You have everything you need inside of you.
Erica Cooper
Meet Erica
Entrepreneur, Author, Veteran, Master Certified Life Coach, Mum, Volunteer and Motivational Speaker.
Hello! Thanks for stopping by! If you're here, you may be in a space of confusion. Maybe you feel like you want to make a change in your life, but you're not sure where to start? I've been in this space a time or two. I grew up in a single parent home and I never met my father. My Mum and I had a rather complicated relationship and I found myself yearning for a connection with my dad. While I'm confident my Mum loved me deeply, I recognize the way she showed love was not in line with how I receive it. Because of this, we had a complicated relationship. Growing up, I felt unworthy, that I deserved to be judged, that I was incapable of being successful, and that I didn't deserve to be happy or loved. These feelings followed me into my adult life. What I didn't realize was the way I saw myself, significantly impacted how I walked through life. It affected how I allowed others to treat me and how other's ultimately saw me (in terms of what I brought to the table). It also played a huge role in my happiness/success (or lack thereof). I remember hearing people judge my Mum for being a single parent and it made me very sad. In reality, her husband left her to raise six kids and she was merely doing everything she could to care of us. As a single parent, a women and of color who received welfare/government assisted housing on Cape Cod, Massachusetts...I'm sure that wasn't easy. I'm in awe at how she managed to keep her head up..
When I was eighteen years old, I joined the U.S Air Force and retired after 24 years of service. Best decision of my life! The opportunities, growth and maturing I experienced, I don't think I would've had if I stayed home. While it was an honor to serve, it didn't come without conflict and trauma and I am now a disabled veteran. Still, if asked, I'd do it all again. One highlight of my career was serving at the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) in direct support of the President of the United States from 2008-2013, and the reason for the collaboration with Anthony Knopps in the recent publication of "The No-Fail Mission" The Men and Women Behind the Presidential Service Badge (more about that below). I hold a Master's degree in Business Management and Organizational Development with a minor in Security Management. I received my Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and my Master Professional Life Coach Certification from the Certified Life Coach Institute. I am also an active member of the International Coaching Federation and the International Coaching Federation Pittsburgh Charter Chapter.
Being a disabled veteran, a woman and of color, I know firsthand how challenging life can be. I've been judged, mistreated, misunderstood, and disrespected. More because of the way I look and not because of what I've contributed to my table of life. My successes have been ignored while my failures amplified. There were days when I wondered if anyone would see the real me. Experiencing this type of judgement/behavior made me feel overwhelmed and I lost sight of the goals I set for myself both personally and professionally. This contributed to me hitting my version of "rock bottom". Through a lot of hard work, therapy and with a new commitment to myself, I'm proud to say I've rebuilt myself from the inside out. And I like who I am today!
As I experienced my most difficult moments, I remember wishing that I had someone to assist me in maneuvering through. At the time, my therapist could only help me to understanding/manage my feelings/emotions. I didn't have someone to guide me through a process to get from where I was to where I wanted to be. So, I struggled and learned by trial and error. It would've been so much easier to have someone guiding me from start to finish. It wasn't until I successfully got to a place of success for myself that I realized what I was capable of and what I can be for others. Now, I want to dedicate my life to helping others.
I absolutely believe in you. And, I would be honored to walk beside you as you embark on your incredible journey.
Stop. Dream of the possibilities. Take a deep breath and let's start this journey together!
THE NO-FAIL MISSION
The Men and Women Behind the Presidential Service Badge
As previously discussed, I was honored to contribute to "The No Fail Mission" The Men and Women Behind the Presidential Service Badge by Anthony Knopps. It was the second biggest honor of my life (professionally). The first being selected to serve the Office of the President of the United States. What makes this opportunity so significant is, the top 1% of each military branch are handpicked to serve in this prestigious position. To be chosen means you are at the top of your professional game. One selected, it's up to you to determine how successful you will be. It was so amazing to work with people who genuinely wanted to perform and exceed the expectations of the White House and Agency. We genuinely cared for and supported each others' wins and losses. I've found it rare to have such support outside of the military. But, I understand the need for it, so we can all excel. I want to commit this phase of my life to supporting YOU!
The No-Fail Mission was born when Anthony decided to highlight the individuals who supported the Office of the President of the United States behind the scenes...the Presidential Service Badge (PSB) Holders. Creating this platform allowed ordinary people to tell a story about extraordinary moments while serving the President. In each Chapter, the PSB holder discusses personal experiences while serving the Office of the President, Vice President, and First Lady of the United States, the Secret Service and Senior White House Staff. They ten chapters are intriguing, exciting, hilarious, emotional and beautiful. Serving the Office of the President was by far the biggest honor and most exciting professional accomplishment of my professional career. However, serving in such an amazing position didn't come without huge sacrifices.
In Chapter One, "#Boston Strong" I speak about supporting the Presidential trip to Boston after the Boston Marathon Bombing. How it affected my family, Boston, myself. What it felt like to be home during such a devastating time. I spoke about how vital it was/is to be resilient, hard working, and to be willing to embrace change even in times of devastation. That working hard in good times and bad can and will get you to a place of happiness, contentment and positive results. I hope you enjoy this awesome read!
