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About American Baptist Women's Ministries
Join us in fostering a community where women and girls can flourish, lead, and impact the world.

Empowerment through faith.

Empowering Women, Transforming Communities

American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) has a long heritage of being on the forefront of mission and ministry with women and girls. From our very roots to today, ABWM has addressed critical issues such as sex trafficking, poverty, equal voice, safety and security, access to water and other natural resources,  proclaim liberty and release leadership development, and, of course, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.  Isaiah 61:1-3, quoted again by Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, provides us inspiration to bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, …to provide for those who mourn and give them a garland instead of ashes, a mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

American Baptist Women’s Ministries—empowering women and girls to live into the fullness of who they are created by God to be.  Join Us!

MISSION

American Baptist Women’s Ministries is a Christ-centered ministry with a commitment to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God.

PURPOSE

As servant leaders, we serve American Baptist churches by encouraging existing vital ministries with women and girls and empowering churches to build such ministries.

VISION

Every American Baptist church shall have a vital women's ministry program that empowers women and girls to become and develop as God's person, build God's faith community, and serve God's world.

CORE VALUES

Our ministry is based on certain non-negotiable values that form a foundation and criteria for all that we do. 

We provide Christ-centered ministries.

We strive for excellence in all we do.

We practice faithful stewardship.

We are relevant for women today.

We assure that our diversity (clergy/lay, age, geographic, and racial/ethnic representation) as a denomination is represented in our ministries.

We affirm and encourage the use of spiritual gifts.

We recognize the worth of all women and girls. We value our American Baptist family relationships.

We work to provide solutions for the social justice challenges and opportunities facing women and girls.

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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.