Erica Marie Lopez | 2024 Latina of Influence
Hispanic Lifestyle is honored to recognize the State Chair of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas State, Erica Marie Lopez as a Latina of Influence. Ms. Lopez will be recognized for her leadership in our community during Hispanic Lifestyle’s Connecting Latinas of Influence | Texas to be held on August 27, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.
Erica Marie Lopez, born and raised in San Benito, Texas is a graduate of St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In 2006, Erica obtained a Master of Arts degree in Legal Studies along with a Paralegal and Mediation certificate from Texas State University. Erica began her career as the Executive Assistant to the first Latina elected to the Travis County District Clerk. This experience inspired her passion for community service and mentorship. In 2014, Erica joined the national law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP and serves as a client and marketing liaison. Erica is responsible for maintaining client relationships throughout the Austin and central Texas area.
Aside from her professional duties, Ms. Lopez is actively involved in her community. Erica is currently serving as the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas State Chair. The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas is an organization whose mission is to seek the advancement of women in corporate, public and civic life. HWNT seeks to advance the education, cultural, social, legal and economic well-being of all women through a broader awareness of their role in society, business, and family.
As the State Chair, Erica is responsible for overseeing 10 chapters across the State and coordinating their 37th State Conference. Under her leadership as State Chair Elect, she served as the project manager and oversaw the transition to a new membership portal and website.
Erica has been a member of HWNT since 2008 and served in numerous leadership roles at the local chapter and the State board. Erica previously served as the Austin Chapter Chair, Austin Chapter Chair Elect, Austin Chapter Secretary, Austin State Representative. At the State level, Erica served as State Historian, State Secretary, and State Chair Elect. For her dedication to HWNT, Erica was recently awarded the Chair’s Award of Excellence. Erica is also a past recipient of the prestigious HWNT Estrella de Tejas award.
In her local community, Erica served as the Chair of La Noche de Opera, board member of the Roy Lozano Ballet Folklorico de Texas and student mentor for Con Mi Madre. Erica was nominated for an Austin Under 40 Award under the Civics, Government, and Public Affairs category. Erica is also an active member of the Pan American Round Table of Austin and her local parish St. Paul Catholic Church serving as a catechism teacher and quinceanera advisor.
Throughout her career, Erica has served as a panelist and keynote speaker for several leadership organizations such as the Lady in Red Gala benefitting the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas- Rio Grande Valley Chapter; Zonta International Women’s Day and Texas Belleza Latina Pageant Judge. Most recently, Erica was invited to serve as a panelist for the Executive Women in Texas Government, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” virtual presentation.
Erica is an advocate for continuing education and further development of leadership skills. In 2021, Erica graduated from the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program hosted by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chapter of Commerce. In 2016, Erica successfully completed the Texas Public Policy and Community Engagement Program hosted by Las Comadres Para Las Americas.
In her spare time, Erica enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family, friends, and her adorable yorkie William.
