct training programs for public school leaders.
Erika holds a Master of Business Administration from Babson College, 2 advanced degrees in educational administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology from Purdue University. She has Executive Education Certificates from Harvard Kennedy School and the Wharton Talent Management Institute. Erika brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to drive inclusive economic growth.
She enjoys fostering dogs, running, and traveling with her husband who is a Maine native.
ERC Project
Project Title:
Modeling a Dirigo Labs Investment Arm
Host Community or Region:
Maine
Host Organization:
Central Maine Growth Council & Dirigo Labs
The "Modeling a Dirigo Labs Investment Arm" initiative focuses on the critical issue of low access to capital in the state of Maine. The project aims to craft an innovative investment model for local startups and pull together diverse funding sources to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in Waterville and beyond. The ERC Fellow will lead a comprehensive strategy that includes analyzing investment models and evaluation criteria, engaging with the local entrepreneurial community, and liaising with prospective investors and funding partners. This project’s outcome will be a new investment fund that is poised to redefine and bolster Maine's economic startup ecosystem.
Interested in supporting this project or learning more? Contact the ERC program team here.
