Erika takes the traditional romp in
the ocean to begin her first full day
as Miss America 2003

HOMETOWN - Urbana, IL

AGE - 23

EDUCATION

• Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Illinois
• 3-time member of the National Dean's List
• Accepted to Harvard Law School
• Recipient of more than $80,000 in Miss America Scholarship Assistance

AMBITION

• To pursue a career in the fields of Public Interest Law and Public Policy

PLATFORM

Preventing Youth Violence and Bullying: �Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself�

"As Miss America 2003, I am issuing a national call to action, challenging every segment of American society to take a proactive, comprehensive approach to eradicating the culture of violence and harassment that is pervasive. As a role model, I will also encourage young people to abstain from drugs, sex and alcohol and explain how this commitment helped me to protect, respect and define myself."

BACKGROUND & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Recipient of the first prize in Afro-American studies research paper competition
• University of Illinois Chancellor Scholar
• USA Today's All-USA College Academic Second Team
• National Spokesperson for the Teen Victims Project of the National Center for Victims of Crime
• National Board of Directors for the Center of Youth as Resources
• Advisory Council for the Empower Program
• National Advisory Board for Peace Games
• National Spokesperson for Fight Crime: Invest in Kids