Erika Kitzmiller is a distinguished scholar with a passion for studying inequality, education, and race. She has a deep understanding of social-science methods, urban politics, and government policy, honed during her studies at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned a dual Ph.D. in History and Education, Culture, and Society and a M.P.A., and at Wellesley College where she completed her undergraduate studies in History and Italian. Before starting graduate school, she worked as a teacher and administrator in non-profit organizations and public and independent schools, which has given her a practical perspective on the challenges that educators and school leaders face.

Professionally, Erika has held many prestigious positions, including Term Assistant Professor in Education Studies at Barnard College, Faculty in the Program in Social Studies Education at Teachers College of Columbia University, and Research Scholar and Adjunct Professor of Urban Studies at Barnard College. She has also been a Caperton Fellow and Non-Resident Fellow at Harvard University, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Drexel University. Erika's research work has also extended beyond academia. Erika has been a Fellow and Associate Dean of Placement at The Steppingstone Foundation, a non-profit that aims to help underserved students achieve academic success.