Erika Feresten

Erika Gabaldon Feresten is married to Spike Feresten. She is active in the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club.

Erika Feresten of Emerge California is one of the foremost executive coaches in the political arena. Her clients have included members of the United States House of Representatives, state legislators from across the country, city leaders in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. as well as candidates during their runs for political office. As a Political Leadership Coach, Erika uses her extensive experience in public media to support those entering and residing in the “glass houses” of public life. Erika equips her clients to navigate through the blessings and challenges of living in the limelight and to establish a positive work-life balance.

Co-author of the groundbreaking book Winning Without Compromising Yourself: Unlocking Personal and Professional Mastery in the Political Arena (Salon Press, 2007), Erika introduced political coaching to the public and visionary leaders. One British MP called the book “a terrific manual for political leaders who are willing to be “learners”…hiring a [political] coach…can turn their lives around, both professionally and personally.” With this book and her company, Erika aims to make a positive impact on our country’s political process. Specially, she seeks to reconnect public servants with their higher purpose and inspire them to be of service to the greater good.

Erika is a certified trainer for the National Women’s Political Caucus and a former Advisory Board member for the Young Progressive Majority (YPM) where she promoted ways to increase political participation of our nation’s young adults.

For more than a decade, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) has recognized Erika as a professionally certified coach. In addition to her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Erika has sought out additional training and experience through the Foundation for Inspired Learning.

"The Breathe Act"

Jim Langford March 2 2021.

"The Breathe Act". What a remarkable event! Thanks to our hosts Hanie Jodat Barnes, Ben Hauck, Nadia B. Ahmad, our guest speakers and to everyone who attended!

— with Alan Minsky, Jason Small, Aveista Helmandi, Lauren Fialkow, Ben Hauck, Danett Abbott-Wicker, Alireza Mosallaie, Keith Anthony Sikora, Bill Honigman, Hanieh Jodat, Amy Thomas, Sara H. Deen, Nadia B. Ahmad, Melina Abdullah, Ricardo Franco, Gina Clayton-Johnson, Ash Kalra, Farrah Khan, Jestin Samson, Erika Feresten, Steven Gibson.

BERNIE 2020 & SoCAL GRASSROOTS

Carlos Marroquin June 29 2019·

BERNIE 2020 & SoCAL GRASSROOTS ◾️Team Bernie CA 2020 meeting with group of Southern California Grassroots Leaders and Organizers in Chinatown, Downtown LA.

On Tuesday June 25, some of Southern California Grassroots Leaders and organizers came together as we begin our quest to win California for Bernie. Bernie 2020 is here and we will do all we can to bring the winning message to every community ... — with Bill Gallegos, Ben Hauck, Angelica Duenas, Henry Huerta, Jenni Chang, Una Lee Jost, Marggie Castellano, Ronin Ronin, Tina Fredericks, Erika Feresten, Daniel Andalon, Wendy Fagioli Ruiz, Susie Shannon, Samuel Sukaton and Jeanna Harris.

CADEM STATE CONVENTION

Carlos Marroquin May 26 2019·

CADEM STATE CONVENTION PROMO VIDEO

Big thanks to my activist brothers and sisters getting ready for CADEM State Convention. Today we shot a promo Video and more. Special thanks ti everyone for coming out. I’m honored working with great leaders. Always on the frontlines in the fight for Medicare for All and organizing the event Erika Feresten. Also thanks to LA’s great organizers Jenni Chang, & Betty Doumas, Mel Tillekeratne, Rigo Vazquez, Tina Fredericks, Cliff Tasner, Michelle Manos, Lauren Hammel, Keith Anthony Sikora, Victor Casas, Ian James.

Bernie 2020 Working Group supporters

Katrina Bergstrom July 27 2019·

DSA-LA members!

You should have received a link last night to vote for the creation of DSA-LA’s Bernie 2020 Working Group - please vote YES today!

