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AB GIRLS

Empowering the Next Generation of Faith-Filled Leaders
We’re excited to relaunch our ministry with girls—designed specifically for girls in grades 3 through 8—with a renewed vision, deeper impact, and bold faith. Welcome to AB G.I.R.L.S.—where girls grow in faith, relationship, leadership, and service!

What is AB G.I.R.L.S.?

AB G.I.R.L.S. stands for Girls In Relationship, Leadership, and Service. Our ministry provides a safe, faith-filled, and fun environment for girls to explore who they are, discover God’s purpose for their lives, and develop leadership skills grounded in love, service, and spiritual growth.

Through engaging programs, creative learning, community building, and service projects, AB G.I.R.L.S. helps girls build confidence, deepen their relationship with Christ, and grow into strong, courageous young women of faith

Launching in 2026: AB G.I.R.L.S. Academy for 3rd Grade Girls

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the AB G.I.R.L.S. Academy—a year-long, interactive program designed especially for 3rd grade girls! This academy is a foundational experience that introduces girls to the heart of our ministry:

  • Relationship with God and one another
  • Leadership through faith, character-building, and confidence
  • Service rooted in compassion and action
AB G.I.R.L.S Logo

With a mix of virtual gatherings, hands-on activities, family engagement, and in-person events (where available), our Academy will walk girls through a journey of purpose, power, and prayer.

Why AB G.I.R.L.S.?

Because girls matter—to God, to their communities, and to the future of the Church. Our ministry nurtures their hearts, minds, and spirits during some of the most formative years of their lives. We’re creating a sisterhood of faith, fun, and fearless growth.

What’s Coming Next

Economic independence is a key pillar of women’s empowerment. Our organization works to break down the barriers that prevent women from accessing fair wages, career advancement, and financial autonomy. Our economic empowerment initiatives include:

  • Monthly gatherings (virtual and in-person)
  • Leadership and service projects
  • Faith-focused lessons and devotionals
  • Parent & mentor involvement
  • Special AB G.I.R.L.S. Academy kits
  • Annual AB G.I.R.L.S. Celebration!
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Get Involved

Whether you’re a parent, pastor, mentor, or ministry leader—we need you! Together, we can raise a generation of girls who are strong in faith, bold in leadership, and grounded in service.
Join our interest list to receive updates on registration, training for mentors, and how to bring AB G.I.R.L.S. to your church or region.

Join Our Interest List➤

Our Legacy: From World Wide Guild to AB G.I.R.L.S.

A Century of Nurturing Girls in Faith and Leadership

Our ministry with girls began in 1915 as the World Wide Guild, inspired by visionary leaders Helen Barrett Montgomery, Lucy W. Peabody, and Martha MacLeish. They dreamed of thousands of Baptist girls growing spiritually, developing as leaders, and serving others. Alma I. Noble brought that dream to life as the first Executive Secretary, starting the first Guild chapter in Buffalo, NY.

By 1918, over 2,000 chapters had been established, and by 1935, Guild boasted more than 45,000 members across 3,500 chapters. The name evolved to Fellowship Guild in 1941, and though leadership changed hands over the decades, local women remained faithful in guiding and mentoring girls.

In 1985, American Baptist Women took full responsibility for the ministry, renewing efforts to resource and revitalize the program. This momentum led to a transformational moment in 1992, when the ministry was officially renamed AB GIRLS.

Today, over a century later, we continue the legacy—raising up girls in Relationship, Leadership, and Service as part of God’s calling to nurture every generation.

AB G.I.R.L.S. Academy Curriculum & Pin Pathway

Every AB G.I.R.L.S. participants will journey through four key focus areas—Relationship, Leadership, Service, and Spiritual Growth—earning a unique pin for each as they grow. These focus areas are represented in our crest and woven into each year of the program, deepening with age and experience.
Each pin has three stages of mastery, aligned with school grade bands:

  • Explorer (Grades 3–4)
  • Builder (Grades 5–6)
  • Leader (Grades 7–8)

Girls will revisit each focus area at every level, earning distinctive pins that reflect their growth.

"Learning God's Word, practicing spiritual habits."

This pin focuses on helping girls build a personal relationship with God and grow in faith.

  • Explorer Pin: Discovering Faith – Exploring Bible stories and learning to pray
  • Builder Pin: Growing Roots – Understanding scripture and practicing spiritual disciplines
  • Leader Pin: Living the Word – Applying faith through action and testimony

"Loving God, self, and others."

In this area, girls explore emotional intelligence, friendship, conflict resolution, and empathy.

  • Explorer Pin: Learning Kindness – Building healthy friendships & caring for others
  • Builder Pin: Embracing Empathy – Navigating group dynamics and building trust
  • Leader Pin: Cultivating Community – Leading relationally and mentoring others

"Finding your voice and using it well."

Girls develop communication skills, confidence, teamwork, and decision-making.

  • Explorer Pin: Finding Your Voice – Public speaking basics and personal expression
  • Builder Pin: Leading Together – Team projects, goal setting, and shared leadership
  • Leader Pin: Stepping Up – Taking initiative, mentoring younger girls, and speaking out

"Serving with compassion and impact."

Girls learn the joy of giving back and becoming change-makers in their churches and communities.

  • Explorer Pin: Helping Hands – Simple service projects and learning about need
  • Builder Pin: Growing Impact – Organizing group projects and learning advocacy
  • Leader Pin: Servant Leader – Designing and leading a personal service initiative

Earning Pins

Each girl receives her AB G.I.R.L.S. crest in her first year. As she completes curriculum and experiences in each area, she earns her stage-specific pins. Upon finishing 8th grade, she will have the full set—12 total pins—a celebration of her journey as a girl in relationship, leadership, and service.

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Website by MYYGRIT WEB & MARKETING
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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.