Erica Hernandez-Scott

Erica Hernandez-Scott is an educational leader, equity strategist, and systems thinker dedicated to transforming schools into spaces that nurture both healing and liberation. With over two decades of experience leading in public education, Erica has guided organizations through equity-centered transformation while staying deeply rooted in authenticity and love. Her leadership is marked by courage—balancing visionary strategy with the vulnerability required to challenge entrenched systems and create sustainable, people-centered change.

Guided by the belief that education can either reproduce or dismantle the status quo, Erica has devoted her career to helping communities choose the latter. Her work is grounded in the understanding that transformation begins at the intersection of justice and humanity. She draws strength from community, spirituality, and the lessons she’s learned from standing in her truth—even when it meant facing resistance for doing so.

Through the Acosta Institute Fellowship, Erica hopes to deepen her healing-centered practice while reconnecting to the mind-body-spirit integration that sustains authentic leadership. She looks forward to learning alongside other leaders of color who are reimagining education as a practice of freedom—and to co-creating new ways of leading with love, courage, and collective wisdom.