Erika Lucas

Erika Lucas is a Latina entrepreneur, investor, and economic equity advocate recognized as the co-founder and CEO of StitchCrew, an organization focused on building a more equitable economy by connecting traditionally overlooked entrepreneurs with capital, resources, and social networks. After a career in economic development and private equity, Lucas launched StitchCrew to expand access to capital and resources for underrepresented founders. StitchCrew has supported more than 220 women- and minority-owned startups and has partnered with global brands such as the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, BASF, and Google, as well as government agencies and philanthropic organizations.

Before founding StitchCrew, Lucas developed a career spanning international business, government, and finance. She began by facilitating the establishment and operation of international manufacturing companies in Mexico. Lucas later served as deputy director for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, overseeing the Global Investment and Trade Division. Prior to launching StitchCrew and VEST, she was a partner at a private equity firm with investments in the United States and Europe. This experience across capital markets, government policy, and international commerce informs her perspective on economic systems and the barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Lucas founded StitchCrew out of frustration with the lack of funding and bias toward women and people of color seeking to start high-growth businesses, particularly in regions outside major coastal hubs. In partnership with the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, StitchCrew operates an accelerator program that connects entrepreneurs with the capital, resources, and networks needed to launch and scale businesses.

Lucas serves as a board director and finance chair for the Oklahoma City County Health Department, vice chair and board director for the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and as a board member for Arvest Bank.

In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women in the workforce, Lucas launched VEST, a peer network for women professionals, and established VEST Her Ventures to invest in women-led companies. She also hosts the "VEST Her Podcast," which examines the barriers shaping women's economic advancement. Lucas is a public speaker whose TED Talk, "America's Trillion Dollar Blindspot," is recognized in the venture capital industry for addressing the funding gap for women and entrepreneurs of color. She delivers keynotes, workshops, and facilitated conversations for corporate and civic audiences on economic power, systems change, and leadership, positioning her as a leading voice on inclusive entrepreneurship and equitable economic growth.