There are a host of women driving meaningful change. We don’t always see them but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist or that their work isn’t impactful. Coinciding with Women’s History Month, we are interviewing and profiling women who are advancing change.
As such, we caught up with Khia Shaw-Wilson, Transformation Officer with United Women in Faith. Shaw-Wilson has held a number of leadership positions with the organization since 2016.
Tell us about your work with United Women in Faith?
I’ve been with United Women in Faith for almost a decade. I currently serve as the Transformation Officer but previously served as the director of membership and engagement. In my current capacity, I design initiatives that align with the organization’s strategic plan, and provide oversight of the organization’s priorities: positioning the organization, engaging women to join the work, and mobilizing women to act.
What does a Transformation Officer do?
My role is to drive innovation aligned with our organizational priorities. I work to ensure that we create short and long-term value for our members and stakeholders. This is reflected in the programming and resources that we offer.
What United Women in Faith program are you most passionate?
United Women in Faith is a unique organization with many impactful and inspiring programs. I am most excited that we offer not just programs but experiences to meet women where they are and for every phase of a woman’s spiritual journey.
We offer Soul Care retreats for women who have prioritized their self-care and want spiritual rejuvenation, Mission u offers a transformative experience on a biblical theme through the lens of justice. We also offer a leadership track that is woven throughout our programming along with opportunities to ACT through the ongoing campaign work of advocating for “Just Energy 4 All” and “Ending mass Incarceration.” In communities, we have National Mission Institutions which serve marginalized communities and our most vulnerable populations across the U.S. We want to prepare women for mission, and offer a reading list that highlights authors and books that are important to our missional and movement work.
Were you the architect of United Women in Faith’s Soul Care program?
Yes, I developed Soul Care with the help of amazing colleagues. We surveyed women of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures and learned that women were seeking experiences that embody body self-care and spiritual rejuvenation. We call the merger of these ideas, Soul Care. We are intentional about including a Soul Care component in all workshops and major events. We also have held Soul Care Retreats, which offer a way to connect with other women and feed the mind, body and spirit.
Is Soul Care available to non-members?
Soul care retreats are designed as a welcoming event for new women to get an initial look at United Women in Faith. Our members are hosting these retreats across the country, inviting non-member friends and new women.
What other programs does UWF offer its members? We offer a host of podcasts such as Voices from the Field and Faith Talks to encourage women to amplify their voice, be seen and heard. We also offer opportunities for members and friends to partner with United Women in Faith as we seek to address our social policy priorities such as climate justice and ending the school to prison pipeline. We also encourage members and friends to be in community with one another and advocate collectively for what they and their communities need. Most importantly, we are an organization where women can find community, friendship and content to help them grow in faith. The opportunities for meaningful engagement are vast.
What do you want women to remember? We do not have to, nor should we, walk alone. We are stronger together. We encourage members to think about the collective, not just the self. Whenever we have the opportunity, we remind members that we are equipped and we are ready to meet this – and every – moment that comes our way.
What is your message to women who may be questioning the future? My message to women of faith is to never lose sight of who you are and where you come from. Methodist women have a heritage of championing justice, even when its unpopular to do so. When times get tough, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone. It’s easy to feel like you don’t know where to turn. We encourage women to turn to the scripture, to turn to one another, and to remember the past as it offers lessons for the future.
Is your organization open to anyone? We are open to all women. We are looking for spiritual women that are passionate about making a difference in their own community and in the world. Go to our website and join a community of determined, spirit filled women.
How can we join? Visit our website at www.uwfaith.org
