Erica Gifford Mills, a second-year Midwest Penguin Volleyball Coach will host an author reception and book signing from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, September 16 at Vintage 38 Wine & Craft Beer Lounge in Greendale. Her book, The Professional Woman: Self Esteem, Confidence & Empowerment, is her first co-authored book.

In 2018, Erica coached the Midwest Penguins 11Red team. Professionally, she is the founder and president of Balanced Symmetree. She provides one-on-one and group coaching, workshops and speaking engagements to women of all ages throughout the United States and abroad. She is a certified International Empowerment and Life Coach.

“Everyone who co-authored the book has a chapter,” Erica said. “My chapter happens to be the first chapter, entitled “The Rooted Life: Live, Love & Let Go!”

The chapter is named after a 12-week signature series she developed for Balanced Symmetree and lays the groundwork to going after what sets your soul on fire.

“It’s about self empowerment and eliminating negative self-talk and limiting beliefs,” she said.

“It’s about loving yourself and living it up, and how to do that and become the person you want to be.”

Erica works primarily with women and young teens, which is part of the reason coaching was such an easy extension for her.

“We focus on building confidence, self esteem, and believing in yourself,” she said. “I love to coach girls to gain confidence and build on their skills. It’s all about having that voice, literally and figuratively. I love the sport and being able to shape the lives of these young women.”

Standing at only 5’4” Erica worked hard and was a standout volleyball player in high school, and earned herself a spot on the team at University Wisconsin Eau Claire.

By March, Erica will have four books on the market.

Books will be available for purchase at the event on Sunday for $20 which also includes appetizers, and a glass of wine, craft beer, espresso drink or a soda. Erica will also be available for signing and will read an excerpt from the book.

“It will be a very casual event,” she said. “But I hope people will have an opportunity to learn a few things too. As people, we’ve all had those things in the back of our mind that stop us from doing something, we’ve all dealt with negative thoughts and not loving ourselves enough. We are all works in progress, but this book is about feeling confident, comfortable in our own skin, living it up and celebrating every moment.”

Through all aspects of her professional and personal life, Erica tries to  inspire, motivate and empower those around her to look at all areas of their lives using integrative and holistic techniques to become balanced. By creating this balance, they are able to grow and achieve their deepest desires.

Sunday, September 16, 2018
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Vintage 38 Wine & Craft Beer Lounge
Historic Village of Greendale
5648 Broad Street