More than 200 women from around the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) converged upon Denver, Colorado, to recalibrate and renew in purpose and mission at the NAD’s Passionate Leader Summit, September 4-6, 2025. This second run of the event is part of a four-course leadership plan developed by the department under the leadership of NAD Women’s Ministries director DeeAnn Bragaw. It is dedicated to women’s ministries leaders and volunteers who support women throughout the division.

“My hope for Passionate Leader was that women would come find a place of connection, a place of inspiration, and a place where they would be equipped; that when they left here, they would go back home feeling empowered in what they were truly called and chosen and equipped by Jesus to do, which is to serve the women in their local communities,” remarked Bragaw.

Emily Brousson, former head of the leadership program at Andrews University, opened the general sessions and threaded her messages of community and communication through the biblical story of Moses: “The actions of women saved and shaped young Moses, creating a safe space that enabled him to grow and fulfill his destiny.” She explored the elements of communication in detail and challenged attendees to reflect on what may have been lost in what was left unspoken or how outcomes might have shifted with clearer expression.

Michele Joseph, communication strategist and founder of Michele Joseph Creative Solutions, continued the critical topic of communication. Through several activities, she had attendees explore their purpose and mission, identify who they were serving, and evaluate how they were communicating their purpose to those they serve. Joseph imparted the importance of purpose, saying, “Purpose is your engine” to help create direction, focus, and build trust through consistency.

Gina Creek, chief people officer for the Mid-America Region of AdventHealth, began her session advising that a leader’s most important role is to define and develop future leaders, creating a platform for others to lead. She gave several scriptural examples of people pouring into others, urging, “This isn’t the work of just those who are qualified. This is the work of everyone who is Jesus’ follower.” Creek closed by providing insights on identifying and nurturing future leaders.

Through the story of Deborah — the biblical judge and prophet — Heather Quintana, editor of Vibrant Life magazine, illustrated the call to make disciples. She pointed out that Deborah not only followed God; she also led others to Him. Quintana stressed the importance of knowing one’s identity in Christ, as Deborah did, and shared practical leadership lessons: treat people with love rather than as problems to solve, offer genuine support, don’t fear rejection, and always leave room for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

The focus of Saturday’s programming was healing, beginning with a multi-generational panel. The summit organizers were intentional about not only raising awareness of the uniqueness and styles of each generation, but also sharing what that means in the lens of Women’s Ministries and working together in local churches and the greater church structure.

Panel member Vanessa Alarcón, therapy program manager of Community Reach Center in Westminster, Colorado, and adjunct professor at Andrews University, noted, “The more we talked [during the panel], the more we realized that, throughout the generations, we’re all women and we all want to serve God. Sometimes there are aspects of humanity that put limits and barriers [between us], but God breaks all those barriers, and we just have to be mission-focused. So, let’s just break the barriers and work together.”

The remainder of the day’s program was focused on trauma-informed ministry, led by Beverly Sedlacek, co-founder and clinical director of Into HIS Rest Ministries, who received verbal affirmations throughout her presentation. Sedlacek defined trauma and the subsequent expressions of trauma, reminding attendees of the importance of working through their own challenges first to be more effective in helping others.

 Sedlacek reflected on what it means to be a compassionate caregiver and the importance of understanding the needs and wants of a person in pain. She counseled participants not to give advice but to listen to how others want to be supported and to offer presence, attentiveness, connection, comfort, and hope. “When we try to give them cognitive solutions to heart problems, we miss them altogether,” she cautioned.

“Trauma-informed care is what we do,” shared chaplain Freddie Maye Jenkins of the South Central Conference. “The ministry of presence is what a chaplain does. [This session] was just a confirmation that I am fulfilling my purpose. This is the second Passionate Leader that I’ve attended, and it was just awesome.”

Supporting the event were a number of women-run and women-focused organizations, including enditnow®, a global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to raise awareness and end violence; Woven Dignity, empowering refugee women with hope through sustainable work; AdventHealth; Adventist Women Leaders (AWL); and several more.

The concept of the “Friendship Bench” was also introduced and well-attended, as it was a physical seating place where anyone can meet and share with a trained, compassionate listener. There was also a session devoted to ministry budgeting from Marlene Poole, supporter of Women’s Ministries in the Rocky Mountain Conference, and fundraising tips and resources provided by Donna Brown, Women’s Ministries director for the Mid-American Union Conference. Notably, Brown worked as a budget analyst for the US Department of Defense for 35 years.

Closing the summit, Bragaw brought to attention the stories of the women in the Bible and how crucial they were for the ministries of both Jesus and Moses. She then had every woman stand and declare that they are “Mission Critical” to God’s greater purpose. Bragaw highlighted the ways the enemy, the devil, wants to take leaders’ focus off what is truly important. She also demonstrated vulnerability — a true trait of leadership — with the heartfelt story of the passing of her adoptive son at the end of the last summit in 2024.

While the 2025 Passionate Leader Summit was designed for women in ministry, the takeaways from the event were applicable to women in all professions and seasons of life. Old connections were uplifted and new connections made, and the interactive moments and open times provided a forum for women across the division to discuss personal and professional challenges, providing a safe and welcoming space for all during their faith journey.

“I realize how much I can grow, and it was eye-opening to think that the Lord picked me,” commented Margie Hood, Women’s Ministries leader of Barstow Seventh-day Adventist Church in California. “The journey has not been easy, and I am going to do the best I can with the leadership that has been bestowed. I loved [the summit], and I will definitely return, Lord willing.”

—Liz Kirkland is the Rocky Mountain Conference Conference communication director.