WIL Why: Meet Erika Hammond
We are thrilled to feature Erika Hammond, city clerk for the City of Columbia. She shares her success in managing boards and commissions for the city and how SC WIL helped her in her leadership path. Hear from Erika:
Tell us why you support WIL and chose to become a member.
Erika: I support SC WIL because they support me, and they are here to support you, too. After attending an orientation with WIL, I realized that I did not want to be on another board or run for office during this season. Instead of serving or running, I asked, “How can I support the women who do want to serve and run?” That led to me volunteering at networking and community events hosted by WIL. I learned a lot, and I saw the impact of WIL firsthand. I became a member because I support the mission. I want to see more women serving in leadership roles in the state of South Carolina and the nation.
Why is it important for women to lead?
Erika: Women bring innate qualities to the table. We are like Swiss Army knives; we are resourceful. Women are creative, resilient, and emotionally intelligent. If you want to shift the trajectory of your organization, elevate a woman to your executive leadership team. I have seen the city of Columbia grow exponentially under female leadership complemented by supportive and strong men.
How has SC WIL helped you along your leadership path?
Erika: Over a decade ago, I managed the boards and commissions for the city of Columbia. I understood how difficult it was to manage the internal process. Most importantly, I knew that the volunteer opportunities were not equally accessible. In 2019, I was asked to help with the implementation of MatchBoard. This was my first introduction to SC WIL. It was great to see a multi-partisan organization take the lead in creating a system not just for the citizens of Columbia but for every state, county, and municipality in South Carolina. We collaborated on the implementation of MatchBoard for the city of Columbia. Asking elected officials and citizens to try something new really honed my leadership skills. I had to lead change and transition for a lot of folks who still prefer to use a paper application. I would send emails and text messages. I would make phone calls, but then I was asked to share my experience with other jurisdictions, professional associations and the media. Managing this project instantly made me the subject matter expert. Recently, I knew it was time for me to shift. After all, leadership is about sharing what you know, delegating with clarity, and allowing others to lead. Now, I am poised for something new.
What would you want future female leaders to know?
Erika: “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.” – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
That’s what I want every future female leader to know. There will be times when you will second guess everything, but you should always affirm and say out loud these nice things to you and about you…no matter how it may sound.
And lastly, why would you encourage others to become a WIL member?
Erika: You may not have the desire to serve on a board or to run for office. However, there will come a time in your life when you dream of doing what may seem impossible, and SC WIL will be here to help you see that fulfilling your dream of service unto others is possible. For $25, you can join an amazing cause that only requires as much as you are willing to give.
Thank you, Erika, for your service, support, and advocacy of SC WIL!