Erasmo Sánchez Herrera
MSc Business and Financial Economics, 2007
DIRECTOR, GLOBAL DIVISION AT THE NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (NGLCC)
“I know that once you show up as your authentic self, you truly come into your own person. It allows you to begin to live your life, and eventually guide you to who you want to become. Do not limit yourself or put yourself into a box.”
Erasmo Sanchez Herrera is the Director for the Global Division at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and supports LGBT+ chamber of commerce across the world to grow, connect with corporates, and advance Global supplier diversity efforts. During Covid, Erasmo worked with the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, India and South Africa to better understand the needs of LGBT+ business owners within those territories.
“It has really been an eye-opening experience on many levels to compare the different needs of LGBT+ business owners. This has allowed me to come up with different ideas of how to support efforts, compare needs and connect with relevant organisations”.
After completing his undergraduate studies in the United States, Erasmo felt the need to study and live abroad. He chose London for its multicultural environment and Greenwich for its excellent variety of programmes. He applied for a Master of Science in Business and Financial Economics and knew it was the perfect opportunity to experience student life abroad.
Erasmo looks back fondly on his time at Greenwich: “It was very surreal. Not only being able to study there but also live nearby. Some of my favourite Greenwich memories are probably grabbing a bite to eat from the local restaurants during my breaks, bringing it to campus and just sitting there in the courtyards and admiring the view whilst eating my lunch”.
Erasmo was born and raised in Peru and lived and studied in the United States prior to attending Greenwich. As someone who came from a multicultural upbringing and who is LGBT+, Erasmo has brought this lived experience to his work. Initially wanting to become an investment banker, he decided to follow a path in which he would be able to see tangible impact of his work and progressed through his career to where he is now.
“I began working in the non-profit space which has been transformative for me. I have been able to engage with stakeholders across sectors and support diverse communities across five different continents to grow and expand their focus in economic inclusion, particularly in the LGBT+ space.”
Erasmo understands that everyone will take their own path and offers advice to his younger self: “First I’d tell myself to keep an open mind when it comes to the academic path that you choose. Just because you pick a specific area of study doesn’t mean that’s the only thing you can do.”
As someone who identifies as LGBT+ and had to discover who he was and his place within the LGBT+ community, being your authentic self is hugely important to Erasmo. He also wants others to make sure they never limit themselves.
“I know that once you show up as your authentic self, you truly come into your own person. It allows you to begin to live your life, and eventually guide you to who you want to become. Do not limit yourself or put yourself into a box.”
To celebrate the University of Greenwich being ranked in the top 20 of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List, we have dedicated the 2023 edition of Greenwich Portraits to recognise and showcase the achievements of alumni who identify as LGBTQ+.
Community is incredibly important, which is why we have created a dedicated safe space for our LGBT+ alumni to connect, network and socialise on Ask Alumni+. Join the LGBT+ Alumni Community here.
Erasmo Sánchez Herrera
MSc Business and Financial Economics, 2007
DIRECTOR, GLOBAL DIVISION AT THE NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (NGLCC)
“I know that once you show up as your authentic self, you truly come into your own person. It allows you to begin to live your life, and eventually guide you to who you want to become. Do not limit yourself or put yourself into a box.”
Erasmo Sanchez Herrera is the Director for the Global Division at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and supports LGBT+ chamber of commerce across the world to grow, connect with corporates, and advance Global supplier diversity efforts. During Covid, Erasmo worked with the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, India and South Africa to better understand the needs of LGBT+ business owners within those territories.
“It has really been an eye-opening experience on many levels to compare the different needs of LGBT+ business owners. This has allowed me to come up with different ideas of how to support efforts, compare needs and connect with relevant organisations”.
After completing his undergraduate studies in the United States, Erasmo felt the need to study and live abroad. He chose London for its multicultural environment and Greenwich for its excellent variety of programmes. He applied for a Master of Science in Business and Financial Economics and knew it was the perfect opportunity to experience student life abroad.
Erasmo looks back fondly on his time at Greenwich: “It was very surreal. Not only being able to study there but also live nearby. Some of my favourite Greenwich memories are probably grabbing a bite to eat from the local restaurants during my breaks, bringing it to campus and just sitting there in the courtyards and admiring the view whilst eating my lunch”.
Erasmo was born and raised in Peru and lived and studied in the United States prior to attending Greenwich. As someone who came from a multicultural upbringing and who is LGBT+, Erasmo has brought this lived experience to his work. Initially wanting to become an investment banker, he decided to follow a path in which he would be able to see tangible impact of his work and progressed through his career to where he is now.
“I began working in the non-profit space which has been transformative for me. I have been able to engage with stakeholders across sectors and support diverse communities across five different continents to grow and expand their focus in economic inclusion, particularly in the LGBT+ space.”
Erasmo understands that everyone will take their own path and offers advice to his younger self: “First I’d tell myself to keep an open mind when it comes to the academic path that you choose. Just because you pick a specific area of study doesn’t mean that’s the only thing you can do.”
As someone who identifies as LGBT+ and had to discover who he was and his place within the LGBT+ community, being your authentic self is hugely important to Erasmo. He also wants others to make sure they never limit themselves.
“I know that once you show up as your authentic self, you truly come into your own person. It allows you to begin to live your life, and eventually guide you to who you want to become. Do not limit yourself or put yourself into a box.”
To celebrate the University of Greenwich being ranked in the top 20 of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List, we have dedicated the 2023 edition of Greenwich Portraits to recognise and showcase the achievements of alumni who identify as LGBTQ+.
Community is incredibly important, which is why we have created a dedicated safe space for our LGBT+ alumni to connect, network and socialise on Ask Alumni+. Join the LGBT+ Alumni Community here.
