With Gratitude: Leadership Transition at Lift Louisiana

Ten years ago, I co-founded Lift Louisiana to help fill a critical gap in Louisiana's reproductive rights movement. We knew our communities needed stronger legal advocacy, more strategic legislative engagement, and a dedicated organization willing to challenge the anti-abortion extremists working to restrict our rights and freedoms.

What I could not have imagined then was how deeply this work would shape my life. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to build this organization alongside an extraordinary community of staff, board members, partners, volunteers, donors, and advocates who have shown up again and again for reproductive freedom in Louisiana.

As we look ahead to Lift's next decade, I believe it is the right time to create an opportunity for new leadership to guide the organization forward. For that reason, I will be stepping down as Executive Director later this year.

Over the past ten years, together we have accomplished exactly what we set out to do. We have established Lift as a trusted source of legal expertise and policy analysis, challenged harmful legislation at every turn, supported litigation to protect reproductive rights, educated lawmakers and the public, and organized thousands of advocates across Louisiana. We have built a strong foundation rooted in truth, trust, and an unwavering commitment to reproductive justice.

Today, that foundation is stronger than ever. Lift's statewide legal and policy work continues to grow, and we are expanding our impact through newer strategies like deep canvassing, leadership development, and community organizing that help build lasting support for reproductive freedom.

This year, Lift has engaged in a thoughtful Leadership Transition process designed to ensure the organization's continued strength and success. Our board and staff are working together to identify a new Executive Director with the vision, courage, expertise, and commitment necessary to lead Lift into its next chapter.

I am incredibly optimistic about what comes next. This transition is not an ending—it is an opportunity. It is a chance to reflect on all we have built together, strengthen our foundation, and welcome a leader who can help Lift meet the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead.

We will launch the search for that new leader shortly. 

Thank you for believing in this work, supporting this organization, and helping make Lift what it is today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you throughout the transition and celebrating the exciting future ahead for Lift Louisiana.

With gratitude,

Michelle Erenberg
Co-Founder & Executive Director

Lift Louisiana