Erica Schmitz

Town: North Adams

Age: 27

Birth date: January 13, 1975

Birthplace: San Jose, Costa Rica

Occupation: Program Coordinator of UNITY (United, Neighboring, Interdependent Trusted Youth) at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. UNITY is dedicated to positive youth development through dialogue, community involvement, and in-depth arts experiences.

How I would describe myself: I’m independent, caring, committed to my work, and dedicated to my family and friends.

Current volunteerism, board memberships, etc.: North Adams representative to the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire; member, Board of Directors of Inkberry, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the literary arts in and around Berkshire County; volunteer marketer and publicist for Railway Café, a local non-profit organization that organizes concerts showcasing regional and touring folk musicians; and a member of the Baha’i faith community, which promotes ideals of world peace, unity in diversity, and harmony among the world’s religions.

Family: I have two younger sisters, Samantha, who lives in Los Angeles, and Caroline, who just moved here to live with me. My parents, Tony and Kitty, moved to Mississippi a couple of years ago. I keep trying to get them to move here, but they say it’s too cold.

Education: BA in sociology, Williams College, 1998. I went to high school in Costa Rica.

Personal hero/role model: I admire and learn from so many different people.

Why are these people a hero/role model to you? When I was growing up, my mother and my aunt, Jerri, were very strong and positive role models. My mother showed me how to use communication, problem-solving, and diplomacy skills to be an effective member of the community. My aunt, Jerri, showed me how to use creativity, humor, and respect in working with kids. During my time with UNITY, my strongest influences have been the people I work with: Al Bashevkin, Kathy Keeser, Natalie Cain, and Sue Daugherty at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, H. Mark Smith at the Mass. Cultural Council, and Deborah Coyne at Drury High School, to name just a few. I’m also inspired daily by the dedication, generosity, and wisdom of youth who participate in UNITY programs.

Personal achievement(s) of which you are most proud: I’m proud of UNITY’s evolution during the past four years to become a well-established and recognized forum for youth in Northern Berkshire. I’m proud that youth in this community are increasingly recognized as integral, contributing members of society -- rather than as problems to be solved. I’m especially proud of the active role that UNITY youth are able to play in North Berkshire’s cultural and economic development, through participation in activities such as Adams and North Adams downtown celebrations and First Friday events.

Personal quote/trademark expression: “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck,” from the Dalai Lama’s advice for the new millennium.

The best advice you can give someone: Turn off the TV.

Most recent book read and author’s name: “Frederick,” by Leo Lionni. I plan to re-read it a few times before this next winter is over.

Favorite TV/radio show: I shut down my cable at the end of the summer, and my life is suddenly so much more full and fulfilling. I do miss “Trading Spaces,” though.

Pet peeve: Fidgeting, dripping faucets, and poor planning.

Hobbies/interests: In the spring and summer, I like to fight with my garden, Rollerblade on the bike trail, and spend as much time outside as possible. When it gets cold, I like to stay inside, watch a lot of movies, practice my guitar, and read thick books. I also love yoga, and wish I could do it every day.