Leadership and Staff

Elizabeth Santiago was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Center for Safety & Change in 2015. The Center is the sole victim assistance provider in Rockland County, New York, serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and all other crimes, such as elder abuse and hate crimes. Since becoming CEO,  Elizabeth has strengthened and expanded the Center’s programs and financial sustainability to ensure services for victims, survivors, their families and the community at large for years to come.  Since her appointment, Elizabeth has increased the organization’s annual fiscal budget twofold. For the first time, under Elizabeth’s leadership the organization underwent a five-year strategic plan.

An activist, Elizabeth has worked on social justice issues for over two decades.  She is recognized for her expertise on issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and creating strategies to end gender-based violence.  Locally and throughout the country, Elizabeth is a sought-after adviser, consultant and trainer and serves as a liaison with federal, state and local agencies while also working with businesses, systems and political leaders to develop legislation and coordinate service networks.

Elizabeth currently serves on the New York State Domestic Violence Council,  the Rockland County Citizen Advisory Council and is co-chair of the Rockland County Coordinated Community Response Stop F.E.A.R. Coalition.  Elizabeth has previously served on the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, the New York State Office of Victim Services Advisory Council, the board of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV), the board of Rockland County CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children and the board of the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County.

While born and raised in New York City, Elizabeth is a dual citizen of the Dominican Republic. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College and has a Certificate in Non-Profit Sustainability from Cornell University.  Elizabeth is the co-founder of the Boston College Archbishop Oscar Romero Scholarship for students who demonstrate a balance in academics and social justice community service.  She is an alumna of Leadership Rockland class of 2007 and the proud mother of three adult children, Alex, and twins Roberto and Raquel.