Hi, I’m Erika (she/her). I love finding ways to link people, networks, and ideas at the intersection of journalism and technology. I’m an experienced nonprofit leader, and especially love supporting small organizations in finding creative, values-based paths to financial and organizational sustainability.

My work often takes the form of facilitation, convening, strategizing, fundraising, budget planning, and other forms of network connection and analysis. Community organizing groups in Philadelphia informed this work, showing me how collective action can reshape systems, wield power, and alter how we relate to and support one another.

I’m currently co-director at Open Parliament TV, and I’m very slowly completing a Master’s degree. In my research, I am looking at the concept of “boundary spanners”—people like me who enjoy building and following connections—within journalism and how this orientation may position people to feel more able (or more urgency) to disrupt the status quo.

Ways we could collaborate

I’m now living in a new city and continent, and I am interested to find new ways I can learn and contribute. In the past that has taken the form of volunteer committee work (fundraising, finance, financial accessibility, community grantmaking), leadership and fundraising coaching, and event design and facilitation.

If you’re interested in similar questions or might have ideas about possible collaborations, please reach out or find a time to chat.

Third person bio (if you happen to need one!)

Erika Owens is Co-Director at Open Parliament TV. Previously, Erika was Co-Director at OpenNews, where she supported a thriving network and created inclusive, caring spaces for the journalism-tech community. Her adroit community work was instrumental in establishing OpenNews as a leader in how to foster and sustain networks.

She also serves on the board of the Movement Alliance Project (formerly Media Mobilizing Project), has trained as a donor organizer through the Giving Project at Bread and Roses Community Fund, and recently completed a John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University. Previously, Erika was web editor at the Philadelphia Public School Notebook. From tutoring in the D.C. Public Schools to voter outreach to mission-driven journalism, each area of her work has reinforced the importance of building and strengthening relationships. She is based in Sheffield, UK and loves nonprofit journalism, people watching, and laughing heartily.