Who is erika lucas?
Erika Lucas is an entrepreneur, investor, and fierce advocate for women, small businesses, and economic reform. She is best known for asking and answering the question: "How can we build a more inclusive economy that truly supports women and small business owners?"
To help solve that challenge, Erika founded StitchCrew, an organization that connects small business owners with the capital, resources, and networks they need to grow.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women professionals and entrepreneurs, she also launched VEST—a private network and investment fund for women.
She is also the host of the VEST Her Podcast, a show exploring the invisible barriers holding women back socially, economically and at work.
what is StitchCrew?
After a successful career in economic development and private equity, Erika Lucas launched StitchCrew to answer a critical question: How can we level the playing field for historically overlooked entrepreneurs and small business owners?
Founded with a mission to build a more inclusive and equitable economy, StitchCrew has become a nationally recognized organization for advocating and democratizing access to capital, resources, and networks for women and minority owned small business owners.
StitchCrew’s impact has attracted collaborations with leading organizations, including the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), BASF, and Google, along with public sector agencies and philanthropic foundations committed to equity and entrepreneurship.
what is VEST?
In response to the persistent inequities women face in the workplace, Erika Lucas founded VEST— a peer network and investment fund designed to advance women’s leadership, career growth, and economic power.
VEST offers year-round executive coaching, professional development, and a supportive community for women professionals navigating careers across industries. Beyond mentorship and community, VEST also operates an investment fund focused on backing women-led companies, helping close the gender gap in access to capital.
By combining leadership development with direct investment, VEST is reimagining what it means to support women at every stage of their careers and entrepreneurial journeys.
what is the vest her podcast?
The VEST Her Podcast is a show uncovering the invisible barriers holding women back socially, economically, and at work. Through candid conversations and expert insights, we explore the systemic challenges women face and the bold strategies required to break through them.
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