Join Me on a Journey of Wellness and Community
Many of you know me through the last 20+ years of community organizing, activism, and the fight for justice — from education rights to immigrant rights, from campaign trails to direct actions. I’ve never stopped believing in the power of people to transform the world. And I still don’t.
But now, I’m walking into a new chapter — one that still holds those values close but centers something too often left out of movement spaces: healing. Tía Erika’s is my new offering — a space rooted in wellness, reflection, and nourishment of the whole self.
After years of giving everything I had — especially when I ran for office in Philly — I hit a wall. I was running on fumes, ignoring what my body was telling me, and the pace I kept could’ve taken me out entirely. Slowing down quite literally saved my life. It helped me heal in ways I didn’t know I needed. Since making that shift, I’ve lost over 100 pounds, learned to eat in a way that honors my health, reconnected with the land, and rebuilt daily habits that center intention, care, and joy.
But make no mistake — I haven’t left the fight.
I am still Erika: opinionated, political, and clear about what this moment demands. The difference is, now I want to serve as the space — the quiet, grounding place we all need to reflect, recharge, and realign so we can win the long game for our communities. Because we deserve to thrive, not just survive.
Why Tía Erika?
The name came easy. I’ve always been someone who nurtures. Whether as a mentor, a daughter of immigrants, an older sister, a step-mom, or simply your go-to Tía, I’ve spent my life tending to people and movements. I give love and care in a way that only your soul can feel — and that’s what this space is about. I want to continue being that Tía for anyone who needs it.
What You’ll Find Here
Tía Erika’s is a commitment to wholeness. This blog is where I’ll share the lessons, practices, and healing tools that have helped me reclaim my body, mind, and spirit. Some of what you’ll see:
🌱 Wellness Journey – How slowing down helped me heal, and the body-positive practices I use to listen to what my body actually needs.
🌿 Mindful Gardening – Growing food and medicine that reconnects us with the earth and our ancestors.
🥖 Sourdough Baking – A practice of patience, nourishment, and creativity.
☕ Slow Brew Rituals – Turning coffee and yerba mate into sacred daily moments of presence and care.
I’m sharing this not as an expert, but as someone who is learning, unlearning, and growing — and who wants to walk alongside you in that journey. Let’s build a future where wellness is part of the work, not separate from it.
Follow along @tia.erikas and come visit me at my pop-ups — where you’ll find my sourdough loaves (including Latin-inspired flavors like guava & cheese, dulce de leche, and jalapeño cheddar), brown butter sourdough cookies, and even treats for your pupdog for now.
Con carin,
Erika (aka Tía Erika)
