Erica Andrade
Community Advocate | J.C. Harmon High School | Class of 1996
Erica Andrade is President and CEO of El Centro, Inc., where she leads an organization dedicated to strengthening families and creating opportunities within the Kansas City community. Born in South Texas and raised by an immigrant mother from Guanajuato, Mexico, Erica moved to Kansas City, Kansas at age 15 and graduated from J.C. Harmon High School in 1996. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Kansas in 2001 and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2019.
Erica began her career with El Centro shortly after graduating from KU and has served the organization for more than two decades. Before becoming President and CEO in 2023, she held leadership roles in adult education, patient navigation, and program operations. Her career reflects a deep commitment to educational access, health equity, and responsive services for Latino families and other underserved communities. Through steady leadership and strong community relationships, Erica continues to invest in the city she has called home since high school.
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