Navigating Challenges, Embracing Potential
Erin Bailey, PhD, MS, is a 1999 graduate of Madison West High School and now serves as the Associate Director for Community Engaged Research for the Collective for Research Impact and Social Partnerships (CRISP) at UW-Madison’s College of Letters & Science. As the daughter of a white mother and a Black father, Erin’s educational journey through the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) was shaped by both triumphs and challenges, as she navigated a system where privilege and disadvantage often coexisted in the same classroom.
Growing up in the economically disadvantaged Allied Drive neighborhood, Erin’s early years were shaped by perseverance and determination. As the eldest of four children in a single-parent household, she learned the strength of hard work and determination. A misunderstanding about a new address, and a glitch at the district level saw Erin attending three different elementary schools before 2nd grade, exposing her to the inequities that often accompany poverty. From being placed in the wrong school during her first week of kindergarten to watching her mother advocate for her in a system that didn’t always understand the complexity of those from historically marginalized backgrounds, Erin’s experience in MMSD was multifaceted.
Academically, Erin thrived in advanced classes, but she couldn’t help noticing that many of her peers struggled without the same opportunities. As one of the few Black students in these higher-level courses, she experienced the benefits of a strong education while often feeling unseen or misunderstood by many of her teachers. A rare exception was Kendra Parks, her African American history teacher, and one of the few educators who shared her cultural background. Ms. Parks recognized Erin’s potential and encouraged her to excel, offering a sharp contrast to the cultural disconnect Erin felt with other teachers. These experiences sharpened Erin’s awareness of the racial and socioeconomic barriers that persist in education.
“Looking back, I realize how important it was to have a teacher like Ms. Parks who looked like me. When I got her progress report saying I wasn’t ‘working up to my abilities,’ it wasn’t because I wasn’t trying, I had a “B” in the class—it was because she saw my potential and knew I could do better. That experience put into perspective why representation in the classroom matters,” comments Erin.
While Erin acknowledges MMSD’s strengths in providing a world-class education, she also critiques the well-intentioned but sometimes harmful actions of educators who lacked the awareness to fully support students like her. As a Black woman, she often had to advocate for herself, keenly aware of the disparities between her experience and that of her classmates. Now, as both a parent and a scholar, Erin continues to believe in the value of public education but stresses the importance of addressing systemic inequities with intention and care.
Erin’s path after high school took unexpected turns. Although accepted to UW-Madison, she initially chose to attend a college in Minnesota. However, delays in financial aid forced her to pivot, enrolling at Madison College before eventually transferring to UW-Madison. During this time, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which profoundly impacted Erin’s journey, leading her to pause her education to care for her family.
Determined to continue her studies, Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in family development and child studies from UW-Madison in 2009. Motivated by a desire to understand how systems like education and healthcare affect disadvantaged communities, she went on to complete a master’s in Human Ecology and a PhD in Civil Society and Community Research, specializing in community-based research on health disparities and social justice.
Throughout her career, Erin has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between healthcare resources and underserved communities, especially women of color. One of her most notable contributions has been her work with the Witness Project of Madison, a breast cancer education and support program aimed at reducing mortality rates among African American women. Erin has played a key role in training survivors and lay health advisors to raise awareness and promote early detection in marginalized communities. Her work, blending health education with community empowerment, embodies her passion for social justice and her commitment to improving health outcomes for those too often overlooked.
In her current role as Associate Director for Community Engaged Research at CRISP, Erin builds partnerships that connect academic research with real-world needs, ensuring that the research conducted at UW-Madison serves the broader community. Her leadership bridges the gap between academia and social impact, particularly in areas of social justice, equity, impact, and community well-being.
Outside of her professional achievements, Erin’s greatest joy is her family. She shares a daughter, Zuri, with her husband Jeramie. Zuri, 6 years old, is just starting first grade, and together, the family enjoys reading and spending time together. Erin also loves crocheting and fabric arts, and she supports her daughter and husband in their business, “Zuri’s Furry Friends,” a venture similar to Build-a-Bear.
When reflecting on the Madison school district, Erin says:
“Do I believe in MMSD as an education system? Yes. Do I see value in my child receiving an education here? Absolutely. But do I think there’s room for improvement? Yes, without a doubt.”
Erin Bailey’s journey—from a young girl in Allied Drive to a community leader and PhD holder—serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, education, and support. Her story inspires others facing similar challenges, demonstrating the critical role that family, perseverance and advocacy can play in shaping a successful future.
Madison’s public schools are proud to count Erin Bailey among their alumni!
