Erika Helms

Erika Helms "has served as the executive director of the Jane Goodall Institute in China since the beginning of 2006. JGI China is focused on environmental education through the Roots & Shoots Program, which is already in more than 400 schools and universities across China and continues to expand. Dr. Jane Goodall herself travels to China every year to spread her message that every individual can make a difference in improving our world. Erika works with Dr. Goodall and manages JGI Programs in China: guiding the development of new initiatives and expansion in Sichuan, implementing fundraising, and overseeing offices in Beijing and Chengdu.

"Erika has been living in China for more than 10 years. Prior to JGI China, Erika served as the China Program Coordinator for the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), in Kunming, Yunnan Province; Executive Assistant to the Director of TVE International's (Television Trust for the Environment) projects in China, based in Beijing; and five years working in Beijing as TV News Producer for two international news channels.

"Erika has a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs; obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Johns Hopkins University; and has completed an additional two years of full-time Chinese language study in China."