Erika McJimpsey

Erika McJimpsey currently serves as the Chief Municipal Judge for the City of Spartanburg where she started the first Homeless Court in the Upstate of South Carolina. She is the first African-American to hold the position of municipal judge for the City of Spartanburg. In 1996, she was hired as the first African-American female prosecutor for the Seventh Judicial Circuit and worked as the circuit’s first full-time domestic violence prosecutor, as well as, previously serving as an attorney for the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

Much of Erika’s volunteer work has been directed towards serving children and families, and it includes serving as a volunteer on the following boards and organizations: South Carolina Bar, National Bar Association, YMCA Black Achievers, Phyllis Wheatley Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Girls Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands, Spartanburg Methodist College Paralegal Advisory Board, and The Spartanburg County Foundation’s Community Leadership Committee. Erika is the founder of SOAR Leadership and Mentor Summit.

Erika L. McJimpsey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University and her Juris Doctor Degree from North Carolina Central School of Law. Erika was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant and served our country as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Army Reserves. She has received numerous awards including the 2004 Ernest Fritz Hollings Award for Excellence in State Prosecution (Family Court), as well as being recognized by the Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change for Faith. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Erika speaks on a regular basis to schools in Spartanburg County about the judicial system and the importance of connecting your purpose with your passion.  She and her husband, Ryan, are the founders and senior leaders of City Gate Ministries.  She is a proud wife and mother of three sons.