Adventist Women Leaders was birthed in 2017 when Blyden invited Debra Brill, then NAD vice president for Ministries, and Ann Roda, vice president for Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at Adventist HealthCare, to partner in hosting a luncheon for 14 women leaders who were members of the NAD Executive Committee.
“Nine of the 14 were the first women in their position. We had a room full of history makers!” Blyden recalls. “And when they began sharing their stories and ministry journeys, we realized there was a connection, a great need and great opportunity to do more to support, nurture, mentor, advocate for and celebrate women called to leadership. And so that became our shared vision.”
That vision has blossomed into a global community of more than 300 women leaders who stay connected through the monthly newsletter, social media, Zoom events, and in-person events.
Bragaw has personally been part of the AWL community since its inception and said she has enjoyed the gatherings and the recent Virtual Mentor Series.
“The speakers have been relevant and inspiring,” Bragaw said.
To kick off the new year, NAD Women's Ministries Adventist Women Leaders will host the AWL Luncheon on Jan. 11, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.
“The benefits [of the partnership] are just beginning!” Bragaw says. “We have the opportunity to reach more women leaders through the wider platform Women’s Ministries already provides. AWL provides a unique and needed niche in Women’s Ministries and helps people to understand that Women’s Ministries serves all women, not just a small segment of women. We’re excited to watch what God will do. We really are better together!”
