Erica Strunk

Erica Strunk is an accomplished American entrepreneur, advocate, and cosmetologist based in Illinois and Oklahoma. With a vibrant family life, a steadfast commitment to advocacy, and notable achievements in both her personal and professional journeys, Erica is recognized for her resilience, leadership, and heartfelt support of causes related to autism and neurofibromatosis. Her inspirational transformation and sustained passion for health, family, and community engagement have defined her as a multifaceted and influential figure in her community.

Erica Strunk was born in central Illinois and raised in Oklahoma. Her upbringing was marked by resilience, tenacity, and close-knit family bonds. Among the defining moments of her childhood was witnessing her mother's strength and determination in holding the family together after Erica's stepfather suffered a severe aneurysm stroke. This experience deeply impressed upon Erica the values of hard work, perseverance, and striving for excellence in every aspect of life.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Erica's formative years were filled with both challenges and opportunities that contributed to her perfectionist nature. The lessons her mother imparted during trying times guided Erica not only through her early education but also formed the foundation of her approach to adulthood and parenthood.

Erica graduated from high school in 1995. Soon after, she took on the responsibilities of single parenthood at the age of 19, balancing the demands of work and family life. Erica pursued higher education while working full-time, demonstrating a commendable determination to shape a better future for herself and her child. She obtained her degree in Business Management in 2009, a milestone that marked the beginning of a prolific career as an entrepreneur.

At the age of 21, Erica earned her cosmetology license, launching her lifelong career in the beauty industry. Her relentless drive and business acumen led her to operate her own business for over 25 years, servicing clients and building strong relationships in the communities of Illinois and Oklahoma.

Throughout her adult life, Erica has balanced multiple roles—cosmetologist, entrepreneur, advocate, wife, and mother. In addition to running her cosmetology business, she found purpose in working professionally in Early Intervention, a role that allowed her to guide and support other parents of children with developmental delays and disabilities. Erica is also a passionate special education advocate, leveraging her personal experiences to effect tangible change in her community.

Her leadership and dedication have been recognized by her peers and local organizations. Notably, Erica received an award from the Tazewell County Health Department in Illinois for her exemplary work in starting a parent support group and for her leadership in fostering community and advocacy for special needs families.

Outside of work, Erica and her family love to travel, especially to the beach during summers or to remarkable destinations such as Italy, where she enjoyed an unforgettable trip with her son. At home, the family finds joy in spending time together by their backyard pool, sharing laughs, and enjoying the outdoors in their carefully cultivated oasis. Erica is an outgoing, witty individual with a love for laughter, good times, and treasured moments with loved ones.

She is also passionate about causes related to both autism awareness and the rare genetic disorder neurofibromatosis, which affects her daughters. A dog lover, Erica enjoys daily walks with her pets, embracing each new day with vitality and enthusiasm.

Family is central to Erica's identity and emotional wellbeing. After starting her journey as a young, single mother, Erica remarried in her early thirties. Her husband, a dedicated commander at the Tazewell County Sheriff's Department, has been a steadfast partner as they navigated the ups and downs of life together.

Erica is a proud mother of three children: an adult son, who now has his own family and has made Erica a grandmother, and two teenage daughters, aged 16 and 15. Her daughters, both diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, are a continual source of inspiration, joy, and learning. Erica's commitment to her family is evident in the way her professional and personal pursuits have always centered on their wellbeing. The arrival of her youngest daughter, who has special needs and an autism diagnosis, dramatically reshaped Erica's advocacy work and inspired her to support and empower other families facing similar challenges.

In recent years, Erica embarked on a remarkable personal transformation, losing over 100 pounds and embracing health, wellness, and fitness as cornerstones of her lifestyle. Her motivation was a sincere desire to feel comfortable in her own skin and to experience true health for the first time as an adult. Under the guidance of a nutritionist, Erica adopted new dietary habits—such as starting every day with a protein shake—and became disciplined in her approach to food and exercise.

Rather than viewing her wellness journey as a temporary fix, Erica has woven it into her life's fabric, incorporating morning walks, yoga, and strength training into her daily routine, despite the sedentary nature of her professional life. Her commitment to continuous personal growth is unwavering, with a consistent forward-looking perspective and a resolve never to revert to old habits.

Looking ahead, Erica aspires to further support health and wellness causes, deepen her advocacy work, and continue providing for her family and community. Her dreams center around living vibrantly, supporting her loved ones, and encouraging acceptance and awareness for individuals with developmental differences or disabilities.