For Eric Woods, showing up isn’t just about participation — it’s a reflection of commitment. Whether it’s serving on boards, building space for underrepresented communities, or finishing a 100-mile bike ride, Eric brings purpose to everything he takes on. His presence signals more than support; it shows belief in the people and institutions he invests in.
Raised in Montclair, New Jersey, Eric grew up with a clear understanding of expectations. His parents instilled in him the value of hard work and the importance of aiming high. Georgetown quickly rose to the top of his college list, offering the combination of academic rigor and urban energy that aligned with his ambitions. It didn’t take long for it to become his first choice, and ultimately, a lifelong connection.
That connection only deepened after graduation. Today, Eric is an active member of the Georgetown alumni community. He sits on the Board of Regents, serves on the boards of the Georgetown Angel Investor Network (GAIN), the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Alliance (GEA), and most notably, helped launch the Black Alumni Council during the pandemic in 2021. The council had long been discussed as a missing piece in Georgetown’s alumni engagement strategy, particularly for those who hadn’t always seen themselves reflected in existing programming. Under Eric’s leadership as chair, the council has helped create more space, more visibility, and more momentum for black alumni to reconnect with one another and with the university. Its growth has been steady and intentional, and their work is only just beginning.
That spirit of community and visibility carried into his involvement with BellRinger, where Eric founded Team Soul Riders. The team reflects the values at the heart of the Black Alumni Council: connection, pride, and forward progress. For Eric, the ride offered a natural way to bring people together while supporting a cause tied to the institution he’s long been invested in. And as a longtime cyclist, he appreciated the structure and challenge of working toward a goal. In his first ride in 2024, he completed his first-ever century ride.
This year, Eric returns to the 100-mile course with a deeper sense of determination. A recent cancer diagnosis in his household has made the cause more personal, adding a layer of motivation to his continued participation. It hasn’t changed why he rides, but it has amplified the meaning behind it. At the same time, he’s thinking about what more the team can become. He hopes Soul Riders will continue to grow — not just in numbers, but in visibility and representation — serving as a reflection of the strength and diversity of Georgetown’s alumni community.
That same mindset carries into his newest role as a member of the BellRinger Advisory Council. In his role, Eric is focused on helping BellRinger evolve thoughtfully and more broadly within the Washington metropolitan area. He’s thinking about how to build on the momentum already in motion, how to create new opportunities for engagement, and how to ensure that everyone who takes part feels connected to something larger than themselves.
In all corners of his work, Eric’s approach remains consistent: bring people in, lead with intention, and show up fully. Whether it’s through service, community building, or the long ride ahead, his investment is steady, and his belief in the work speaks for itself.
