Elizabeth Herrera Eichenberger

Elizabeth Herrera Eichenberger grew up in Puerto Rico, received a master’s degree in nonprofit management, and opened a PACE Center for Girls Inc. in Miami before falling in love and moving to Columbia. 

That was five years ago, and July marked the anniversary of both her move and her decision to accept the role of executive director for True North of Columbia. 

Elizabeth has always been determined to invest vocationally where she could help women find their value and reach their full potential. “I believe a community can be transformed when we invest in women,” she says. True North has provided a place for her to pursue that passion.

True North was started in the 1970s as a shelter for rape victims, and it exists today to provide a safe environment by educating, empowering, and advocating for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

In addition to successfully managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, Elizabeth hopes to provide steadfast and continued service to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and to ensure they are improving their organizational practices so that the staff feels balanced and valued for their incredible work.

Specifically, Elizabeth’s goal this year is to have a fully functioning victim advocacy center that will focus on addressing the current needs of survivors while providing prevention and intervention strategies to help them navigate life without their abusers. This goal includes healthy relationship education for both adults and children.

“Elizabeth’s drive is like nothing I have seen before. She is fierce, determined, empowered, and a fighter for all women that have been a victim of domestic violence and assault,” says Ashley Emel.

This drive also helped Elizabeth earn her SHRM Certified Senior Professional Certification this year. “This is a big accomplishment for me and something I am very proud of,” she says.