By: Yesenia Razo
Houston Ethnic Media is spotlighting communicators serving Houston’s very diverse populations. This week, we are proud to feature Ericka DeLeon, also known as “BabyGirl,” a driving force behind Houston’s vibrant arts and hip-hop scene.
As CEO of BGirl City, Ericka has been leading efforts to empower women and youth through hip-hop culture and the arts since 2015. She co-founded the Hip Hop Vintage Flea Market, a lively monthly event showcasing music, dance, and local vendors while honoring Houston’s hip-hop heritage. Beyond that, she’s the proud owner of Texas Originals Clothing and serves on the Houston Music Advisory Board, where she works to strengthen the city’s music industry. Adding yet another accolade to her impressive list, Ericka is the Sanctioning Chair for Breaking for Gold, an initiative promoting breakdancing as an Olympic sport.
We wanted to know: What inspires her?
Q: Can you share a bit about your roots and how your upbringing shaped the person you are today?
A: I grew up in a challenging environment marked by absent parental figures, domestic violence, and financial struggles. These experiences, while difficult, have played a significant role in shaping who I am today.
Living in a home where support and instability were lacking taught me resilience and self-reliance from a young age. I learned to navigate tough situations and developed a strong sense of empathy for others who are struggling. These challenges instilled in me a determination to rise above my circumstances and to strive for a better life not only for myself but also for those around me. It has driven me to advocate for change.
Q: How has your family life influenced your perspective and work?
A: Growing up in a challenging environment, I had to develop a strong sense of independence and self-sufficiency at an early age. I initially viewed my ability to work independently as one of my greatest strengths, believing that I could accomplish tasks on my own without needing to rely on others.
However, I carry work into my relationships. Understanding the dynamics of my own upbringing has made me more aware of the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Q: What sparked your journey into this career, and were there any pivotal moments or influences that set you on this path?
A: My journey into nursing was significantly influenced by my mother, who was a dedicated nurse. Growing up, I admired her ability to manage the doctor’s office where she worked, which instilled in me a passion for healthcare. Later, I had the opportunity to participate in AmeriCorps. I volunteered 2 years of my time to give back and become a mentor. I received a scholarship that helped me pursue my education. As a young mother, I recognized the importance of building a stable future for my children, which fueled my determination to become all that I am today.
Q: Which platforms do you find most powerful for connecting with your audience, and how do you decide where to share your voice?
A: By having a clothing brand for 17 years and meeting people in person, I learned the impact in true connections. Fast forward, those authentic connections grew through social platforms and with me hosting events around Houston and across the U.S. I was able to be impactful in different demographics. On Instagram, I get to unapologetically be me and found people really love true energy. I am now using my voice more in social impact and justice causes.
Q: In your view, what role do you play as both an artist and a storyteller?
A: I see my role as a bridge between imagination and emotion, where creativity and narrative intertwine to evoke feelings and provoke thought.
As an artist, I use visual as an aesthetic experience that captures attention and communicates feelings. As a storyteller, I narrate engagement to listeners or viewers through authenticity with my voice and experience. The intersection of these identities allows me to tell stories not just through words, but also through imagery, sound, and other forms of expression, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.
Q: What unique challenges do you see in fostering effective communication in Houston, and do you think collaboration among local news outlets could make a difference?
A: When we talk about fostering effective communication in Houston, several unique challenges come to mind. For one, the city’s incredible cultural diversity makes it essential to tailor messages for different communities. We have numerous languages and cultural contexts to consider, which can complicate how information is shared and received.
If news organizations worked together, sharing resources and information, they could potentially reach a broader audience and provide a more comprehensive picture of important issues affecting the city. Collaborative efforts could also help in ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the media.