"I have seen Ericka present everything from impromptu speeches to a student group, to a heartfelt thank you to several hundred of her supporters, including state and local officials, as well as friends and family, at a reception after her Miss America 2004 win, to giving the commencement address at UCF in the fall of 2004. She was an absolute delight at the commencement ceremony and had the entire audience eating out of her hand
Ericka Dunlap
Miss America 2004 and International Speaker on Diversity
Featured Topics
Fee Range
$7,500
Ericka Dunlap
Biography
Ms. Dunlap first rose to national acclaim when she was crowned Miss America 2004 on the iconic runway in Atlantic City. However, that was not the first time she excited headlines. Mere months before, Ericka captured a significant part of history by breaking the color barrier as the first Black woman titled Miss Florida in the 68-year history of the program. Throughout her year of service, Ericka promoted a platform of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, with which she impacted corporations, universities and communities at large with her message encouraging best practices and the elimination of damaging stereotypical behaviors.
Ericka recently joined the phenomena of reality-television as a cast member of the CBS Emmy Award-winning series The Amazing Race 15, on which she continued her fight for cultural acceptance with her teammate (husband Brian), exposing the world to the balance of their interracial relationship. They persevered all the way to the very end and placed among the Final Three teams. Participating in this high-energy and impromptu experience challenged Ericka's structured image as a Miss America even to the point of her rappelling face-first down the 62 floors of Mandalay Bay! Likewise, she traveled to eight countries in 25 days spanning over 27,000 miles worldwide and has become an international television personality.
In addition to her many adventures on television, Ericka continues to deliver keynote addresses and make special guest appearances. Especially for Black History Month, she has composed a poignant lecture entitled "The Unique Juxtaposition of Black History: a focus on the Civil Rights Movement". This presentation was specifically designed for diverse audiences and offers insight and inspiration toward the ideals of celebrating Black History Month with an inclusive twist.
Ericka is a dynamic and engaging speaker having delivered over 120 keynote addresses. She uses her humor, candor and charm to captivate audiences.
Ericka Dunlap
Featured Keynote Programs
Get OUT of the Box!
Nobody is born a bigot! Prejudice is a learned behavior. And it is with this mindset that we are able to make positive changes to our lifestyles and viewpoints that are most affected by our differences. In this discussion, Ericka highlights the frequently untapped areas of diversity to enlighten the audience on how to think outside of the box and gain a better understanding of the need for inclusive behavior. Great for community and corporate training.
Attention to Attitude
It has been proven time and time again that your attitude will determine your actions and your actions will determine your accomplishments! In this presentation, Ericka highlights several keys to maintaining a successful attitude in order to achieve optimal results in your workplace and home-life.
Diversity & Disparities in Healthcare
A specific focus on the disproportion and misconceptions commonly associated with low-income and international patients.
Ms. Dunlap shares gathered information from her many travels and in-depth interactions with diverse audiences the world over. She also highlights experiences of being raised by an RN, her mother—Fran, who would often enlighten young Ericka on daily interactions with her patients and the importance of giving 100% to the care of the patient regardless of the cultural barriers.