Voting is open for one week. ... See More — with Alex Wolinetz, Amarnath Ravva, Zenaida Huerta, Angelica Duenas, Olivia Gamboa, Shawnee Badger, Wendy Fagioli Ruiz, Marlin Medrano, Bobbie McGowan, Joshua Smith, Henry Huerta, Ezra Pugh, Lisa Kendall, Jeanna Harris, Kristina Meshelski, Nick Roth, Erika Feresten, Tina Fredericks, Jeanine Rohn, Jane Demian, Frances Yasmeen Motiwalla, Andrew Swetland, Aaron Balanta Holloway, Hsingii Tseng Bird, Josh Goodman, Isaac Lieberman, Ankur Patel, Sophie Eupp, Brandon Rey Ramirez, Chris Roth, Taiji Miyagawa, Symone Baptiste, Gabe Gabrielsky, Reed Heisley-Shellaby, Rachel Miller, Jack Suria Linares, Jeremy White, Mason Mineo, Gabbi Pierce, Rebecca Prediletto, Don Ward, Mark Masaoka, Rachel Reyes, Jessica Salans, Nina Eliasoph, Francisco Cendejas, Una Lee Jost, Paul Song, Don Irwin, Chris Myers, Charles Du, Eugene Pesikov, Katrina Bleckley, Kat Valentine, Rob Quan, Jenni Chang, Tom Pike, Evan Geary and Maikiko James.

SoCal Bernie supporters

Katrina Bergstrom September 27 2019·

We are canvassing for Bernie this weekend from 10am-2pm in East Hollywood, North Hollywood and West LA, anybody who canvasses gets a free limited edition Bernie pin! RSVP HERE: https://www.dsa-la.org/bernie2020

Which one is your favorite? — with Erika Alvarez, Megan Svoboda, Jessica Ann Bourque, Amarnath Ravva, Erika Feresten, Paul Song, Jeanine Rohn, Paul Krehbiel, Jane Demian, Karlenea Brown, Betty Doumas, Nicky Martin, Charles Du, Eric Wimer, Daniela Urso, Hsingii Tseng Bird, Max Goldberg, Jenni Chang, Maikiko James, Jeanna Harris, Will Shattuc, Michael Stenovec, Kyle Gaan, Brandon Rey Ramirez, Brenda Gutierrez, Steve Askin, Mason Mineo, Olivia Gamboa, Shawnee Badger, Wendy Fagioli Ruiz, Sergio Davila, Marlin Medrano, Mark Masaoka, Ben Hauck, Alex Wolinetz, Carrie Scoville, Joshua Smith, Henry Huerta, Tim Johnson, Staci O'Neal-Robinson, Steve Couch and Phillip Kim.

Standing for AD 50

In 2019 Erika Feresten stood from AD 50 for the California Democratic Party Central Committee.

The California Democratic Party platform is one of the most progressive platforms in the country. Our Party ideals save lives, lift the vulnerable, and most of all, reaffirm we are all in this together. While California has proven the success of Democratic governance, we must increase our pace toward progress. We must guarantee health care as a human right. We must expand our environmental laws to include a moratorium on fracking. We must lower the cost of housing because the rent is still too damn high! To meet these goals, we on the Progressive Slate will push our elected officials to address affordable housing in Los Angeles, going beyond the failed repeal of Costa Hawkins (Prop 10). I strongly support a Green New Deal, a public single-payer health care system, justice for our black and brown brothers and sisters and a future free from draconian ICE policies.

As your elected delegate since 2016 (inspired by Bernie, I heeded the call to serve!), I am also President of the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club and a member of the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party. My most enthusiastic advocacies include my membership in Health Care for All (LA chapter) and creating the Health Care Revolutionaries, which crowd-canvassed at Hamilton performances in Los Angeles and San Diego. The Health Care Revolutionaries marched in the 2018 Healthcare for All Rose Parade, The People’s Parade and Pasadena’s fun-loving Doo Dah Parade. I am also proud to kneel and stand with those who have been working for an end to police violence and racial equality

I am determined to serve for the common good of the people. I know we cannot change what we will not acknowledge. I promise to point out hard truths, provide thoughtful inclusive solutions, and embolden our leadership to stand in their political courage to carry them out and make our California Democratic Platform living legislation. I would appreciate your vote for me and for the Progressive Slate!

Erika Feresten is a Democratic Socialists of America member. Progressive Slate members were Sue Himmelrich, Kevin McKeown, Caroline Torosis, Andrew Bouley, Domi Piturro, Christopher Nikhil Bowen, Anastasia Foster, Marcy Winograd, Sion Roy, Jon Katz, Jennifer Barraza, Isabel Storey, and Derek Devermont.

