Ericka Murria’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advocacy. A survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness, Ericka has spent the past 12 years championing change within Detroit and the broader Black community through various task forces, cohorts, and advocacy projects. Her journey, marked by profound personal challenges and remarkable achievements, highlights her relentless pursuit of justice and empowerment for others. As a single mother of two daughters, Ericka has not only shared her story in the award-winning HBO documentary “I Am Evidence” but has also founded Supreme Transitions, a non-profit dedicated to supporting community members with essential resources. Her work as a consultant and fellow for UJIMA: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, and her involvement in numerous other initiatives, showcase her leadership and passion for transforming the lives of survivors and their families.
Can you tell us about your background and the journey that led you to become a CEO?
Ericka: I grew up on the westside of Detroit with both of my parents and a strong bond with both maternal and paternal grandmothers (Frances & Dorothy). My family instilled a strong sense of community and Christian values. I attended Caring Temple MBC, where I was baptized by the age of 12. I was the child that called the utility company for my grandparents to pay the bills, assist community members with similar issues and assist my grandmother in the kitchen as she cooked large sunday dinners and for community events. I jokingly say that I’ve been cooking and packing plates as long as I was tall enough to reach the top of the stove. My family has always set me apart and encouraged my leadership as well as supported my personal goals.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry?
Ericka: This career and within this industry literally has always been a part of my life long before it could be a career or that I would be working as a community leader. As I grew in ministry at my local church; I learned the phrase “Willing worker” & “Community of Helps”. As I reached the age of 20 years old, I had prayed for a community resource center that was a 1 stop shop to meet the needs of women and children experiencing domestic violence. God gave me the name, “Supreme Transitions” as a ministry within my church where I assisted people with leads and referrals to support services, assistance with resume writing and second hand interview clothes. I had no clue that what was being birthed was a nonprofit organization that would assist victims and survivors on a national level or that I would reach women internationally.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Ericka: One of the biggest challenges was that early on, I was extremely low income as a single mother of two daughters. The welfare to work program took priority over completing my collegiate goals so that I could find stable housing and assistance to bill pay and other supportive services. My mother passed away when I was 16 years old, I found out that I was pregnant with my 1st child just before my senior year of high school started. I moved out of my grandmother’s home after my daughter’s 6 month doctor’s appointment and have been on my own ever since. Couch surfing, sleeping in my car and living in a homeless shelter until I could get approved for section 8 housing assistance. With each resource that I found, something within the guidelines always disqualified me. I was too old, too young, earned a high school diploma, or did not have a college degree etc. It seemed to always be something to block seemingly opened doors. However, I almost always met a person a day or week later that needed the exact same resource that I had not qualified for and was able to assist the person with achieving their goal.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that significantly impacted your path?
Ericka: After overcoming homelessness, and job insecurity; I started a company as a gig party promoter and nightlife events curator in Detroit. While hosting these events, I saw many young women over indulge in the party scene and I saw many women taken advantage of. I knew something wasn’t right. I was afraid for my daughters to grow up and do some of the same things if I continued to work in that industry and normalize all of the risks that come along with that industry. I attended an event for women who were entrepreneurs and were looking to grow their business. This event was catering to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Although at the time, I did not have knowledge or understanding of my experiences of domestic violence, I registered and attended the event. At this event the keynote speaker asked each of the attendees to stand, say their name and business and 1 thing they wished to get from this conference. I was prepared with my elevator pitch, however, seated at the back of the room.
Once my table was called, I noticed that everyone who stood before my turn had all said, “Hi, my name is & I’m a survivor of”. That was frustrating because I was there to learn and network vs hearing what people had survived. It was my turn and my elevator pitch went right out of my head and for the 1st time, I publicly and to my own self acknowledged that I was a survivor (#1) of domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, lack of education, and the list went on. It was almost as if word soup was being regurgitated from my belly. The host of that event rushed to me while I was talking and coming completely undone and wrapped her arms around me. She told me that I was ok and that she was going to help me. Her name is Kalyn Risker (Fahie). Kalyn met with me on a weekly basis to learn about my business goals and mentored me into becoming who I am today. Through this mentorship, I was introduced to national trailblazers in the anti violence against women movement. I have been professionally trained and positioned for National advocacy for the Black community in trauma informed culturally specific care. A degree that money cannot pay for.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Ericka: I like to consider myself a democratic coach. (giggles)
I am a grassroots organizer at my core and I put people first. I am very passionate about developing people for the future as community leaders and within their personal goals. I share everything that I learn. I prefer consensus in a group for decision making. I see gifts and talents in people that they may not see within themselves and I encourage greatness.
What is your vision for the future of your company?
Ericka: I see local growth and programmatic expansion as well as extensions of our philosophy and service provision into other underserved communities. Eventually, I would like a housing program in Detroit, MI that offers culturally specific and trauma informed wrap around support services. I would like a BIPOC training institute for emerging leaders within this industry.
How do you foster innovation and creativity within your team?
Ericka: Because I believe that everything is possible, I listen to ideas, I ask probing questions and I give resources, support and connection to people that will accomplish the goal.
Can you share any strategies you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Ericka: I meditate in the morning. I go to the gym for two hours every morning to walk on the treadmill. I laugh a lot. I am intentional about doing things that I love that aren’t connected to “work”, like attending comedy shows, live music concerts, and I’m intentional about attending family events if I am in town. Above all else- I prioritize taking naps and spending time with my daughters. I love falling in love!! When I am in love, I enjoy cooking for my person, catering to them and having long talks.
What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of as a CEO?
Ericka: I am most proud of every acknowledgement and award that I have received by local agencies, community service groups, and my peers in Detroit. Nothing is small to me. I think the less known awards by my community and peers mean the most because I work for them. I don’t work for huge accolodates. It’s the simple thank you and hug from a survivor’s child that warms my heart the most. On a larger scale, I am proud of the international reco gnition of the HBO documentary, “I am Evidence”. When I saw Niecy Nashquote me at the Emmys, I couldn’t breathe and to receive sunflowers and a healing stone from Erykah Badu was a slice of heaven. Today, my biggest accomplishment is the opening of Supreme Transitions: The Life Resource Center in Detroit, MI for Black survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
How has your leadership influenced the company’s culture and success?
Ericka: I believe that as I continue to grow, serve and heal, I lead by example. I believe that our philosophy is a lifestyle and it cannot be faked. I encourage all of our team to be everything that they want to be and invest in their healing above doing the work.
Can you discuss any community or social impact initiatives your company is involved in?
Ericka: I currently serve as a consultant to Ujima, Futures without Violence, Caminar Latino: LUPE, two cohorts for the intersection of child welfare and domestic violence.The Accountability dialogues task force with the White House Children’s Bureau and Women Transforming Families.
What role do you believe female leaders play in shaping the future of business?
Ericka: Black female leaders’ voices are needed.
Learn more by visiting www.supremetransitionscommunity.org
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