34 | Education: Louisiana State University | Company: Highland Park Dance Company
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are stars on and off the football field. But when Erica Wilkins Webb was a member of the squad, that’s not what her paycheck said.
When Wilkins sued the team for lost wages in 2017, she alleged that she sometimes earned less than minimum wage while performing as a cheerleader. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ team mascot, Rowdy, wrangled up about $65,000 a year.
Wilkins refused to settle the suit until the Cowboys made improvements that impacted the entire squad and all cheerleaders received a 50% pay increase.
Wilkins called learning to speak up for positive change one of the most challenging leadership skills she’s had to develop. She never imagined that her lifelong passion for dance would enable her either to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader or work to improve the lives of future female athletes.
“I felt called by the Lord to stand up and advocate for positive change in the professional cheerleading industry,” she said. “It wasn’t something I initially set out to do, but I felt a responsibility to speak up in hopes of helping create a better and more equitable future for the women who come after me.”
For Wilkins, the impact of dance extends far beyond the brief performances seen by audiences. The art form is also a vehicle to develop character and teach valuable life lessons.
Today, Wilkins devotes her talents to building the discipline, teamwork skills, and confidence of young dancers as an instructor and director of choreography at Highland Park Dance Company.
“Dance has always been my passion, but the real realization came when I saw how much influence teachers and mentors can have on young people,” she explained. “That’s when I began to see dance not just as performance, but as a way to build confidence and character in others. I’m not just teaching dance, I’ve often found I am also teaching valuable life lessons along the way.”
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
I felt called by the Lord to stand up and advocate for positive change in the professional cheerleading industry. It wasn’t something I initially set out to do, but I felt a responsibility to speak up in hopes of helping create a better and more equitable future for the women who come after me.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
Getting to do what I love. Dance has always been my passion, and I am so thankful I am able to share my love of dance with others and pass on the knowledge I have learned over the years.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Not exactly! I don’t think I could have predicted the path my life would take. Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, working in dance, and becoming involved in advocacy work were all things I never imagined at the time, but I’m grateful for how each experience has shaped my life.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was teaching at my mom’s dance studio. It taught me responsibility and patience at a young age.
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
Dance has always been my passion, but the real realization came when I saw how much influence teachers and mentors can have on young people. That’s when I began to see dance not just as performance, but as a way to build confidence and character in others. I’m not just teaching dance. I’ve often found I am also teaching valuable life lessons along the way.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I am proud of not only becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, but also for standing up for fair compensation in professional cheerleading. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it helped spark an important change for pay equity in the industry.
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Speaking up and advocating for change has been one of the most challenging leadership skills to develop. It can be intimidating to stand up for something when it may not be popular, but I’ve learned that leadership sometimes means having the courage to speak up when no one else will.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
One challenge is ensuring that young people have access to positive environments and mentorship. With social media, kids are being influenced a lot and it’s not always good role models they are being exposed to on social platforms. If I had the resources, I would invest in programs that give kids opportunities to grow through the arts, athletics, and mentorship.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
Maybe something like Finding Your Voice. My journey has included some unexpected challenges and moments that required courage, and I’m grateful for how those experiences shaped me. As for who would play me, maybe someone like Jennifer Garner.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
One of my favorite local spots is Muchacho! I don’t think there is better Mexican food anywhere!
What’s on your bucket list?
Traveling more places around the world, and I would love to write a book someday!
What do you have in mind for after 40?
I hope to continue mentoring and investing in the next generation, whether through dance, speaking, or other opportunities that allow me to encourage young people.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
My faith is an important part of who I am. It’s what has guided me through both the opportunities and adversities in my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the Lord.
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