This week, we continue our series of articles highlighting the many faces of leadership throughout the CHSAA membership. Our hope is that by taking a small glimpse into the window of their leadership background, you will gain a greater understand of why they are such strong advocates for the vision and core values of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
Joining us this week is Dr. Erika James-Bouwmeester, who is in her first year as a building administrator at Boulder High School, serving as the Dean of Students. With a degree in Speech Communication & Business Administration, this proud Colorado State University graduate went on to earn both a master’s degree in business communication & project management along with a doctorate in business administration. Before taking on her role at Boulder High School, Dr. James-Bouwmeester served as Project Manager at the Colorado Department of Education and as a classroom teacher and building administrator.
What has your journey in education consisted of?
I started my career as a project manager for the Colorado Department of Education helping the department manage the implementation of the Colorado Academic Standards in 2010 then moved on to supporting the department in implementing the Accountability system (District/School Unified Improvement Plans & District/School Performance Frameworks) and the Educator Effectiveness. I then moved to the Denver Art Museum where I spent 2 years a Technology Program Manager. The roles I held at CDE, and the Denver Art Museum allowed me the opportunity to manage teams of people, project deliverables and deadlines, and million-dollar budgets. The projects at CDE allowed me to gain a broad understanding of the Colorado education system. During this time, I was also coaching volleyball, basketball, and tennis at Englewood High School. I decided since the kids were the best part of my day that I would make them my entire day. I received an alternative teaching license in Elementary Education, Secondary IT, and Secondary Business & Marketing. I spent 5 years at Englewood High School as the Business and Computer Science Teacher, FBLA Advisory, Head Volleyball Coach, Head Tennis Coach and Assistant Basketball Coach before accepting the Dean of Students position at Boulder High School.
Did you participate in athletics or activities in high school and/or college?
During high school at Pueblo South High School, I was a 12-letter athlete in Volleyball, Basketball and Tennis and working to play in college in any of those sports. I ultimately decided to play Basketball at CSU-Pueblo so I can stay near my family and my dad who had a terminal illness. Having the opportunity to stay and play in my hometown was an honor to be able to continue to serve as a role model in a small community. The experience also gave me an opportunity to become a teacher, as I started to become a teacher by coaching volleyball and basketball. While at CSU-Pueblo, I ended up with a career-ending knee injury. Afterwards, I moved to Fort Collins, to attend CSU, where I continued to give back by coaching tennis to local high school students.
Who are some of your mentors?
Some of my mentors include former and current CHSAA staff members: Bert Borgmann, Jenn Roberts-Uhlig, Rashaan Davis, and Bethany Brookens. The CHSAA staff have supported me in every step of my career with encouragement, guidance, and compassion. These folks gave me a chance when I was 19 years old to help run a state event and now, they trust me to serve as site director for Girls 3A Tennis. Another mentor I would like to acknowledge is the Athletic Director/Assistant Principal of Englewood High School, Nate Smith. Nate is one of the most talented athletic directors in the state of Colorado and a wealth of knowledge. He has always lent me his ear and given sound advice.
What needs to be done to open doors for more women to be in your position?
- Promote Gender Equality: Ensure that schools and educational institutions promote gender equality in hiring practices, providing equal opportunities for women to access leadership positions.
- Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that connect aspiring female leaders with experienced women in school administration. This can help provide guidance, support, and insights needed to excel in leadership roles.
- Professional Development: Offer targeted professional development opportunities and training for women who aspire to work in school administration. This can help build the necessary skills and knowledge base.
- Flexible Work Policies: Implement flexible work policies to accommodate the unique challenges faced by women, such as balancing work and family responsibilities.
- Encourage Networking: Create networking events and platforms where women can connect with others in the field, share experiences, and learn from one another like CHSAA’s Many Faces of Leadership event.
- Diversity Initiatives: Develop diversity and inclusion initiatives that actively seek to increase the representation of women in school leadership roles.
- Address Bias and Stereotypes: Raise awareness about gender bias and stereotypes that may hinder women’s advancement in school administration and work to eliminate them.
- Advocacy and Support: Encourage advocacy groups at schools/school districts/athletic clubs and local organizations to support women’s leadership in education and advocate for policy changes that promote gender equity.
- Data Collection and Reporting: Collect and analyze data on gender representation in school administration to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Leadership Training: Invest in leadership training programs specifically designed for women, focusing on building confidence, leadership skills, and strategic thinking.
By implementing these measures, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment in school administration, enabling more women to pursue and succeed in leadership roles.
How do you see yourself impacting the next generation of female leaders?
I see myself impacting the next generation of female leaders by being a mentor, an advocate, a voice, a role model, and a supporter of initiatives that empower women. I strive to lead by example in my own life and career. By demonstrating resilience, determination, and a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth, I hope to inspire young women to pursue their goals fearlessly and with confidence.
In talking with Dr. James-Bouwmeester, her attention to detail, sense of humor, and love for the profession were apparent. As one of CHSAA’s top volunteer staff members, at a multitude of state championship events, many of our staff members get to see these characteristics. It is great to know that the Boulder Valley School District, specifically Boulder High School, receives the very best of her leadership skills daily.
If you would like to be a part of this series, please contact Rashaan Davis (rdavis@chsaa.org).