Dr. Erika Marte (she/her/ella) is a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate with over 10 years of experience in the field of education. As a first-generation, low-income college graduate who immigrated from the Dominican Republic to the Bronx, Erika found refuge in education while remaining deeply aware of the systemic inequities students face both in and out of the classroom. This awareness has fueled her commitment to research and reform, driving her equity-oriented approach to teaching, mentoring, and guiding students through the P-20 educational pipeline.
In her role as Senior Director of College and Career Pathways at New Settlement, Erika continues to champion educational equity. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Latin American and Latinx Studies Department at John Jay College. Before joining John Jay, Erika worked at Fordham University’s Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and previously led the Girls Debate League as Program Director.
Erika holds a BA in Comparative Literature/Chinese, an MA in Educational Leadership and Advocacy, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from NYU. Her research focuses on the motivations, successes, and challenges of students navigating postsecondary education, with particular emphasis on low-income students of color. She believes that an analytical and equity-centered framework is essential for ensuring a thriving future for students, educational institutions, and communities.
