As I reflect on nearly 38 years of officership, I am struck by how profoundly my journey has been shaped by calling, opportunity and the unwavering belief that leadership is not defined by gender but by God‑given gifting. When I first entered ministry, the landscape was quite different than it is today. Expectations were quieter. Roles for women were sometimes assumed rather than explored. And yet, throughout all these years, I have been blessed to serve in a wide variety of appointments that relied on my skills, experience and capacity—not my gender.

I have always felt privileged that leaders around me chose to see potential rather than limitation. They looked at what I could offer, the abilities God had entrusted to me and the heart I had for the mission. Because of that, I stepped into roles that stretched me, challenged me and revealed strengths I didn’t even know I had. Early on, I saw women preach with passion, organize with excellence, lead with wisdom, innovate with courage and shepherd with compassion. Women can do it—because God calls us to do it.

Across our territory, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary leadership every single day. Some lead from the podium; others lead from behind the scenes. Some direct major ministries while others create smaller, quieter shifts—one person, one program, one prayer at a time. I’ve met women who have guided corps through seasons of change with grace and determination. I’ve worked alongside women who navigate crisis with calm discernment. I’ve learned from women who bring creativity, administrative strength, pastoral insight and bold vision to the work of the kingdom.

What gives me such hope today is watching emerging leaders—people who step forward not with hesitation, but with confidence. They carry themselves with a certainty that their voices matter. They speak into strategy, shape conversations and challenge assumptions. And they do so with a joy and purpose that inspires everyone around them.

For me, leadership has never been about being the loudest in the room or holding the most senior title. Leadership has never been about gender. It is about willingness, service, integrity, humility and obedience to God’s call. When women lead, they bring perspectives and strengths that enrich the whole body. When men and women lead together—mutually, respectfully and collaboratively—the mission becomes stronger, more creative and more complete.

As I look back, I am grateful for the women who came before me—those who quietly paved the way in eras far more restrictive than mine. I am equally grateful for the women who lead beside me today, balancing courage with compassion and competence with deep faith. And my heart is full when I think of the girls growing up in our corps and communities now—girls who see women preaching, directing, managing, shaping vision and making decisions. They will grow up believing these opportunities are normal, attainable and aligned with God’s calling for their lives. That is worth celebrating.

Almost four decades in, I remain convinced of this truth: God calls. And when he does, he equips, strengthens and opens doors in ways only he can. My story is just one example of what can happen when gifts—not gender—guide leadership opportunities.

So today, I celebrate every woman across our territory who leads with courage, grace and conviction. You inspire more people than you realize. And to every young woman discerning her calling: step forward. There is room for you. We need your voice. And yes—you can do it, too.