Erika Alexander is one of the most magnetic and versatile figures in American culture — a beloved actress, award-winning producer, director, writer, and creative force whose work bridges entertainment, entrepreneurship, and public impact. With a career spanning over four decades, she brings powerful insight and lived experience to conversations on leadership, storytelling, and transformation.
Erika is beloved for her iconic acting roles, most notably as Maxine Shaw on Living Single, a character that remains a cultural touchstone decades later. Her screen work includes American Fiction, Get Out, Black Lightning, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Shining Girls, and the Sundance-featured Earth Mama. With every performance, she brings intelligence, depth, and undeniable presence to the screen.
She is the co-founder of Color Farm Media, a trailblazing company working to reimagine media and democracy through inclusive storytelling. Her directing debut, The Big Payback, premiered at the Tribeca Festival and aired nationally on PBS. She also co-created and produced Finding Tamika, the DuPont-Columbia Award-nominated Audible Original named Best True Crime Series of 2022, and served as producer of John Lewis: Good Trouble, the NAACP Image Award-winning and Emmy-nominated documentary.
A sought-after speaker and public thinker, Erika offers rich, story-driven dialogue on personal evolution, media and tech, resilience, communication, and cultural influence. She currently serves on the board of One Fair Wage and partners with leading organizations including the Poor People’s Campaign, Color of Change, and UNCF.
Whether on screen, behind the camera, or in front of an audience, Erika Alexander continues to shape culture, spark dialogue, and lead with legacy.
Legacy in the Making: Art, Identity, and Owning Your Power
A candid conversation on building a meaningful life and career while staying rooted in purpose, creativity, and clarity. Erika shares lessons from growing up in a working-class Black family, navigating Hollywood as a young actress, and evolving into a cultural force behind the camera. A deeply human look at voice, vision, and legacy.
Breaking the Mold: Creative Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World
Leadership looks different when you’re breaking barriers instead of following the blueprint. In this dynamic conversation, Erika shares how she’s stayed true to her voice while navigating power, pushing boundaries, and forging new paths across entertainment, entrepreneurship, and public dialogue. This talk is ideal for anyone reimagining leadership on their own terms.
Storytelling is Strategy: How Narrative Moves Culture and Drives Change
From the screen to the boardroom, stories shape how we lead, connect, and communicate. Erika explores the power of narrative as a tool for influence, clarity, and momentum — whether you’re growing a business, shaping a brand, or sharing a vision. A compelling session for anyone working in media, messaging, or movement building.
From Setbacks to Spotlight: What I’ve Learned About Resilience, Visibility, and Reinvention
Erika shares hard-earned insight from a life of breakthroughs and pivots — including what it takes to stay relevant, reimagine your purpose, and make your next chapter your strongest yet. This conversation speaks to anyone navigating uncertainty, burnout, or the desire to evolve without losing their spark.
Media, Technology & the Power of Representation
As a co-founder of Color Farm Media, Erika brings sharp insight into how media and tech shape identity, access, and influence. This session explores how new platforms can amplify unheard voices and why inclusion in storytelling is essential for relevance, innovation, and long-term impact.
The Art of Communication: Voice, Presence, and Connection
Part masterclass, part motivational conversation, Erika shares communication tools honed over decades in performance and public speaking. Whether presenting on stage or speaking up in a meeting, participants will walk away with techniques to show up with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
