As a mother of three, I understand it’s critical to give parents the power to select the optimal academic environment for every child. The Optima Foundation focuses on expanding access to high-quality, virtue-based classical education options for students and their families. Our organization is founded on core principles – including integrity, professionalism, and service. We seek to be a valuable resource for the education community as we exhibit a model of efficiency and effectiveness in the school choice sector, sharing best practices and showing outstanding results for others to emulate. Optima uses time-tested methods to prepare students to think critically and to equip them to confront the inevitable challenges all generations must face. Most importantly, we are committed to bringing knowledge and virtue to every student we serve. I hope you will join us!
Erika Donalds holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University and a Masters in Accountancy from Florida Atlantic University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), underscoring her dedication to excellence in financial management and accounting principles.
Erika Donalds is a driven education entrepreneur, renowned as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Optima Foundation and OptimaEd. With a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and governance in Florida’s public schools, Erika leverages her background in finance and policy to drive meaningful change in the education landscape.
Prior to her leadership at Optima, Erika served as the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Compliance Officer and Partner at DGHM, an esteemed investment management firm, where she dedicated nearly two decades to overseeing finance, compliance, and operations. Her tenure included valuable contributions to the firm’s Management Committee.
Erika’s commitment to public service is evident through her roles as an elected member of the Collier County School Board and as a participant in Florida’s 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission. Her advocacy efforts and contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including Gulfshore Business magazine’s 40-Under-40 and the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools Charter School Champion Award.
Erika is a passionate advocate for education freedom and reform, frequently sharing her insights and expertise at conferences and events nationwide. She holds positions on advisory boards for organizations such as the Heritage Foundation Advisory Council on Education Reform, the Classical Learning Test, and Moms for Liberty, among others.
Erika resides in Naples with her husband of 20 years, Congressman Byron Donalds, and their three sons: Damon, Darin, and Mason. Beyond her professional endeavors, Erika finds fulfillment in her role as a dedicated wife and mother, actively contributing to her community and advocating for positive change in education.