Erin McGrath Rieke is an American interdisciplinary activist artist, advocate, and writer whose work explores themes of gender-based violence, mental health, addiction, suicide prevention, and social justice. Through a combination of visual art, performance, community engagement, and participatory installations, McGrath Rieke uses creative expression as a vehicle for public awareness, healing, and advocacy.

Career

McGrath Rieke is the founder and director of JUST E Productions, a platform dedicated to socially engaged art and creative activism. Her projects often merge personal narrative with broader cultural discourse, challenging stigmas and empowering marginalized voices. Among her most recognized works is The Aria Rising Project, a traveling participatory installation that offers handwritten messages of support to survivors of gender-based violence. Another significant project, Turbulence Behind Tranquility, is a multimedia exhibit that raises awareness about mental illness through visual, written, and musical expression.

Erin held the position of Director of Curatorial and Program Development at Divinemoira Studio, where she led multiple art-based public engagement efforts. One of her most notable achievements during this time was the launch of the Still I Rise Campaign in 2018, developed in collaboration with the UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group under the guidance of UN Women, Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. This campaign, launched during the global 16 Days of Activism initiative, combined digital storytelling and creative outreach to elevate the voices of survivors and promote global solidarity against gender violence.

From 2014 to 2022, McGrath Rieke served as the Visual Arts Ambassador for The Angel Band Project, advocating for survivors of sexual violence through art and music. During her tenure, she helped develop a number of initiatives, including awareness campaigns and participating in live performances aimed at destigmatizing trauma and supporting survivors.

In addition to her work in the arts, McGrath Rieke has served in various leadership and educational roles, including Teaching Creative Arts at St. Roch and St. Luke Schools, Executive Director of Events at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, and National Account Manager at k hall designs.

Advocacy and Volunteer Work

Over the past five years, McGrath Rieke has remained actively involved in mental health advocacy and crisis outreach. Her volunteer and advocacy work includes:

• Certified Crisis Peer Counselor

• National Activist for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• Advocate with NAMI St. Louis

• Advocate at The Trevor Project

• Volunteer with RedBike Outreach

Her work centers survivor empowerment, peer-based support, and educational outreach through both grassroots and institutional partnerships.

Recognition and Awards

McGrath Rieke’s advocacy and creative work have earned several national recognitions, including:

• Humanitarian Award, St. Stephens (2019)

• Volunteer of the Year, The Angel Band Project (2018)

• Best Interactive Exhibition, VAA (2017)

• Stephens-Maxim Award for Design (2015, 2018)

• Selection for the Evocation Initiative, RAC (2017)

She has also been featured in public speaking and performance events such as One Voice (2018), a musical collaboration of sexual assault survivors performing at the United Nations General Assembly, and Still Living (2019), a performance piece that combined original music and narrative to explore the impact of trauma and the process of survival.

Education

McGrath Rieke has pursued an extensive interdisciplinary education focused on the intersection of social justice, psychology, and public health. Her studies include:

• Sociology – University of Amsterdam

• Gender and Women’s Studies – Stanford University

• Addiction and Drug Counseling – Yale University

• Applied Psychology (PSA) – Johns Hopkins University

• The Addicted Brain-Emory University

• Social Justice and Peace Studies – University of Michigan

• Intersectional Feminism – University of California, Santa Cruz

• Motivational Enhancement Techniques: Working with Patients with Opioid and Substance Use Disorders & High Risk MAT-University of Virginia

• Schizophrenia-Wesleyan University

• Political Science and Philosophy & Women’s Studies – Loyola University Chicago

Legacy and Impact

Erin McGrath Rieke is recognized for her contributions to creative activism and trauma-informed advocacy. Her interdisciplinary approach—blending the arts with personal and community healing—continues to influence public discourse around survivor justice, mental health awareness, and social change. Through JUST E Productions and her ongoing work with nonprofit and grassroots initiatives, she remains an active force in shaping inclusive, empathetic, and socially conscious spaces for dialogue and transformation.