Elizabeth M. Carreras is the co-founder of The Young Women Foundation. Born in Puerto Rico, Elizabeth moved to the United States at the age of 9 without knowing a word of English. The transition was challenging, and she sought role models and mentors who could relate to her experience but struggled to find anyone who looked or spoke like her.

 

At 15, Elizabeth’s passion for giving back was ignited when she volunteered with a Dental Outreach Program in Haiti. Witnessing the challenges faced by underserved communities and working with at-risk youth deepened her commitment to service. Over the years, she continued volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, and nursing homes.

 

In 2007, Elizabeth began her career in the airline industry, where she has worked for nearly two decades. Despite the demands of her job, her commitment to volunteering never wavered. Elizabeth joined Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority in 2001 and has served in various leadership roles, including Chapter Alumni Advisor and District Assistant Membership Officer. Her dedication to service extends beyond her sorority, as demonstrated by her trip to Ecuador with Diana Calle, co-founder of The Young Women Foundation, where they donated essential items to schoolchildren in Cañar.

 

In 2021, Elizabeth faced a life-changing moment when she was diagnosed with cancer. This experience underscored the importance of a strong support system and further inspired her to co-find The Young Women Foundation in March 2024. Her vision is to ensure that no young woman feels the isolation she once did by connecting them with mentors who truly understand their stories and challenges.

 

As a first-generation Kean University graduate, Elizabeth is dedicated to empowering others who lack representation and opportunities, helping them to redefine their lives and become the first in their families and communities to achieve their goals. Over the years, she has collaborated with numerous renowned charities, including Big Brother Big Sister of America.

 

Elizabeth lives by the motto passed down from her beloved grandmother, “Today I am better than yesterday but worse than tomorrow because tomorrow I will be better than today,” and she finds joy in exploring different cultures through food, travel, and witnessing people overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams.