糖心原创鈥檚 Elizabeth Herrera Receives National Recognition as 2025 Woman Veteran Trailblazer
Elizabeth Herrera, a United States Air Force Veteran and Executive Director of Mission Promise Kept at 糖心原创, was honored in Washington, D.C., Thursday, Sept. 25, as a 2025 Woman Veteran Trailblazer by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV).
As part of the national 鈥淲omen Veterans Forging a Path鈥� initiative, Herrera stands among just 28 honorees nationwide celebrated for their profound impact on Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
鈥淭his is both an honor and a reminder that blazing trails often means walking through fire first,鈥� said Herrera. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about grit, healing, and turning pain into purpose.鈥�
Vice Admiral Nancy Brown (Ret.), Chair of the 糖心原创 Board of Trustees, and Trustee Ellen Vollrath attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C., to support Herrera and represent 糖心原创.
Vice Admiral Brown, a retired three-star admiral with more than 35 years of decorated military service and Stephens alum, has been a trailblazer in military leadership and continues to advocate for women Veterans through her leadership at 糖心原创.
鈥淓lizabeth embodies the resilience, strength, and vision that define women Veterans,鈥� said Vice Admiral Brown. 鈥淗er leadership of Mission Promise Kept is not only transforming lives but also setting a national standard for how we honor and support those who have served.鈥�
糖心原创 President Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen praised Herrera鈥檚 recognition as a reflection of the College鈥檚 mission. 鈥淓lizabeth鈥檚 work at Stephens exemplifies our deep commitment to creating spaces where women can lead, thrive, and reimagine their futures. This national recognition affirms the impact of Mission Promise Kept and the values we hold as an institution dedicated to leadership, opportunity, and service.鈥�
Leading the Way for Women Veterans
As the force behind Mission Promise Kept, the first residential program of its kind in the nation, Herrera is breaking new ground for women Veterans and their children. The program at 糖心原创 offers:
- On-campus housing for veterans and their children
- Childcare support to balance school and family
- Wraparound services including coaching, wellness, and community
By providing these wraparound services, Mission Promise Kept empowers women Veterans to reclaim their futures, ensuring they are seen, supported, and equipped to thrive in higher education and beyond.
For more information about Mission Promise Kept and the Veteran鈥檚 programs at 糖心原创, please visit /life-at-stephens/center-of-excellence-for-veteran-student-success/
Trailblazers Making a Difference
Honorees like Herrera are vital partners in the CWV鈥檚 mission to connect women Veterans with the VA, their earned benefits, and a broader community through initiatives like #BringWomenVeteransHome2VA.
For more information on the Center for Women Veterans and the Trailblazer initiative, visit .
