Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Rice.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I value my life in Rochester, MN as both a native townie and a career woman. I’ve had the privilege of seeing my community change and grow over my short Millennial life. I grew up in the shadow of the big, blue IBM buildings. We once lost our dog in the cornfield behind our house which is now a retail area, so change literally happened in my backyard.
I attended Rochester Catholic Schools and grew through experiences with marching band, theater, and animal-loving friends. I worked hard in my part-time jobs and volunteered through college. I studied Business, Human Resources, Marketing, and Creative Writing at Winona State University.
My family is amazing. All four of my grandparents have fascinating stories from their unique lives abroad and here in Minnesota. I love hearing who they were at each milestone, their accomplishments, the families they raised, and their careers. From these icons of my family, I learn the fruits that come from hard work, kindness, and generosity.
My parents are hardworking, kind, and generous in their talents and actively take care of others before themselves. Dad is a DIY extraordinaire with electrical skills, carpentry, and theater set design. He invests time, precision, and attention into everything he cares about whether it’s the relationships he has with his daughters and family, his dad’s fishing boat he refurbished and used to share how to catch bass, or the family home that he and Mom still occupy together. Mom is an expert in coaching people to understand what they really want in life. She has volunteered her time and personal experiences to help young professionals believe in themselves in preparation for their first interviews or career changes. Mom also models for us a spousal partnership with Dad. Mom and Dad teach us to show up for the challenges, believe in our worth, and not sweat the little things.
My sisters follow me in birth order, but they have influenced me in my life more than I could possibly say. I rely on them to tell me the truth, to be their inspiring selves, and come home with hilarious stories of their lives. Among us, we have brought in two amazing men to the family who have mastered the art of understanding our “good weird” ways and we love them dearly. I am especially proud to be with my husband who matches my kindness and love for the good things in life, including our bird dog, Hurricane.
With my family of close cousins, aunts, uncles, and lifelong friends, I strive daily, knowing I am supported and equipped to give what I have to offer. I work to make a difference in our Rochester Community.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have learned the most from the challenges. When the road is smooth, Mom calls it the blessed boredom, when you can reset and evaluate. But it is in the challenges that we really learn the most about ourselves and what we are capable of, or where we need some support. Embracing that learning through challenges is a lifelong journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When Workforce Development, Inc. interviewed me for the position of Outreach Specialist, I knew it was a good fit. And I knew what I wanted: work that involved meeting leaders in my community, responsibilities that would take me out of the office regularly, and information that I could present with the public speaking skills I have maintained since I was a youth in theater summer camps. This job allows me to channel my empathy, my personal beliefs, and my professional skills to learn and contribute to my community.
Workforce Development, Inc. uses the vehicles of employment, training, and education to serve the BIPOC and impoverished individuals who wish to advance and develop their careers with meaningful wages. It is an absolute pleasure to share the passion for impacting lives with creative thinkers across the City of Rochester.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Films:
Dances with Wolves
Good Will Hunting
Pride and Prejudice (BBC’s version is better)
That Thing You Do!
Books:
Harry Potter (duh, I’m a Millennial)
The Hobbit
Tuesdays with Morrie
Fairest
Podcasts:
Ologies Podcast
Michelle Obama’s Podcast
Contact Info:
- Website: workforcedevelopmentinc.org
- Instagram: @Hurri_CaneAlert
Image Credits
Workforce Development, Inc. Head shot taken September 2021