Pasadenans and Altadenans Against Police Violence

Erika Feresten April 14, 2018:

It was an honor to join Pasadenans and Altadenans Against police violence to call for #justice, #peace and say their names:

With Kirsten Magnuson, Kimberly Ellis, Pilar Schiavo, Julie Tyler, Julie Goulet Stromberg, Walter Ruiz, Kristen Gritter Cox, Larry Gross, Marcia Martin, Zach Denney, Katrina Bergstrom, Betty Doumas, Gideon Sarantinos, Keith Anthony Sikora, Lauren Steiner, Todd Jones, Lucas Henry Julius Fehring, Jeanine Kay, Paul Stanton, Paul Song, Jenni Chang, Marlin Medrano, Linda Teach, Lydia Ileliya Ester Ponce, Jeanine Rohn, Edie Riggins Ortenberg, Maria Estrada, Julia Jaye Posin, Karen Bernal, Estee Chandler, Max Goldberg and Rebecca KZ in Pasadena, California.

Medicare for All

Hsingii Tseng Bird August 31, 2017:

1st they made us remove our signs, filtered out any hard question regards to Single Payer, then they tried to shout us down while we chanted "Single Payer Now" at the end of the "forum". We won't give up the fight for Single Payer Healthcare, and we are so tired of hearing excuses and talking points from leaders influenced by for-profit private insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. Medicare for all coverage is long over due! #WeakSauceForum #SB562 #HealthyCA

• Jimmy explaining to our group that he has been trying to push for Medicare for All bill since the 90s, but it has been very hard. (We know it's hard, but you have the power to be on the side of the people. We hire you to work for us, so Do Your Fucking Job!!!!) — with Erika Feresten, Kenneth Mejia, Amber Renee, Helga Rodriguez, Maria Estrada, Rohan Sabnis, Jenni Chang and Una Lee Jost in Boyle Heights City Hall.

Ellis connection

Erika Feresten February 24, 2018:

With fierce progressive champions Kimberly Ellis and Rep Tulsi Gabbard at the CA Democrats State Convention. — with Kimberly Ellis at San Diego Convention Center.

Lieu connection

June Caldwell January 22, 2017:

With Rep Ted Lieu who has been on all the news show as one of the first Congressmen who decided not to attend the inauguration and explained to us all that went into that decision, as well as steps in store for the next year for positive change — with Erika Feresten, Rep. Ted Lieu and Jerry Caldwell in Pacific Palisades, California.

Phonebanking for Lieu

Erika Feresten October 5, 2016:

Proud to be phone banking for Rep. Ted Lieu! #congressmantedlieu. #democrat — with Arline Rimmer Halper at Westside Democratic Headquarters.

Ocasio-Cortez meeting

Jason Levitt August 4, 2018:

Breakfast meeting with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and all our amazing, local, activist groups . I'll come back to tag peeps and groups, but feel free <3 — with Michelle Eileen, Craig Pasta Jardula, Keith Anthony Sikora, Carlos Marroquin, Lanee Fitisemanu, CJ Fitisemanu, Eugene Pesikov, Fiorella Isabel, Brenda Gutierrez, Tim Johnson, Jaci Lyn, CAFP's other mascot, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jeremy White, Mel Tillekeratne, Victor Casas, Erika Feresten, Allie White, Shawnee Badger, Lauren Hammel and Marco Flores.

Wolff meeting

Erika Feresten April 25, 2018 ·

Inspiring evening with economist Richard D. Wolff and comrades Marcia Martin, Katrina Bergstrom, Gilbert Feliciano, Marlin Medrano. We missed you Estee Chandler. — with Marcia Martin at IMMANUEL.

Healthcare protest

Jenni Chang November 20, 2017:

We meant it when we said we wouldn’t give up this fight. Just need to keep seeing and creating the light! Single payer–SB562 at Doo Dah Parade over the weekend—these folks fire it up wherever possible ☀️🔥💪

📷 Cary Winston Eatmon — with Tim Parks, Clifford J. Tasner, Cary Winston Eatmon, Cesar Blackbeard, Raven Gilliam, Helga Rodriguez, Erika Gabaldon Feresten, Pilar Schiavo, Carol Fodera, Angel Leung and Maureen Cruise.

