Girls and women of all ages from across the US, including Puerto Rico, will gather for ABWM’s Women and Girls Conference. The conference, based on our two-year 2023-2025 Ministry Focus, “Be Strong, Be Courageous,” will create opportunities to study God's word and explore leadership.
Roanoke College is in located in Salem, Virginia, which is in Roanoke Valley. With more than 300,000 residents, the Roanoke Valley is the largest metropolitan area in Western Virginia. In addition to Salem, it's home to the city of Roanoke, also called the "Star City" for the 88-foot neon star that shines over the valley below. The Roanoke Valley is a world-class outdoor adventure destination with more than 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails, not to mention charming shops, eclectic restaurants and museums, and some of the nicest people you'll find anywhere, all tucked into the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7:30 AM ー Breakfast, Devotionals, Tour of the Dixie Caverns for AB GIRLS, Bible Study, Wellness Workshop, and Lunch
1:00 PM ー Personal Retreat Time, President’s Tea, Sectional Gatherings, Alumnae gathering, AB GIRLS Session with the College Radio Station, and Dinner
7:30 AM ー Breakfast, Devotionals, Bible Study, National Leader Panel, AB GIRLS STEAM Workshop, and Lunch
American Baptist Women's Ministries has arranged two housing options for attendees. Stay onsite at Roanoke College or stay off-site at a local hotel.
Offsite Housing at Roanoke College
Women will be staying at Maxey Hal, which has double occupancy rooms that are furnished with
single twin beds (extra-long mattress), dressers, closets, desks, and chairs. Rooms
do not have private bathrooms, televisions, or telephones. Linens and toiletries are not included. Each floor has a community bathroom, a full kitchen, and a common area. Amenities include free Wifi, secure building and rooms with key and card access, common areas, laundry facilities, and air conditioning.
Offsite Housing at Local Hotels
Individual conferees preferring to stay off-site are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Here are hotels in the area:
The Inn at Burwell
601 West Main St, Salem, VA
(540) 589-0404
www.burwellplace.com
The Lofts at Downtown Salem
10 W Main St, Salem, VA 24153
www.theloftsatdowntownsalem.com
Avid Hotel Salem
501 Wildwood Road, Salem, VA 24153
(855) 598-3793
https://www.ihg.com/
Hampton Inn Salem
450 Litchell Road, Salem, VA 24153
540-389-2424
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/roasahx-hampton-salem/
American Baptist Women's Ministries has limited scholarships for girls and young adult women, and women to attend the Women and Girls Conference. Scholarships will only be used towards the program registration fee.
Click here to apply.
Support a girl, young adult woman, or woman to attend by giving to American Baptist Women's Ministries. Your donation will allow women and girls to experience an American Baptist Women's Ministries conference, build a stronger relationship with God, and learn how to be strong and courageous.
Give now!
American Baptist Women’s Ministries will volunteer at the Rescue Mission, providing food and shelter, through services such as employment training, drug and alcohol recovery, and intensive case management. Rescue Mission is a Christ-centered, grassroots organization offering programs to help people physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Participants will have the opportunity to help in the kitchen making sandwiches or service at the thrift store.
We will also collect the following items for Rescue Mission:
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Peanut butter
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Macaroni and cheese
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Boxed potatoes
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Oatmeal
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Canned vegetables
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Canned fruit
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Canned meat
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Programming Just for Girls! |
Girls, who have completed sixth grade and up, will fellowship together, participate in Bible study for girls, meet girls from all over the US, including Puerto Rico, learn how to be a DJ, tour of the Dixie Caverns, and workshops!
AB GIRLS Plenary Session Speaker: Minister Sadiqa Delaney
Minister Sadiqa Delaney serves as the Minister of Marketing and Communication at the historic Berean Baptist Church. Sadiqa worked as the Program Director for the Berean Community Drumline at the Berean Community and Family Life Center for several years and oversaw many of the other Youth Programs the organization offered. It was through her serving as a Youth Leader at her home church, that she received her call to ministry in 2014. Sadiqa has been the Coordinator of the Women Who Minister conference since its inception in 2015. As part of You’re in the Detailz, she volunteers her time throughout the year to serve the ladies of WWM. Sadiqa is also currently serving on the American Baptist Women's Ministries' Young Adult Women’s Ministries Advisory Team where she gets to live out her other passion of serving young women across the region.
Click here to read minister Delaney's full bio.
Bible Study Leader: Nora Elisabet Kalkman
Nora Elisabet has been adventuring across Europe since she was 5 months old, when her parents were commissioned as missionaries to partner with the European Baptist Federation. Having grown up in Czech Republic with a Mexican mom and a Dutch dad, she developed a heart for multi-cultural ministry. She spent a leadership training year in Vienna with the Austrian Baptists, after which she completed her Bachelor’s in Psychology in the Netherlands. Currently, she is working with International Ministries' Mission Engagement Team, assisting Short-Term Mission volunteers, and preparing to begin her Master's of Divinity in answer to God's call. Nora is serving on ABWM's Young Adult Women's Ministries Advisory Team (YAWMAT).
