Erla has an extensive background in social enterprise and projects related to China. Previous roles include researcher at Kings College London, founder of the China branch of BasicNeeds (basicneeds.org), an international organization which works on mental health issues and founder of a Beijing-based gymnastics school. Erla was a consultant to Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business prior to joining MAR in 2019. Her work for CKGSB involved managing a study tour to London for Chinese executive MBA’s in collaboration with CIVA and London Business School. Erla continues to be a special advisor on a joint mental health research project between Kings College London and Peking University, as well as special advisor for the Beijing-based social enterprise Bearapy.

Erla holds an M.Sc. degree in Public Health from the University of London and a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Vermont. She is fluent in Icelandic, English and Mandarin Chinese.