For Erika Gilman, giving back to her community is both a privilege and a priority. As a respected financial advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Erika has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to achieve their financial dreams. But her commitment to her community goes beyond helping people secure their personal futures. When the opportunity arose to join the Henry County Community Foundation’s board, Erika saw it as a chance to make a profound impact, helping to shape and strengthen her community for generations to come.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be able to live, work, and raise my family in this wonderful community,” Erika shared. “This community has always been so supportive of me and my family making giving back to it important to me.”
Growing up in the close-knit community of Cambridge City, Erika learned the true meaning of community. These early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of collective support and the importance of investing in the place you call home. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and her master’s from Ball State University, Erika channeled her passion for finance into a successful career, ultimately finding her professional home with Edward Jones in 2002.
Erika and her husband, Bob, chose New Castle as the place to build their life and raise their two children, Lauren and Scott. They recognized the strong sense of community and the opportunities it offered.
Serving on the Foundation’s board and finance committee perfectly aligned with Erika’s desire to contribute to the greater good. “I’m inspired by the idea of creating a lasting legacy through contributions to the Foundation,” she explains. “Being a part of creating and facilitating these ‘forever’ gifts, knowing they will continue to make a difference for generations, is incredibly fulfilling.”
Through her dedicated work with the Foundation, Erika plays a vital role in stewarding resources that have a tangible and positive impact on the community. She is deeply committed to building upon the incredible work that has already been accomplished, while also looking forward to expanding the Foundation’s reach and impact in the years to come. Erika envisions a future where the Foundation continues to be a catalyst for positive change, supporting vital programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents of Henry County. She sees her involvement as a way to not only give back to the community that has given her so much, but also to inspire others to join in the important work of building a brighter future for Henry County.