Get to Know Elizabeth Cole Goodrich – The 2025 Board Chair of Women’s Foundation of Alabama

At Women’s Foundation of Alabama, leadership is more than a role—it’s a calling. As we step into 2025, we’re honored to introduce our new Board Chair, a woman whose journey, experiences, and vision will continue to drive our mission forward. In this candid Q&A conversation, Elizabeth Goodrich shares the “why” behind her commitment, the women who have shaped her, and the change she hopes to see in Alabama. Read more below.

Q: Can you tell us your “Why” – What first lit the spark for you to become involved with Women’s Foundation of Alabama?

A: “I have a lot of answers for this, but the most straightforward is to say that when I was a younger, working mom, Jeanne Jackson came to talk to me about the Women’s Foundation’s next gen work. Mike and I have a lot of support, but, even so, with three kids and two full time jobs, our life was crazy. I was really moved thinking about how tough life would be for parents, moms in particular, who didn’t have the network we did. Even with significant advantages, like healthy kids and work cultures that allowed us to prioritize family, it was hard! So, I feel a particular call to support other women who trying to care for their families and reach their full potential and I was drawn to the Women’s Foundation’s commitment to supportive services for parents and their kids.”

Q: Can you share a time when you witnessed the power of women leading change—whether in your own life, your career, or in the community?

A: “My first job in Birmingham was working for the YWCA. Suzanne Durham was the executive director, and I went to work just as they were revving up a capital campaign to renovate their historic downtown building and expand their programming in affordable housing, childcare, and domestic violence services. They had an all-female board, and such determination to improve our community. They blew through their campaign goal. The experience of being alongside these amazing women was both inspiring and empowering for me and it continues to inform my sense of what is possible in Alabama.”

Q: What is one piece of advice you received from another woman that has stuck with you?

A: “I have a Master of Divinity from Columbia Seminary, and I worked in congregations for 15 years before I helped open Thank You Books. I had a preaching professor in seminary who, in addition to her theological training, had a background in theater. So she worked with us a lot on both sermon content and delivery. When someone spoke too softly, or seemed tentative, she would lean in close and whisper “Don’t you dare give them a reason not to listen to you.” I think about that all the time, especially when I need to speak up about something difficult. I do the work to prepare, and then I say what needs to be said with confidence.”

Q: If you could snap your fingers and solve one challenge facing women in Alabama today, what would it be?

A: “If I could solve one challenge for Alabama women, I would encourage women and Alabamians in general to demand more from our leaders. We are too easily satisfied with mediocre outcomes, and we are at the bottom of too many lists. And I frankly do not understand why, because some of the wisest, most compassionate, most resourceful people anywhere live here in Alabama. And yet we seem content to muddle along. Wouldn’t there be such joy in seeing our fellow citizens thrive and our communities prosper? Why can’t we figure that out?”

Q: When you’re not working to move the needle for women, where can we find you? Any hobbies, hidden talents, or guilty pleasures?

A: “Obviously, I love to read. I also love to be outside- long walks, weekends at the lake. I enjoy travel, and cooking, and I am game for most any kind of live music. But I am happiest around a table with the friends and family I cherish, whether that’s a home cooked meal at our house or in one of Birmingham’s amazing restaurants.”

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We are thrilled to welcome such an insightful and passionate leader as our Board Chair and look forward to the energy and vision she brings to Women’s Foundation of Alabama. Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to empower women and strengthen our community this year and beyond!