Loading Events

« All Events

Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference​

September 26 @ 4:30 pm - September 27 @ 5:30 pm EDT

$75
Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference​
Pre-Conference: Thursday, September 25th, 2025​
Conference: Friday, September 26th thru 27th, 2025​
Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland
140 Richmond Road​
Euclid, Ohio 44143​

As people in general and women in particular face the uncertainties, pain, and struggles of these times, we might be tempted to lose hope. Rather than retreating in despair and defeat, we can embrace and follow the words of womanist giant, Sojourner Truth:

“I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.”

Conference Theme: “Empowered by God’s Light, Leading with God’s Love”

Scripture: “5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 

At this pivotal moment, as women leaders, we must “retool” ourselves. The Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference is designed to assist in this endeavor. Women at all levels of ministry (clergy and laywomen) are welcome! We will focus on leadership development: leadership styles, navigating world and church politics as leaders, economic empowerment, mentorship, and nurturing holistic health (spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial) as we lead. The conference will also include components for teen girls.

Conference Schedule
Pre-Conference, Thursday September 25th, 2025

Gather at the church: 12:30 p.m.

Travel together to the Sojourner Truth Plaza in Akron, Ohio, 37 North High Street, Akron, Ohio 44308

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

  • Tour the plaza and adjoined facility
  • Special ceremony honoring Sojourner Truth, highlighting the “Sojourner Truth Traveling Stole,” led by Rev. Dr. LaVerne C. Hall, President of the Board of Directors of the Dr. James and Janie Washington Cultural Center, Seattle, WA

4:30 p.m.

  • Dinner together in downtown Akron, Ohio
Conference, Friday, September 26th, 2025
  • Check-in: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
  • Opening Workshop: 6:45-7:50 p.m. “Fundraising 101” presented by Rev. Brian Upton, Executive Director of Building Hope in the City
  • Opening Worship: 8:00 – 9:15 p.m., Guest Preacher,  Dr. Lumar Vargas, Managing Director of Leadership and Development at Teach for America
Saturday, September 27th, 2025, Day 2
  • Check-in and Continental Breakfast: 9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
  • Opening Plenary: 10:00 – 10:50 a.m., “Post Traumatic Leadership Syndrome,” Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Dennis
  • Day 2 Worship: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Guest Preacher, Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard, Executive Director, Cleveland Baptist Association, General Secretary, North American Baptist Fellowship
  • LUNCH: 12:20 – 1:20 p.m.
Afternoon Workshops (1:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.)
  • “Lead like a Woman”  Ms. Gimbiya Kettering, author, former Director of Interculturalism and Diversity at The Church of the Brethren, 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
  • “Financial Freedom and Empowerment ” Ms. Linda Peavy, Entrepreneur, Advisor, Instructor – Founder & Owner, LiPav Consulting, 2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.)
  • “Caring for Ourselves as we Lead,” Elder Linette Graddic, LLC, M.Ed., LPC, Director, Mercy Center Global Ministries; Therapist, Therapeutic Life Changers Counseling Center, 3:30 p.m.  – 4:20 p.m.
Teen Workshops (concurrent with Women’s workshops: 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.,
  • “Building our Muscles for our Future:” things to think about as you choose a career path, resume writing, soft skills, interviews, networking, things to help you stand out. Ms. Chanté Roberts | Executive Assistant, Mandel Community Center at The Sojourner Truth Building. 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
  • “Self-Awareness, Self-Care, and Self-Esteem:” Pastor Sadawna Gainer, Executive Pastor, M.A.S.H. Ministries New Life Center 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Closing Commissioning and Holy Communion
  • Commissioning Service and Holy Communion, 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., Rev. LaThelma Armstrong, Executive Director, American Baptist Women’s Ministries
  • Closing remarks and Benediction – 5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Rev. Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Rudd Empowerment Center at ABWM, Conference Host, Senior Pastor, Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland
Here are some recommendations for accommodations for the conference, between 5 and 10 miles from the church:
 
Church Location:
Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland (On the campus of St. John of the Cross Parish)
140 Richmond Road
Euclid, Ohio 44143
Hotel Options:
35103 Maplegrove Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094
(440) 530-1100  (approx. 5.6 miles from the church)
Eco-certified
700 Beta Dr, Cleveland, OH 44143
(440) 646-1777  (approx. 7.79 miles from the church)
1421 Golden Gate Blvd., Mayfield Heights, OH, 44124, US
(440) 442-8400 (approx. 8.77 miles from the church)

Registration

Pre-Conference – $25 (payment covers group transportation to Akron, Ohio for the event. Dinner cost not included)

Conference – $75 (payment covers all meals, programming and conference bag. Hotel and travel not included)

Cancellation Policy: Refunds forfeit a $50 processing fee. Refunds will be issued at the discretion of American Baptist Women’s Ministries. Written cancellation notice must be received by July 1, 2024. No refund notification requests will be honored after July 2, 2024. Written cancellation notice may be emailed to info@abwomensministries.org.

Details

Start:
September 26 @ 4:30 pm EDT
End:
September 27 @ 5:30 pm EDT
Cost:
$75
Website:
https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_a686b5aa-cdec-11ea-96ab-0a4146b57d16&WidgetId=5946229760

Organizer

American Baptist Women’s Ministries
Phone
(610) 768-2288
Email
info@abwomensministries.org
View Organizer Website

Venue

140 Richmond Road​ Euclid, Ohio 44143​
140 Richmond Road​ Euclid, 44143​
Euclid, Ohio 44143 United States
+ Google Map
View Venue Website
Join ABWM Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to receive uplifting stories, ministry updates, and upcoming events.

©2025 All Rights Reserved | American Baptist Women's Ministries

Karla Rivera Avilés, Director of Programs at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, smiling joyfully and showcasing faith-led leadership for women and girls.

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.

Portrait of Erin Davis, Director of Marketing at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, smiling confidently and representing empowered Christian women in leadership.

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.

Rev. Dr. Christine Smith of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, wearing pearls and smiling, symbolizing Christian leadership, wisdom, and women’s empowerment through faith.

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.

Rev. Armstrong, Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, representing visionary leadership and faith-based empowerment for women and girls.

Reverend LT Armstrong began as Executive Director of ABWM in July 2024, bringing a breath of experience to the role. Rev. LT Armstrong 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.

Rev. Dr. Cassandra Foster, Outreach Coordinator at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, modeling strength, service, and Christian leadership.

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.

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.