Ericka Dunlap
Diversity Advocate, Writer, Motivational Speaker, Entertainer, Former Miss America and Amazing Racer
Ericka Dunlap first rose to national acclaim when she was crowned Miss America 2004 on the iconic runway in Atlantic City. However, that was not the first time she excited headlines. Mere months before, Ericka captured a significant part of history by breaking the color barrier as the first Black woman titled Miss Florida in…
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Full Bio
Ericka Dunlap first rose to national acclaim when she was crowned Miss America 2004 on the iconic runway in Atlantic City. However, that was not the first time she excited headlines. Mere months before, Ericka captured a significant part of history by breaking the color barrier as the first Black woman titled Miss Florida in the 68-year history of the program.
She leverages her voice as a national ambassador and community leader on issues ranging from veterans affairs to LGBT equities to homelessness. She is an advocate for youth excellence, enhanced quality of life for seniors, global women’s entrepreneurship, mental health wellness, small business support, career creation, restoration of rights & job sustainability, positive values and for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
Ericka Dunlap is a native of Orlando who first rose to national acclaim when she was crowned Miss America 2004 on the historic runway of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Just a few short months before, Ericka was a student at the University of Central Florida when she captured a part of history by breaking the color barrier and becoming the first and only Black woman to be crowned Miss Florida in the 80+ year history of Florida’s most prestigious pageant.
As a community leader, and recognized as a notable “first” in various facets of her life, she models excellence that she hopes motivates others to persevere. Her aim is to offer common sense solutions to the problems facing District 5, where she and her family have been residents the majority of her life.
Over the past 14 years, she has created numerous opportunities for her influence and relationships to reshape the common misconception of the integral role of a Miss America. What remains constant about Ericka Dunlap is her genuine love for her hometown. Above and beyond her year of service as Miss America, Ericka has grown through years of expertise in various industries and utilizes each of those tools as assets to leading her teams and implementing her vision for District 5 and the City of Orlando.
Ericka is the Founder of the Crown Jewel Foundation, a philanthropic organization that invests in other local organizations that support the needs of young women and encourages them to boldly CREATE their futures and overcome the obstacle of mediocrity.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Get OUT of the Box!
Nobody is born a bigot! Prejudice is a learned behavior. And it is with this mindset that we are able to make positive changes to our lifestyles and viewpoints that are most affected by our differences. In this discussion, Ericka highlights the frequently untapped areas of diversity to enlighten the audience on how to think outside of the box and gain a better understanding of the need for inclusive behavior. Great for community and corporate training.
Attention to Attitude
It has been proven time and time again that your attitude will determine your actions and your actions will determine your accomplishments! In this presentation, Ericka highlights several keys to maintaining a successful attitude in order to achieve optimal results in your workplace and home-life.
Diversity & Disparities in Healthcare
A specific focus on the disproportion and misconceptions commonly associated with low-income and international patients. Ms. Dunlap shares gathered information from her many travels and in-depth interactions with diverse audiences the world over. She also highlights experiences of being raised by an RN, her motherFran, who would often enlighten young Ericka on daily interactions with her patients and the importance of giving 100% to the care of the patient regardless of the cultural barriers.
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