ALL ABOUT
ERIKA SETTLES
Sharing our stories heals ourselves, our families, and our communities. Vulnerability and truth-telling in safe spaces creates bridges, fosters connection, and opens doors for collective healing and growth.
WHAT I BELIEVE IN
As a neurodivergent cycle breaker, I am passionate about telling stories of identity, resilience, and transformation. F*ck the status quo. Reimagining possibilities brings me joy. Through writing, advocacy, and education, I create spaces where people can share their stories, honor their identities, and contribute to collective transformation.
WHAT I DO
I'm Erika, a writer, social worker, and mama to four. A second-gen Mexican American, Latine, Latinx, Brown AF; take your pick. I'm a late-diagnosed ADHDer with an inconclusive autism diagnosis, learning to embrace the messy middle. I believe autonomy and self-determination are fundamental human needs, essential for meaningful connection and community. Anything less is inhumane.
WHO i AM
THE BASICS
Thirteen years ago, I was an evangelical Christian and undiagnosed neurodivergent. Add trauma to the mix, and you have a most unholy trinity. Even as a first-generation college graduate, I found myself unemployed and homeless with four young kids. Lost and uncertain, we took our lives to the road, living and traveling in a van. That journey changed everything.
HOW IT STARTED
2011
At the end of it all, the road led me home to myself. I left behind survival mode and stepped into autonomy—departing from religion, marriage, and anything that demanded I shrink. Now, I own a home where my children and I embrace rest, care, and belonging. I honor my needs instead of fighting them. Through writing, speaking, and advocacy, I've created the freedom to explore and be my full self.
HOW IT'S GOING
2025
ROOTED IN AUTONOMY
I don't just tell stories--I create spaces for others to reclaim theirs. When we let go of others' narratives for our lives and embrace our own, we begin to heal.
GROWING IN COMMUNITY
Healing lays the foundation. When we heal ourselves, we heal our communities. When we heal our communities, we heal ourselves.
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