Founder
Brief info

Rose and Redwood, the parent company of Rose and Lion Leadership programs, was founded in 2019 with the mission to inspire people to "nurture your true nature" ™ Erika believes that children need to receive this message as well. A portion of the proceeds from Rose and Redwood sales have gone towards developing leadership programs for children, resulting in the creation of Rose and Lion Leadership. Our founder, Erika Hovland Bahij, is the creator behind this work.

About the Founder, Erika Hovland Bahij

Erika Hovland is the Founder of Rose and Redwood and creator of the Rose and Lion Leadership program. She is an experienced leader and speaker on personal power and influence. As the Co-Founder of IOLITE360, a boutique strategic consulting firm, she combined strategy, leadership development and branding expertise to navigate mission-inspired businesses from origin to destiny — where customers, revenue, values and purpose connected for good. While VP, Sales and Marketing for a healthcare company, she used these techniques to spearhead the turnaround of its multi-million dollar business. Previously the Product Director for a Fortune 500 company, Erika has significant experience with large organizations and individuals facing complex change.

While working with clients on transformative projects, she found herself focused on helping individuals connect with their strengths and values. She noticed people needed more balance at work – and that leaders were missing support to develop social and emotional skills that enabled people to perform as their best and most authentic selves. Her belief is people deserve to know their purpose and express their true nature. Part of this process often involves connecting to nature and the outdoors.

Erika is certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy as a Forest Therapy Guide and is certified in Wilderness First Aid. Erika holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Temple University. She teaches courses in writing, marketing and advertising as Adjunct Faculty at Temple University and received a Silver Stevie Award for “Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Services” in 2015. She is passionate about bringing out the brilliance of what is hidden within.

Affiliations

Erika is a member of the Pennsylvania School-Age Child Care Alliance and the National AfterSchool Association.