About Erica.

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Erica M. Benavides is an Latina entrepreneur that has been recognized as an industry leader in enhancing company visibility and developing strategic marketing initiatives.

Erica currently serves as Owner of The Colao Group, LLC and is the co-founder of Don't Forget The Music. She also speaks publicly about her personal and professional triumphs and trials under Head Up, Head Forward.

For the past 15 years, Erica’s passion has been improving the quality of life for the underserved- primarily budding entrepreneurs and people of color in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. 

Prior to joining the exciting world of self-employment, Erica worked in Economic Development (City), Non-Profit Management, Food Insecurity and Poverty, Healthcare Reform, Education Reform, Creative Economic Development (specifically in the Music Industry)and served as a Registered Lobbyist in DC.

Through her work, Erica has led local and national Creative Economy Initiatives, Community Development Initiatives, Latino Initiatives, Youth Initiatives, and Worksite Wellness Initiatives- developing and implementing sustainable outreach programs while guiding organizations on funding strategies for successful program implementation. 

She has worked alongside 85 school districts in South Texas, directly educated over 40,000 children, worked alongside 800 school district personnel, employed over 160 creatives throughout Texas, consulted an array of start-ups, non-profits, and businesses, AND has proudly raised over $26M for Texas non-profit organizations. 

Erica has also been a member of the San Antonio Writers Guild, Gemini Ink, the Latino Breakfast Club and the National Hispanic Professional Organization. She has been blessed to speak and moderate forums at UTSA’s Music Biz Day. She donates musical services every month to the Executive Book Review and her businesses actively support the San Antonio Food Bank, Clarity Guidance Center, The MS Society-Lonestar Chapter, Fiesta Youth, and Dress for Success. Over the years, Erica has also been active with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate and former team leader of the Alex E. Briseno Leadership Development Program. Other civic group involvements include: Health Care for Every Child (HCEC), Steps to a Healthier San Antonio, Movimiento San Antonio, the Urban Future Lab, and San Antonio Sound Garden. She is also one of the founders and the past President of the Southside ISD Foundation.

Mrs. Benavides was born in Lubbock, Texas but spent most of her years on San Antonio’s South Side. Erica attended St. Mary’s University and Our Lady of the Lake University, where she studied English. She thoroughly enjoys reading and brushing up on Politics. She is the proud wife of a disabled-American Veteran and the mother of six beautiful children.