Herrera Named 2025 Woman Veteran Trailblazer for Transformative Work
Elizabeth Herrera, a United States Air Force Veteran and Executive Director of Mission Promise Kept at Stephens College, has been recognized as a 2025 Woman Veteran Trailblazer by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV). As part of the national “Women Veterans Forging a Path” initiative, Herrera stands among just 28 honorees nationwide celebrated for their profound impact on Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
“This is both an honor and a reminder that blazing trails often means walking through fire first,” said Herrera. “It’s about grit, healing, and turning pain into purpose.”
Beyond Herrera’s recognition, the CWV will also honor two remarkable women Veterans—Ms. Ivy Brooks and Ms. Lynda Van DeVanter—posthumously, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
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 Stephens College offers:
- Free on-campus housing
- Childcare services
- Mental health support
- Legal and healthcare navigation
- Academic advising
- A strong, supportive 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.
Trailblazers Making a Difference
Honorees like Herrera are vital partners in the CWV’s 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 www.va.gov/womenvet.
