American Baptist Women’s Ministries logo with purple text and a globe integrated into the letter 'o' in Women’s

RUDd EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Welcome to the Rudd Empowerment Center information page!
We are thrilled to launch this new initiative of American Baptist Women’s Ministries, which is focused on advocacy,
empowerment, and leadership development for women and girls.

A COMMUNITY OF PARTNERS

Rev. Dr. Chris Smith, Director, Rudd Empowerment Center

Through tangible, practical, and relevant resources, the Rudd Empowerment Center will offer women and their families a community of caring partners, who will strategically accompany them as they pursue healthy, productive, and holistic paths forward. Below we provide the historical basis for the “REC,” as well as our mission, vision, and programming focus. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to engage!
We look forward to all that the Lord will bring to pass through our work together!
Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Dr. Chris Smith,
Director, Rudd Empowerment Center Contact Rev. Dr. Chris Smith

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

Ms. Violet E. Rudd

Historical Background

Ms. Violet E. Rudd, serving as the Administrative Secretary in 1951 and later as the Executive Director in 1976, was a visionary leader during the formative years of American Baptist Women’s Ministries. She was dedicated to preparing women for mission work and throughout her leadership tenure from 1951-1976, ABWM launched a magazine, organized annual conferences, and fostered a network of skilled female leaders at all levels.  Learn more about Ms. Rudd

designed to support women

Mission and Vision

The Rudd Empowerment Center builds on ABWM’s legacy, offering expanded opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and education. Its programs, which include leadership retreats, ministry grants, pastoral care workshops, and mentorship initiatives, are designed to support women as they navigate unique challenges and advance in their leadership journeys. The Center’s offerings will empower women with the resources, networks, and confidence they need to thrive.

full inclusion of women

Global and Cross-Denominational Reach

With a commitment to fostering cross-denominational and interfaith collaboration, the Rudd Empowerment Center will extend ABWM’s influence beyond its traditional community. This broader, global approach positions ABWM as a pivotal voice in global conversations on women’s leadership and empowerment, advocating for the full inclusion of women in every sphere of leadership.

designed to support women

Professional Development & Advocacy

Through strategic partnerships with academic institutions, the Center will offer cutting-edge training and certification programs to equip women with the skills they need to excel. Its robust advocacy efforts will amplify women’s voices within and beyond the faith community, ensuring they are heard, valued, and celebrated as leaders in their fields.

Articles

Read "Welcoming the Stranger: How Are We Doing?" Featured in the Christian Citizen.

How are we answering Christ’s call to radical hospitality in our lives and communities? This question lies at the heart of our 2024 mission focus, Welcoming the Stranger.
To help us reflect and act on this sacred calling, we encourage you to read a thought-provoking article featured in the Christian Citizen. Written by Rev. Christine A. Smith, Ph.D., Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center, the article, “Welcoming the Stranger: How Are We Doing?”, offers valuable insights into what it truly means to open our hearts and arms to those in need of Christ-like love and care.
This piece invites us to explore deeper connections, share compassion, and live out hospitality in meaningful ways. Read Article.

Past and Current Events

Empowerment Series: How’s Your Health?

So often, women spend most of their time caring for others while neglecting themselves. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. A large part of loving ourselves is taking care of our health. To address this critical concern, the Rudd Empowerment Center at ABWM will present each Monday during February, “Empowerment Series: How’s Your Health?” An amazing line-up of presenters will engage participants in varying aspects of health and wellness, including mental, financial, educational, and family/holistic health. This series is for women in general and women of color in particular. Click link below to view or download the series. Empowerment Series Recordings To access these amazing resources, simply click the button below and enter the password provided. You’ll be able to view and download powerful tools, explore what we’re doing, and be inspired by so much more. Password: 6l5pKG98uvJb
  • Mental Health (Monday, February 3rd, 2025): Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Dennis
  • Financial Health (Monday, February 10th, 2025): Ms. Cynthia Crawford
  • Educational Health (Monday, February 17th, 2025): Rev. Gimbiya Kettering
  • Family/Wholistic Health (Monday, February 24th, 2025): Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams
VIEW OR DOWNLOAD SERIES
PAST EVENT

Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference​

Pre-Conference: Thursday, September 25th, 2025​
Conference: Friday, September 26th thru September 27th, 2025.​
Location: 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.
REGISTER OR LEARN MORE
CURRENT EVENT
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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
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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Portrait of Erin Davis, Director of Marketing at American Baptist Women’s Ministries, smiling confidently and representing empowered Christian women in leadership.

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

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

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 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.

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

Rev. Dr. Cassandra Foster
Outreach Coordinator

Rev. 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.