Erika Kirk (née Frantzve; born 1988) is an American businesswoman, nonprofit executive, and podcaster. She serves as chairwoman and chief executive of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization co-founded and led by her husband, Charlie Kirk, until his assassination in September 2025. She was appointed as his successor following his death. Kirk has also founded two initiatives, Everyday Heroes Like You and BIBLEin365, and hosts the podcast Midweek Rise Up.
Early life and education
Kirk was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was raised by her mother in Scottsdale, Arizona, after her parents divorced. She was raised Catholic and attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School, where she played basketball and volleyball. In 2006 she established Everyday Heroes Like You, a nonprofit meant to highlight philanthropic people in local communities. She played basketball at Regis University for two years and later completed her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University.
Career and public role
Kirk competed in the Miss Arizona USA 2012 pageant, winning the title, and later represented Arizona in Miss USA 2012 without placing. In 2019 she launched the podcast Midweek Rise Up. After her husband's assassination she became chief executive and chair of Turning Point USA. In 2026, President Donald Trump appointed her to the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.
Personal life
Kirk and Charlie Kirk began dating in 2019, became engaged in December 2020, and married in Scottsdale in May 2021. The couple had two children. Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. A memorial service held later that month in Glendale, Arizona, was attended by tens of thousands of people, including the president and vice president.