Erika Helms, executive director of the Jane Goodall Institute in China (pictured above in purple) drew a huge crowd to AmCham¡¯s first brown bag lunch lecture. The chamber¡¯s Young Professionals group, which organized the event, invited Erika to discuss her experiences as a ten-year China veteran. During her time here in China, Erika has worked for several international news outlets, environmental organizations and at rural reconstruction institute based in Kunming, Yunnan Province.

At the event held on February 19 at the AmCham office, Erika gave an overview of her career, stressing that it was important to her not only to speak Chinese, but also to master the language. This has enabled her to oversee a staff of Chinese nationals and collaborate with governmental and educational institutions in China. 

She told the assembled professionals, young and slightly less young alike, that many of the Chinese people she has met are familiar with the work of Dr. Goodall from school. She suspects that Chinese teachers introduced her humanitarian work to students because she is a non-controversial western figure they felt comfortable discussing.

When asked a question about how young people can break into the world of non-profit work in China, Erika touted the benefits of volunteering. She suggested that people simply approach an organization and offer their services, adding ¡°it is hard to say no to free help.¡±

Erika currently works closely with Dr. Goodall and manages JGI Programs in China. Her duties include guiding the development of new initiatives and expansion in Sichuan, implementing fundraising and overseeing offices in Beijing and Chengdu. 

Read her bio.

Hear a podcast of the event on BizCult.com. 

Check the AmCham website regularly for updates about the next in the Young Professionals brown bag lunch series.