Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabet Iparrea.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Elisabet Iparrea, and if there is one driving theme in my life, it is service, service to families, to community, and to every person who finds themselves navigating seasons they never expected to face. My professional journey has taken me through leadership roles, relationship-building, nonprofit service, and organizational development. Throughout those experiences, I learned that the most meaningful work begins when you meet people exactly where they are, with no judgment, only compassion.
My connection to community work began years ago, seeing firsthand how kindness, resources, and advocacy can change the direction of someone’s life. I made it my personal mission to serve families in moments when hope is fragile, and strength feels impossible. That passion eventually led me to His Grace Foundation, and while I believed I was simply stepping into another opportunity to serve, I soon discovered this organization would change my heart in ways I never imagined.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I stand today has not been without challenges. One of the greatest lessons in my journey has been learning how to truly understand people — their strengths, communication styles, and approaches to leadership. Navigating different personalities and leadership philosophies forced me to grow in patience, resilience, and humility. Someone once said to me, “When you think you’ve learned it all, then stop leading. Because real leaders never stop learning.” Those words stayed with me. They reshaped how I lead and reminded me that growth is a lifelong process, not a milestone.
Another defining chapter in my journey was going to college later in life. I returned to school as a wife, a mother of two small children, and a woman determined to expand her impact. Earning my master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Houston–Downtown was both a struggle and a triumph. Balancing lectures, late-night assignments, family responsibilities, and everyday life tested every ounce of perseverance I had. But it was deeply rewarding, not only because of the degree itself, but because it was a promise to myself and my family that purpose and passion are always worth pursuing, no matter the timing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Executive Director at His Grace Foundation, where I specialize in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, strategic relationship building, and program development that directly supports families in crisis. My work centers around connecting resources to real human needs, not just through services, but through dignity, compassion, and cultural understanding. I am known for building trust, creating meaningful partnerships, and meeting families where they are, especially during moments of uncertainty, grief, or significant life transition.
What I am most proud of is that the work I do is not transactional- it is transformational. I have the privilege of helping families feel seen and supported at a time when life has become overwhelming and unpredictable. Whether through advocacy, emotional support, or removing financial barriers, I’m proud that every role I’ve held has been rooted in service, empathy, and honoring the voices of those often unheard.
What sets me apart is my personal focus on relational leadership. I believe people are not projects, they are stories, hopes, and dreams. I thrive in environments where collaboration matters, where innovation grows out of listening, and where solutions are not “one-size-fits-all,” but shaped by the unique needs of each family and community. My leadership style embraces learning, humility, and adaptability. I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities to grow, not only for myself, but for the team and mission I serve.
For me, success isn’t defined by titles or awards, it’s defined by the impact left on the lives of others. And that is the work I’m honored to do every day as I lead His Grace Foundation.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
What often surprises people is that I am also a vocalist, a soprano who has performed at wedding ceremonies, funeral services, and community events for many years. Music has always been another avenue through which I connect with people. It allows me to honor life’s most sacred moments, times of celebration and joy, as well as moments of grief and reflection. Whether standing beside a family in loss or singing a couple down the aisle, music has given me a way to serve that is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HisGraceFoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisgracefoundation?igsh=ODN4a25lYWE3OGtw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ihXqwDte/?mibextid=wwXIfr
