Bio
Erin Weed is a professional speaker, author, certified women’s self-defense instructor and Founder/CEO of Girls Fight Back! Her calling to the field of violence prevention and self-defense began in 2001 as a direct response to the murder of her friend and sorority sister, Shannon McNamara. After Shannon’s death, Erin abandoned her career in TV production to study with the best anti-violence activists, personal safety specialists and self-defense experts in the world. In January 2002, she began traveling the nation giving keynotes and seminars in schools and businesses. To date, she has spoken to thousands of people with her uplifting and empowering message of staying safe from violence and finding peace in the process. As a trained speaker, Erin uses comedy as an effective way to connect with audiences of all demographics. As a devout yogi, she does not practice anti-violence, but pro-peace.
Girls Fight Back has become a widely recognized women’s safety education company via live seminars, books, DVDs, interactive website and online store. As Founder/CEO, Erin is an active social entrepreneur and regularly writes and speaks on the business and marketing of creating change through socially responsible businesses. In addition to her work with GFB, Erin is also Partner at a technology, social media and web services firm called PHASEOUS.
Self-Defense Training
Erin has studied with the following self-defense systems: FAST Defense, Blauer Tactical Systems, the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, R.A.D. Systems, the American Women’s Self Defense Association, Street Smart Self Defense Academy, Prepare Inc. of New York City and the Modern Warrior Academy. Erin’s specialized training includes: car jacking situations, multiple assailant attacks, edged weapons defense and firearms training. She is a graduate of the Gavin de Becker & Associates Advanced Threat Assessment Academy. Training areas included: Advanced Concepts of Violence Prediction and Assessment, Intuition Studies, Terrorism, School Shootings, Criminal Profiles, Creative Case Management, Bomb Threat Assessment, Risk Management, Managing Victim Fear and Violence in the Workplace.
Articles, Books & Blogs
Erin wrote a personal safety and self-defense monthly column for CosmoGirl magazine between 2004-2005, and has also contributed to safety articles for Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and hundreds of local newspapers and radio shows. Her first book, Girls Fight Back! The College Girl’s Guide to Protecting Herself was self-published and released in bookstores nationwide in 2006. In 2008, publishing rights were acquired by Dorling Kindersley (Penguin Group), and the book will be re-released in August 2009. Erin’s blog is largely dedicated to her travels in teaching violence prevention, personal safety and self-defense.
Film & Video
In 2008 a live DVD of the Girls Fight Back seminar was shot in high definition at Comcast Studios in Denver, CO. It is now available for purchase or as a public performance license. In early 2010 Erin will be traveling to Kenya to teach women’s safety and self-defense in Nairobi with the non-profit organization, I’m Worth Defending. A documentary film is being created about the journey.
Media Exposure
Erin has been featured in media including: New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Marie Claire, Glamour, Ladies Home Journal and was named “CosmoGirl of the Year 2002” by CosmoGirl magazine. She was the safety expert in a CNN feature about safe spring break, and has appeared twice as a violence prevention expert on the Fox Newschannel crime show “The Lineup.” During the Fall 2008 speaking tour she was a guest on the CBS Early Show and Weekend Today.
Education, Awards & Etc.
Erin is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, with a B.A. in Speech Communication and a minor in Public Relations. She was awarded the Eastern Illinois University Young Alumnus of the Year Award in 2003 and was honored with the “Hometown Hero” award by John Walsh (founder of America’s Most Wanted) on NBC’s The John Walsh Show. In 2006, Erin was named “30 Under 30” by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and was the recipient of the Joel Goldman Award for professional speaking excellence. In 2007 and 2009 she was a top 5 finalist for “Best Female Performer” by Campus Activities Magazine. Erin is a member of the National Speakers Association, Rotary Club International and Alpha Phi Fraternity.