Erik is an Urban Planner who specializes in transportation and city planning. He says that architects design buildings and structures, and Planners design cities. What excites him about planning is that designing a new bus line, or a sidewalk, a crosswalk, or even a bus stop has a direct impact on making the day-to-day experiences of people easier. But planners have a responsibility to advocate for improvements and policies that accomplish the goal of making life better for people.
He’s become a planner who focuses on how zero emission transportation technology and design can improve people’s lives. Erik believes whole-heartedly in the fight against climate change and the urgent need to do something about it.
The Story Behind the Headshot
Author’s note: You may have noticed that Erik didn’t go with the conventional Member Spotlight headshot! The last time Erik had taken headshots, it was a difficult time in his life and he was struggling with his health. His new headshots reveal a radically different person. “I look younger and healthier, but also happier”. The photographer wanted to have some fun with silly pictures to celebrate how his life had improved.
Erik hadn’t intended to keep any of them, but when he saw this one, he thought it was so silly, so light-hearted, and conveyed how much had changed – exactly as the photographer had intended! So this is Erik, celebrating how far he’s come.
Extracurriculars
Erik has lived in eight countries and traveled to about 20 additional countries. Traveling is his passion; he believes that traveling by train in any country gives you a feel for its culture. Part of his regular routine includes sampling the extensive culturally-authentic menu options found around the Frederick area!
Why we love Erik
Erik came breezing into our lives on an Open Coworking Day and was immediately up for skipping the small talk to truly connect. Any break room conversations where he is involved typically have major depth to them – and if not, it will still be the most entertaining thing you’ve heard in a month. If you like to try “exotic” snacks, he’s your guy. He always has some kind of treat from around the globe, and it’s often paired with a story about an experience or a memory associated with living in that country. It’s inspiring to be around someone who cares so much about bettering the human experience. There is such purpose around Erik!
Q&A with Erik
How did you get into Urban Planning?
Advocacy for communities and cities is at the center of planning. My path to becoming a planner started when I was a community organizer for the Obama campaign in 2007 and 2008. I was a field organizer working for the campaign in North Carolina, and my days were spent registering people to vote, talking to people in neighborhoods, and hearing about their challenges and the impact even small changes or improvements (and policy) could have on the people who lived in those spaces.
After the campaign, I decided not to continue on with community organizing and wasn’t sure what to do with my life. My folks talked me into going to a vocational testing center to find out what other careers I might enjoy. The testing I received pointed to either a career as a lawyer or an urban planner. The need to be an advocate was one aspect of that result, but also having the opportunity to see my work physically take shape would be satisfying and gratifying.
And the rest is history.
What inspires you and keeps you going?
I learned as a community organizer that every person can create change in their lives. One small action can make a difference in someone’s life, but hundreds or thousands of those small actions taken together can change the course of history. I am inspired by the idea that I am one of those people who, through my actions, can create change. In my workplace, that means making a city, or a town, or a bus stop a better place. In my personal life, it’s about always growing as a person. That type of potential for change is what inspires me the most about life.
Cowork Frederick members tend to be a little unconventional. How does that apply to you?
This isn’t unconventional, but I view it as the core piece of my lifestyle: My career is my calling. I need to know that what I do is making a difference in people’s lives, and that knowledge is incredibly fulfilling. I look for work that I feel meets that need but am less focused on the “five year plan” and more so on “does the work matter”. How do I feel about it when I go to bed at night and get up in the morning?
I try to take a “go with the flow” approach to life. Growing up overseas taught me the importance of keeping an open mind and being open to new experiences. I try to challenge myself to try new things and not stagnate in my life. That’s one of the things I love most about traveling. It removes you from your comfort zone, and you can find yourself thinking about the world differently, just by visiting a place where you don’t speak the language and eating food that is unique. I also love riding transit systems when traveling, but that’s because I’m a transportation planning geek.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Curiosity. I mentioned that growth and change are two principles that guide my life. I would never have done half the things I did, were it not for being curious. Curiosity moves us to take risks. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t, but curiosity helps us grow and become a better (hopefully) version of ourselves. But I also think exploring and being open-minded to learning new things keeps us humble. Everyone is flawed in some way; no one knows everything, and I think the reminder that there is so much each of us has to learn and see reminds us not to stagnate, become complacent, or fail to at least try to understand a different point of view.
What is something you’ve done lately that positively impacted your success?
I have struggled as a neurodivergent individual who needs accommodations in the workplace and recently took the important step of developing a formalized accommodations request/template that I can use in any workplace. Requesting accommodations in the workplace is incredibly stressful and there is a dearth of practical guidance on how to approach it.
Why Cowork Frederick?
Cowork is more than just a workplace. It’s a community with its own values, support, and outlook. I love doing my work at Cowork, but I’ve met some of the most wonderful people in my life at Cowork Frederick. I come for the workspace, but stay for the community.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
I’m a little old fashioned in that I prefer chatting with people in person. I’m always game to grab coffee or lunch. If people have questions or want to chat I’m more than happy to meet in person.