Elizabeth Braatz

Elizabeth Braatz (pronounced "Braw-tz") brings a lifelong commitment to faith, service, and civic leadership to her role as a Vestry member at Trinity. Baptized into the Episcopal Church as an infant, her formation in faith has been deeply rooted in the Church’s tradition of service, reflection, and public witness. Elizabeth was raised in San Diego, California, and at age eleven moved with her family to the San Juan Islands of Washington.

At the age of 11, Elizabeth began volunteering at her local food pantry; a commitment to service that has remained constant throughout her life. At 16, she was honored as her town’s Volunteer of the Year, recognizing an early and enduring dedication to meeting community needs with humility and compassion. That commitment continues today through her professional and volunteer work.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Oregon University and a Master of Public Policy from Portland State University. Her academic and professional work centers on research, equitable policy development, community engagement, and ethical leadership. She currently serves as a Metro Community Organizer at the Oregon Food Bank, where she works extensively to address food insecurity and its root causes.

In addition to her professional role, Elizabeth remains actively engaged in the life of the Church. At Trinity, she volunteers in the kitchen when able, mentors in Catechesis, serves as a Crucifer, and serves as a Diocesan Council Delegate. She has also instructed a course at Trinity exploring contemporary public policy and civic responsibility through a theological lens.

Elizabeth has recently been accepted into an executive program at Harvard University, where she is pursuing accreditation in Leadership, Organizing, and Action, alongside additional coursework in American Government and Constitutional Foundations. These studies complement her longstanding commitment to justice, equity, liberation, and freedom, and to honoring the enduring legacy of Black and Indigenous leaders who have shaped movements for social transformation.

Elizabeth enjoys hiking with her wife and their 90 lb (and growing) puppy, cycling around Portland, visiting the farmers market on Saturdays, reading political commentary, traveling, and making the world a better place.