AB GIRLS Writing Workshop with Rev. Dr. Cheryl Price
Rev. Dr. Cheryl Price is the Publisher of Judson Press, where she helps individuals explore, discover, and encourage the joy of reading and writing through various topics and styles. Dr. Cheryl was the vice president of Content at Urban Ministries Inc.; minister on staff at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.; Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, Wash.; and Lutheran and United Methodist congregations in New York and California; and has authored and co-authored several books.
Click here to read Rev. Dr. Price's full bio.
Marketing Workshop for AB GIRLS with Erin Davis and Minister Cassandra Foster
Erin Davis is a marketing executive and serial entrepreneur. Erin serves as the social media ambassador for American Baptist Women's Ministries. She has over 15 years of experience in the marketing industry, beginning her career at Radio One of Atlanta as a Marketing Research Associate. There, she conducted marketing research studies for 61 broadcasts in 13 markets.
Click here to read Ms. Davis' full bio.
Minister Cassandra Foster currently serves as the Youth Minister and Minister of Social Media at First Baptist Church of Hillside where she relaunched the VIBE youth ministry (Victorious in Believing Eternity). She works as the Social Media Content Creator for American Baptist Women’s Ministries. Cassandra obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Montclair State University. Cassandra is currently enrolled at United Theological Seminary to obtain her Doctor of Ministry. Click here to read Minister Foster's full bio.
Evening Plenary Speaker: Rev. Barbara Florvil Lavarin
Reverend Barbara Florvil Lavarin is a poet and writer who enjoys writing poetry and plays, and training to become a Spiritual Director. Upon graduating from Tufts University with B.A. in Child Development, Rev. Lavarin worked as an Education Coordinator at the Berean Community and Family Life Center in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Rev. Lavarin graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with her Master of Divinity. Rev. Lavarin joyfully served as the Assistant to the Pastor for Youth at the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, in Alexandria, VA. Rev. Lavarin served on ABWM's Young Adult Women's Advisory Team (YAWMAT).
Click here to read Rev. Florvil Lavarin's full bio.
Evening Plenary Speaker: Rev. Joy Martinez-Marshall
Rev. Joy Martinez-Marshall serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln, NE, and as the Associate Region Minister for American Baptist Churches of Nebraska. Joy grew up in The Colony, TX. Now, she calls Nebraska home after moving from Waco, TX where she served as a Student Life Minister. She holds a B.A. in Religion from Baylor University and a M.Div. from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Joy serves as the Vice President of the Faith Coalition of Lancaster County and on the Board of Directors of Baptist Women In Ministry.
Click here to read Rev. Martinez-Marshall's full bio.
Evening Plenary Speaker: Jasmine Turner
Jasmine Turner is an Emmy-award-winning anchor and reporter for NBC 12 News in Richmond, Virginia. Jasmine leads NBC12’s
On Your Side Investigators team. Outside of the newsroom, Jasmine is a certified yoga and meditation teacher. She is passionate about helping others live well, offering support along the way. Volunteering with the youth ministry at Liberation Church brings Jasmine joy. Jasmine served as the Convenor of the National Leadership Team of AB GIRLS (
2010-11). Click here to read Ms. Turner's full bio.
Sunday Morning Preacher: Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain
Reverend Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain is General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA. Previously, she served as Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) for six years. Under her guidance, ABWM introduced the AB GIRLS program, “Building Bridges and Gateways to Girl’s Future/Hie-STEAM,” an initiative connecting AB GIRLS Christian Curriculum with local STEAM providers, empowering girls to recognize God’s creative potential within them. Rev. Dr. Gina served as the Transitional Pastor for First Baptist Church of New Market in Piscataway, New Jersey; Interim Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; Associate Regional Pastor for Women in Ministry for American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ); and is an Associate Minister of Christian Education at St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, New Jersey.
Click here to read Rev. Dr. Jacob-Strains' full bio.
Rev. Dr. Christine Smith
Rev. Dr. Christine A. Smith is the National President of American Baptist Women's Ministries and the senior pastor of Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc. in Euclid, Ohio. Since 1993, Rev. Smith has been engaged locally with American Baptist Women’s Ministries of Greater Cleveland. She has served as workshop leader, keynote speaker, Bible study leader and host for AB Women annual days and retreats.
Click here to read Rev. Dr. Smith's full bio.
Rev. LaThelma Yenn-Batah
Rev. LaThelma (LT) Yenn-Batah is the Interim Executive Director of American Baptist Women's Ministries.
Rev.Yenn-Batah, a trailblazer in ministry, made history as the first African American pastor of Flemington Baptist Church in Flemington, NJ. Prior to this groundbreaking role, she served as the Associate Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, fostering communities of justice-minded women and girls. A graduate cum laude in Sociology and Africana Studies from Scripps College, Rev. LT holds a Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she earned accolades in Urban Ministry and Sacred Music.
Click here to read Rev. Yenn-Batah's full bio.
Worship Leader: Minister Kabanya Vinson
Minister Kabanya Vinson, a gifted musician, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and arranger from Albany, Georgia, began playing piano at age 3 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Georgia. She has worked with renowned artists like Aretha Franklin and Michael McDonald and was influenced by her aunt, Dr. Bernice Reagon, founder of "Sweet Honey in the Rock." Her debut album, “TheMOSAIC,” features the single “Consume Me.” With over 40 years in music ministry, Kabanya has served in various capacities, directed international choral tours, and worked at Ray of Hope Christian Church and Shiloh Baptist Church. A proud mother of four, she is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Virginia Union University.
Click here to read Minister Vinson's full bio.
Enneagram Workshop with Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman
Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and currently serves as the lead pastor at Welborne United Methodist Church. Before Welborne UMC, Lindsey served in the Conference Office, Campus Ministry and as an associate pastor. This July begins year 13 of full-time ministry! When it comes to ministry, Lindsey is passionate about crafting worship experiences for folks to encounter the holy, connecting folks in light of their gifts, preaching, teaching and being in mission with the community. Her StrengthsFinder Signature Strengths are Adaptability, Restorative, Empathy, Arranger, and Deliberative, and she is Enneagram 3. Looking forward to exploring and learning with you!
Click here to read Rev. Freeman's full bio.
Can You be Strong and Courageous When Life Hurts? Workshop with Dr. Sharon Siler
Dr. Sharon Siler is the Executive Director of The Healing Place Center for Counseling and Spiritual Formation in Mechanicsville, Virginia and has provided care for persons experiencing death and non-death losses for a number of years. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the College of William and Mary and a Master of Science in Thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement) from Marian University. Sharon is an ordained minister, a trained spiritual director, and a certified thanatologist.
The Sub(stance) of Somebodiness Workshop with Rev. Dr. Starlette Thomas
The Reverend Dr. Starlette Thomas is the director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative, named for her work and witness and an associate editor at Good Faith Media. Her writings have been featured in Sojourners, Red Letter Christians, Free Black Thought, Word & Way, Plough and Nurturing Faith Journal among others. She is a frequent guest on podcasts and hosts her own, The Raceless Gospel podcast, which takes her listeners to a virtual church service where she and her guests tackle that taboo trinity— race, religion and politics. A womanist in ministry, she has served as both a pastor and denominational leader. An unrepentant academician and bibliophile, Starlette is a graduate of Buffalo State College (B.A., English), Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (M.Div.) and Wesley Theological Seminary (D. Min.). Starlette is the author of "Take Me to the Water": The Raceless Gospel as Baptismal Pedagogy for a Desegregated Church and a contributing author of the book Faith Forward: A Dialogue on Children, Youth & a New Kind of Christianity.
Godly Goals: Discovering Purpose, Living Authentically and Building Righteous Relationships with Rev. Dr. Kaiya M. Jennings
Rev. Dr. Kaiya Jennings, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, was licensed to the gospel ministry on June 10, 2012, and ordained on December 30, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Suffolk. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia State University, a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and a Master's in Religion, Culture, and Personality from Boston University. In September 2022, she earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke Divinity School, focusing on Black Clergywomen and Congregational Leadership.
Rev. Dr. Jennings was the first woman elected as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. She is the co-host of the Say It Out Loud Podcast and founder of Kaiya Jennings Consulting, LLC, which emphasizes mentorship, coaching, and congregational health. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Her favorite scripture is John 15:2. Click here to read Rev.Dr. Jennings' full bio.
Register now! There are three registration packages:
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Offsite Package - $230.00 Fee
This package is for attendees who live locally or who will be staying at a local hotel. Included in the package fee is registration and all meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast).
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Onsite Package - $350.00
This package is for attendees who will be staying at the dorms at Roanoke College. The package includes housing in a double occupancy dorm room (3 nights starting on Thursday), registration, and all meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast).
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Onsite Package with linens - $420.00 fee
This package is for attendees who will be staying at the dorms at Roanoke College and need towels and bedding. The package includes housing in a double occupancy dorm room (3 nights starting on Thursday), towels (2 washcloths, 2 hand towels, and 2 bath towels), bedding (pillow, comforter, pillow cover, twin XL fitted sheet, and flat sheet), registration, and all meals (Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast).
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.
Sponsoring an exhibitor table at ABWM's Women and Girls Conferene is a fantastic way to boost your business! It puts you right in the middle of the action, allowing you to show off your products and services to a crowd that's already interested in what you have to offer. For more information, contact info@abwomensministries.org.