Stephens College’s 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 Stephens College, 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 “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.”
Vice Admiral Nancy Brown (Ret.), Chair of the Stephens College Board of Trustees, and Trustee Ellen Vollrath attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C., to support Herrera and represent Stephens College.
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 Stephens College.
“Elizabeth embodies the resilience, strength, and vision that define women Veterans,” said Vice Admiral Brown. “Her 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.”
Stephens College President Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen praised Herrera’s recognition as a reflection of the College’s mission. “Elizabeth’s 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.”
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:
- 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’s programs at Stephens College, please visit https://stephens.edu/life-at-stephens/center-of-excellence-for-veteran-student-success/
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.
