KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 12/5/25) —The Rudd Empowerment Center (“the REC”) at American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) Launches the “Lead Like a Woman Institute,” February 2026. How do women lead? What unique characteristics do women bring to the “C-Suite?” How do the strategies women use to nurture, build, and expand the teams they lead differ from the strategies used by men? How are they similar? What tips can successful women offer to help those who are pursuing leadership positions? Through the “Lead Like a Woman Institute,” the Rudd Empowerment Center will explore questions like these and offer critical resources to help prepare young women to grow their leadership skills as well as to help all women leaders to thrive.
Beginning in February 2026, the following resources will come under the umbrella of the REC: - The Annual Rudd Empowerment Center’s “Empowerment Webinar Series” during the month of February - The Bi-annual Sojourner Truth Women’s Ministry Conference during the month of September - In person and online seminars featuring local, national, and international women leaders covering a variety of topics related to women in leadership roles - Research materials to help women understand trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting women leaders - A “Lead Like a Woman Podcast” - Online resources to assist women leaders with identifying and obtaining financial resources to fund the work they lead - Mentorship and networking opportunities - Collaborative relationships with colleges, universities, seminaries, and professional training programs to receive certificates and continuing education units Rev. Dr. Chris Smith, Associate Executive Director of American Baptist Women’s Ministries and Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center shared the following about this new initiative, “The Rudd Empowerment Center at ABWM is thrilled to offer this new, exciting, and bold initiative, the “Lead Like a Woman Institute.” During a season in our nation and globally when the rights of women are being rolled back, the proven abilities of women leaders are being questioned, and justice and equity for all is becoming increasingly elusive, it is incumbent upon organizations like American Baptist Women’s Ministries to help women in general and women leaders in particular to emerge victorious as organizational leaders and in all aspects of their God given abilities. The Institute is designed to help women, young and ‘seasoned,’ to have access to resources that will increase their odds at succeeding, strengthen their confidence in the areas where they serve, and offer them mentoring, encouraging, and empowering networks that will help them to soar!”
American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) is a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to encouraging and empowering women and girls to serve God. With a history of over 70 years, ABWM is committed to fostering leadership, spiritual growth, mission engagement, and advocacy for women and girls worldwide.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world. www.abc-usa.org.
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