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bridges and gateways endowment

About

Launched in 2018, the Bridges & Gateways Endowment serves as a vital financial resource for the present while also securing long-term assets for the future of American Baptist Women’s Ministries. This endowment is structured into five separate funds, allowing donors to direct their gifts to specific areas of interest or contribute to a combination of funds. Additionally, a portion of every gift will be allocated for the operational use of AB Women’s Ministries, ensuring continued support for our mission and initiatives.

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The Bridges & Gateways Endowment consists of five individual funds

Donors have the flexibility to designate gifts to any of these funds individually or a combination thereof. Additionally, a portion of each gift will support the operational needs of AB Women’s Ministries.

Five individual funds

1. The Beloved Community Fund

The Beloved Community Fund will provide opportunities to women and girls to embrace our diversity as Christians through mission, dialogue, education, and spiritual formation. This fund supports the growth of healthy communities and enhanced communication, facilitating safe, and sustaining relationships.

2. The Break the Chains Fund

The Break the Chains Fund provides education, advocacy, partnerships, and opportunities to learn how to prevent sex trafficking through workshops and events, partnerships, and grants for new projects.

3. In Her Shoes Fund

The In Her Shoes Fund builds relationships and empowers women and girls through mentoring programs, workshops for all ages, working with local schools, businesses, and community centers, and advocacy and awareness. This fund helps women and girls find the support and encouragement they need.

4. (S.T.E.A.M.) Program Fund

The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) Program Fund supports the development of tutoring programs, workshops and events, partnering schools, and scholarships. This fund enables AB Women’s Ministries to partner with other organizations to make sure girls receive an excellent foundation for life.

5. Developing Leaders Fund

The Developing Leaders Fund offers opportunities for women and girls to develop their God-given gifts for leadership is a critical part of American Baptist Women’s Ministries. The Developing Leaders Fund was created to support the following leadership and development training, education and credentialing, spiritual and financial wellness education, networking events, and mentoring relationships. The Developing Leaders Fund ensures that strong women and girl leaders will have an impact on our ministries and our society into the future.

Ways to Give to the Bridges & Gateways Endowment

Monetary Donations

By contributing financially, you can help support the various activities and initiatives of the Bridges & Gateways Endowment, including events, workshops, and charitable projects that empower and uplift women.

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Volunteer Your Time

Your time and expertise are valuable. Volunteer to organize events, lead workshops, or serve as a resource for other members of the Bridges & Gateways Endowment.

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In-kind Donations

Consider donating needed supplies, books, or resources that can be used to further the mission and impact of the Bridges & Gateways Endowment.

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Legacy Giving

Through legacy giving, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact by including the Bridges & Gateways Endowment in your will or estate plans.

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Participate in
Fundraising Events

Keep an eye out for fundraising events organized by the Bridges & Gateways Endowment. Your participation directly contributes to the success of these initiatives.

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Other Ways to Give

Give by Venmo @abwomensministries

Give by text (text ABWM to 44321)

Questions? 
Please feel free to call us at (610) 768-2288 or email us 

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Karla Rivera Avilés

Karla Rivera Avilés
Director of Programs

Karla Rivera Avilés serves as Director of Programs for American Baptist Women’s Ministries. A devoted Puerto Rican attorney with 18 years of experience, she has centered her career on advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual aggression. Her work reflects a strong commitment to justice, faith, and community service. Karla brings valuable experience from ecumenical work in Puerto Rico and Peru, particularly in championing the rights of women and children. At ABWM, she is dedicated to creating programs that empower women and girls to thrive through faith and courage.

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Erin-Davis-Director-of-Marketing

Erin Davis Marketing & Communications Director

Erin Davis began her journey at ABWM as a social media ambassador and now serves as the Marketing and Communications Director. With over 15 years of experience in the marketing industry, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her work at ABWM focuses on developing effective communication strategies, enhancing the organization’s visibility, and engaging with the community through innovative marketing efforts.

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Rev. Dr. Christine Smith
Associate Executive Director

Rev. Dr. Christine A. Smith begins as Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center in October 2024, bringing extensive experience in leadership development, ministry, and advocacy. Rev. Dr. Smith is passionate about empowering women in ministry and providing them with the tools and resources to excel in their calling. Her leadership at the Rudd Empowerment Center focuses on advancing education, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives that support women both within and beyond the faith community. Committed to ABWM’s mission, she works to elevate the voices of women and girls globally, fostering an environment where their leadership can thrive.

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Rev. LaThelma Armstrong
Executive Director

Reverend LT Armstrong began as Executive Director of ABWM in July 2024, bringing a breath of experience to the role. Rev. LT Yenn-Batah is dedicated to the spiritual, educational, and social growth of women and children, particularly girls. Her leadership focuses on innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and fostering a community where women and children can thrive. She is committed to advancing ABWM’s mission, ensuring that every woman and child is empowered through faith to advance beyond any obstacles or barriers they face.

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Rev. Dr. Cassandra Foster
Outreach Coordinator

Dr. Cassandra Foster began her journey at ABWM in 2022 as a content creator. In her new role as Outreach Coordinator, she brings her expertise and passion for connecting with and empowering communities. Reverend Cassandra focuses on building outreach strategies, representing ABWM at various conferences, and engaging women and girls in the organization’s mission. Her work ensures that every woman and child can connect, grow, thrive, and find a sense of belonging within the ABWM community. We invite you to connect with Reverend Cassandra to learn more about ABWM’s initiatives and explore ways to get involved. She is eager to engage with and support our community.

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Lianne Quaynor — Program Coordinator

Lianne Quaynor
Program Coordinator

Lianne Quaynor began as our Program Coordinator in October 2024 focused on developing and coordinating programming to promote human rights, women’s empowerment and faith based advocacy at American Baptist Women’s Ministries. She brings experience working on global issues regarding women and girls rights and human rights for various non-profits and international organizations as well as with youth ministry in making spaces of faith more inclusive and intergenerational. She is passionate about education, volunteering, and social justice but most importantly being able to empower, elevate and equip women and girls to be leaders in making their dreams and aspirations a reality and the world a better place.