On Sunday, May 26, 2024, ASEZ WAO, the young adult volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, hosted the Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., celebrating women in professional leadership. The event brought together young women at various stages of their careers and education, inspiring them to become changemakers in their own fields.
The forum opened with a presentation by an ASEZ WAO volunteer, highlighting the remarkable progress women have made in political, economic, and educational leadership over the past 60 years. Notably, until 1974, U.S. banks could deny women mortgages without a male cosigner—an eye-opening reminder of how far society has come. Today, women hold nearly 25% of parliamentary seats worldwide, up from just 13% in the early 2000s.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Madame Ambassador Marie-Hélène Mathey Boo Lowumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo delivered the keynote address, sharing her journey from poverty to becoming only the second female Congolese ambassador to the United States. She urged attendees to stay committed to their dreams and praised the next generation of young women leaders for their drive to create change.
The panel discussion, moderated by White House Correspondent Hariana Veras, featured Lt. Col. Francesca Graham (Director of Operations, Joint Staff J-2), Bridget Kerlick of Bloomberg, and Ashley Johnson (Senior Section Chief of Internal Operations) at the FBI. Each panelist shared insights on overcoming barriers, the power of mentorship, and the resilience needed to succeed in male-dominated fields.
Committed to Shaping the Future
Maryland State Delegate Deni Taveras closed the event with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of continued progress: “We must keep breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation. Our work is far from over.”
The event concluded with a Signature of Support letter signing ceremony, led by Madame Ambassador Marie-Hélène Mathey Boo Lowumba and Maryland State Delegate Deni Taveras. This document affirmed commitments to advancing gender equality, supporting education for young women, and fostering leadership opportunities across sectors, underscoring the forum’s mission of empowering women today and for generations to come.
To view more ASEZ WAO events, please click here.
