Erika Donalds

Erika Donalds is an education entrepreneur and policy leader who has served as an elected school board member, university trustee, advisor to national education organizations, and Chair of Education Opportunity at America First Policy Institute. She is the founder and chairman of the immersive ed-tech company, OptimaEd, as well as the Education Freedom Foundation, which works to expand high-quality school choice options and improve accountability in education. Drawing on 20 years as a financial services executive, Erika brings operational expertise, strategic vision, and a proven track record of governance reform to the causes she champions. She is a senior advisor at BHA Strategy, guiding clients in advancing mission-driven initiatives with precision, message discipline, and long-term impact. A frequent national speaker and commentator, Erika has contributed to policy efforts through service on Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission, Governor DeSantis’ Advisory Committee on Education and Workforce Development, and numerous education and policy boards. Erika holds degrees in accounting from Florida State University and Florida Atlantic University, and she resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband, Congressman Byron Donalds, and their three sons.