Meet Erika Estudillo of Now Us

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Estudillo.

Hi Erika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m a proud Latina entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of NowUs Foundation. I came to the U.S. from Mexico City at 17, worked alongside my mother cleaning homes, and raised two children as a single mom while putting myself through college. My early journey was defined by sacrifice and hard work, balancing full-time jobs, school, and side businesses just to make ends meet.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve built deep expertise in finance, business strategy, multinational expansion, and operational execution; skills I now use to grow mission-driven ventures. I hold an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University and have worked across corporate and nonprofit sectors, always returning to one mission: economic empowerment for underserved individuals.

Today, I serve on the boards of several social impact organizations and lead NowUs, a nonprofit that equips high-risk and underserved women with the tools, access, and support to scale their businesses. I’m also a founding partner of Elevated Spirits, where my indigenous roots and deep respect for the agave spirits tradition guide our commitment to authenticity, disruptive ventures, and community-first values.

Whether I’m leading strategy or mentoring a woman at her first pop-up event, everything I do is grounded in purpose, empathy, and a belief that we rise by lifting others.

Has it been a smooth road overall? If not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, I credit those challenges with shaping me into the leader I am today. In corporate spaces, I earned my seat at the table through resilience, determination, and consistent results. I focused on continuous learning and let my work speak for itself. Over time, I advanced confidently through the ranks and transitioned into entrepreneurship, driven by a clear purpose and vision. Today, I lead with confidence and open doors for other women to rise and lead on their own terms.

Tell us more about NowUs and what sets it apart.
NowUs Foundation is more than a nonprofit; it’s a movement to reclaim economic power and ownership for women who have historically been left behind. We focus on high-risk, system-impacted, and underrepresented women entrepreneurs, those who often lack access to formal education, capital, and networks. We offer bilingual programs, access to funding opportunities, mentorship, and real-world business education with a trauma-informed and culturally inclusive lens.

We are connectors. We believe in collective elevation. And we are here to remind every woman that she doesn’t need to fit the mold to be worthy of opportunity.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, or resources you recommend?I’m a big fan of Audible. Audiobooks have been a lifesaver since I’m always on the go. One book that deeply resonates with me is The Purpose Revolution by John Izzo. I also find inspiration by following small businesses on social media. It keeps me grounded in the realities of entrepreneurship and connected to the creative energy of fellow founders.