Standing Rock Water Protectors

Erika Feresten April 21, 2017 near Los Angeles, CA ·

It is with heartfelt gratitude I thank Standing Rock Water Protectors Walter Ruiz, Alfred Mazza, Gabriela Meza, Hsingii Tseng Bird, Jeremy White, Teyana Viscarra, Jackie Wong-Martenson, Keith Anthony Sikora who shared their experience, strength and hope with our 3rd – 5th graders today. We were all deeply moved by the exchange of loving, wisdom, joy and curiosity. Thank you, Frances Fisher, Lydia Ponce, Kristen Gritter Cox and all those who helped connect me with speakers.

SLO connection

Erika Feresten June 23, 2017

1. Progressives have more fun! #mayorheidiharmon — with Heidi Harmon, Jeff Stein, Spike Feresten and Quinn Brady at Old Mission San Luis Obispo.

Bernie delegates

Erika Feresten May 1, 2016 near Los Angeles, CA ·

We won!! The four of us are going to the Democratic National Convention to support Bernie Sanders. Big thanks to all my fellow slate members, my Los Angeles friends who came out today and voted, Susie Shannon who assembled the Progressive slate and all of you here on this page who cheered me on. I am deeply humbled and ready to represent. #BernieSanders #Election2016 — with David Ball and Lauren Steiner.

Yes on 15 Back to School Phonebank

Ryan Andrews August 28 2020·

Join DSA-LA and YDSA🚨TOMORROW🚨for our Yes on 15 Back to School Phonebank ft. guest speakers Carlos Callejo, Cal Poly Pomona student and YDSA member, Wade Kyle, UTLA Political Action Committee of Educators (PACE) Chair, and Arlene Inouye, UTLA Secretary and Bargaining Co-Chair!

Ryan Andrews is with Yunyi and Nina Eliasoph, Arlene Inouye, Sarah Squirm, Noriko Nakada, Alberto Saavedra, Rocio Rivas, Jenny Chung, Phylis Hoffman, Erika Feresten, Michael Lumpkin, Jorge Castaeda, Elizabeth Untalan, Kristina Meshelski, Brian Dionisi, Pilar Schiavo, Haley Potiker, Anabel Nevarez Ruvalcaba, Ezra Pugh, Jason Boxer, Mark Masaoka, Douglas McBride, Tal Levy, Abigail Gutmann-Gonzalez, Aisha Stars, Hsingii Tseng Bird, Barry Eidlin, Keith Brower Brown, Ankur Patel, Jesus Hermosillo, Jenni Chang, Brenden Gallagher, Alex Kliner, Charlotte Ariel, Meagan Day, Fatima Iqbal-Zubair, Lucia Garcia, Michelle Antoinette Boley, Alejandro Pina, Vanessa Castro Scott, Anitra Wetzel, Jim Smith, Steve Seal, Fernando Ramirez, Nicky Martin, Michelle Ching, Bill Barclay, Jamie Penn, Xavier Santos, Brandon Rey Ramirez, Marc Bender, Casey Ramirez, Kat Nathalie, Annaly V. Medrano, Hannah Klein, Peter Mathews, Bill Barrett, Gabe Gabrielsky, Alan Minsky, Reggie Wong, Armin Mah, Cyn Huang, Janet Hurtado, Robert Mejia, Imani Beckett, Erika Alvarez, Juan Gutierrez, Angelica Duenas, Will Shattuc, Daniel Dominguez, Rosa Diaz, Henry Huerta, Mario Valenzuela, Josh Smith, Hannah Kessel, Diane Hirsch-garcia, Carlos Amador, Alex Wolinetz, Karla Aviles Griego, Ben Hauck, Alyssa Stonoha, Marlin Medrano, Melissa Arredondo, Marc Baca, Jordan Greenslade, Joel Greenfield, Kyle Gregory, Leslie Simon, Jasmine Ivy, Sean Broadbent, Cheng-Sim Lim, Hae Min Cho, Hai-ching Cheah, Marcy Winograd Maikiko James.