• Faith: Christian
• Career: Businessman
• Birthday:  November 20, 1988

Erika Lane Frantzve Kirk is the current chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, an organization founded and led by her late husband, Charlie Kirk. Erika was appointed to lead the organization following the assassination of her husband in September 2025. Consistent with her Christian faith, she famously publicly forgave her husband's assassin while speaking at his memorial service.

Erika was born on November 20, 1988, in Ohio; she later moved to Arizona after her parents divorced. She attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was raised in the Catholic faith. She has stated that her early experiences volunteering at compassionate ministries, such as soup kitchens, solidified her understanding of the importance of serving others. That belief led her to establish "Everyday Heroes Like You" in 2006. That organization sought to publicize local individuals and groups that "have a philanthropic desire to truly make a difference in the lives of others," with the goal of increasing the profile of such individuals and groups with national organizations that provide funding and support.

Upon graduation from high school, Erika attended Regis University in Denver for two years before transferring to Arizona State. She graduated with a double major in political science and international relations. Since her graduation, she has earned a degree in American Legal Studies from Liberty University and has taken courses toward a doctoral degree in Biblical studies.

Erika met Charlie in 2018 in New York City at the opening of a Turning Point USA branch. They began dating shortly thereafter and were married in May 2021 in Scottsdale. They have two children, a daughter and a son.

Is Erika Kirk Religious?

In 2019, Erika launched "Midweek Rise Up," a weekly devotional podcast. She also started Proclaim Streetwear, a clothing company featuring Scriptural and inspirational designs and messages. She is also the founder of Bible in 365, which encourages people to read the Bible throughout the year. The information page for the Bible in the 365 app states: "Our focus with this program and app is to grow closer to our God, trust more in our Savior, and walk in obedience with the Holy Spirit."

Erika's faith is clearly foundational in every aspect of her life. Her website describes her as a "passionate ministry leader and woman of deep faith." She describes her mission: "As she continues to grow in her ministry, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Erika remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, rooted in faith, and driven by the love of Christ in every aspect of life."

As noted above, when Erika spoke at Charlie's memorial service, she forgave the man who assassinated her husband: "I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did… The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us." Clearly, Erika's faith is at the core of her life, because loving and forgiving those who hate and hurt us is not a typical response. But it is the Christian response!

As Erika also noted at the end of her speech at Charlie's memorial service: "Charlie's life was a turning point for this country. It was a miracle. Let that miracle of his life be your turning point as well. Choose prayer. Choose courage. Choose beauty. Choose adventure. Choose family. Choose a life of faith. Most importantly, choose Christ."

Clearly, that's what Erika Kirk has done.