Bio

Erin Weed is a professional speaker, author, self-defense expert and Founder/CEO of Fight Back Productions. 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 half a million 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. The Founder of Girls Fight Back and CEO of Fight Back Productions, Erin is an active social entrepreneur and regularly writes and speaks on the business and marketing of creating change through socially responsible businesses.


Self-Defense Training
Erin has studied with or holds certifications in 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, Krav Maga, 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 Fall 2010.  Erin’s blog is largely dedicated to discussing violence prevention, personal safety and self-defense.


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.”  Most recently 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. In 2009 she won “Best Female Performer” by Campus Activities Magazine. Erin is a member of the National Speakers Association, Rotary Club International and Alpha Phi Fraternity.