Elizabeth Gillanders is a Family Policy Analyst at Independent Women, where she works on issues relating to child care, paid leave, and the broader policies that influence the flourishing of families.
Elizabeth began her career in public policy through local political campaigns in high school and has since held roles spanning political communications, academic research, state government, and constitutional law. Her experience includes interning with The Heritage Foundation’s Public Relations team, serving as a student editor covering domestic policy for Liberty University’s Journal of Statesmanship and Public Policy, working as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources under Governor Glenn Youngkin, and conducting strategic research at Pacific Legal Foundation on separation of powers issues.
At PLF, her research contributed to a report that was cited in a petition for a Writ of Certiorari before the U.S. Supreme Court. Additionally, Elizabeth’s writing has appeared in The Daily Signal and New Guard Press, and she has presented original research at Liberty University’s 2025 Public Policy Conference.
Elizabeth graduated Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Government and a minor in Psychology. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys going to the gym, writing for her Substack, and learning how to keep her sourdough starter alive.