Erika Chavarria shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Erika, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently we took my granddaughter and godson (both almost 5 yrs old) to a farm to get pumpkins. We took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and told the kids on the way that they could have only 2 pumpkins each. As soon as we got to the pumpkin patch the kids started throwing every single little pumpkin or gourd they could find into our cart. They clearly “forgot” about the 2 pumpkins rule! We had to keep tossing them out when they weren’t looking while they excitedly continued filling our cart up to the max! It was so cute and funny to watch, and it made us all laugh through our frustration!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erika Strauss Chavarria, and I’m the Founder and Executive Director of Columbia Community Care (CCC), a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Howard County, Maryland. I started CCC in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic as a direct community response to the hunger and inequity my students and their families faced. What began as a small mutual aid effort has grown into a powerful, volunteer-driven movement that now provides year-round hunger relief, essential resources, and empowerment programs for thousands of residents across the county.
What makes CCC truly unique is that we are intentional about eliminating barriers to access. We don’t require ID, proof of need, or an application process because we believe that dignity and care should never come with conditions. We also provide translators and delivery services to ensure that language, mobility, or transportation challenges never prevent someone from receiving support. Everything we do is grounded in the values of equity, justice, and belonging.
Before founding CCC, I spent thirteen years as a high school Spanish teacher, which deeply influenced my commitment to justice and community empowerment. I hold degrees in Political Science and Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s from the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Towson University.
I’m also a nationally recognized speaker on anti-racism, restorative justice, and equity in education. I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible education justice icons, while also sharing my experiences and insights with educators, organizations, and communities across the country, always emphasizing the importance of compassion, accountability, and collective care in creating lasting systemic change.
Right now, we’re working toward one of our most exciting and transformational goals yet, the creation of a 65,000-square-foot community center, a dream I’ve held for over a decade. This space will be a hub for connection, learning, healing, and empowerment a place where our young people and entire community can thrive together.
CCC has been recognized as the Best Volunteer Organization in Howard County and received the Rise to the Challenge Award, but our greatest success is the community we’ve built, one rooted in compassion, solidarity, and hope.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was absolutely positive that I would be the first female major league baseball player. Now, I have to accept the fact that my childhood dream won’t be a reality. My dad introduced me to baseball as a toddler and I was hooked. I played in an all boys baseball league throughout middle and high school and I was really good. I even tried out for the baseball team at my high school but was ultimately cut because they said that girls couldn’t play, even though I was better than half the team. So my dreams of becoming an MLB star are off in the wind!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Your body type, your hair, and your features are also beautiful. I was so self-conscious because I didn’t fit the societal perfect image of beauty. Even though I had parents who poured into me and tried to block me from outside influences on my self-esteem, I still constantly criticized my (athletic) body because I wasn’t skinny. I was desperate to have straight flowing blonde hair, not my black thick curls. It took many years to accept myself for who I was and accept my features, hair, body, etc. I still struggle with this honestly, its a daily work in progress. But I wish I had had the ability to say that to my younger self.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
In terms of my work, my morals and values, and what I advocate for, yes. My job requires me to be very public, out and about, and networking. However, I am actually an introvert at heart. Big crowds and small talk give me anxiety and make me very nervous. I much prefer being in a small setting with a few people and being able to have a conversation over a nice meal, good drinks, and good music. I also love spending time alone cuddled on my couch watching mindless shows or reading.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am surrounded by my family, best friend, and chosen family and I can be my real self. I also feel most at peace at the beach or in the desert, complete opposite environments, but both feed my soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://columbiacommunitycare.org/
- Instagram: @columbiacommunitycare
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-chavarria-68bb081/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807588256400584/
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