Celebrating Women’s History Month

DVULI liaisons serve as the vital link between DVULI and our alumni, embodying the hands and feet of Christ as they fulfill our mission to serve urban youth leaders.

In March, we proudly honor the incredible women who comprise nearly half of our DVULI liaison team. These dedicated, Christ-centered women work tirelessly behind the scenes to empower, equip, and support our 1,460 alumni nationwide in every possible way.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we asked each female liaison what it means to be a woman in ministry.

Here’s what they said:

Being a woman in ministry means boldly living out my faith daily while embracing the unique gifts, skills, and talents God has given me. We are created to make a meaningful difference in the lives of other women and throughout the world. We must use our voices to glorify God transparently and authentically, confidently walking in our purpose. We know He has equipped and called women to lead, nurture, and transform lives for His glory.
Pam Harris (Kansas City 2008)

Being a “woman in ministry” means being prepared every season to fulfill the calling she has received. It often requires courage to step into spaces traditionally reserved for men while remaining intentional, graceful, and rooted in godly character.
Benita Hopkins (Oakland-SF Bay Area 2015)

Being a woman in ministry often means facing moments of being ignored or devalued. However, it also means serving as an image bearer of God, using the unique superpowers He has given us:
Flourish: The ability to take anything and make it grow or reproduce.
Heart Thinking: The capacity to store vast amounts of thoughts and feelings within our hearts, knowing instinctively what to do without overthinking.
Super-Force: The strength to protect or help others when needed.
Healing Beauty: The talent to create beautiful things that bring healing to those who encounter them.
Adaptation: The skill to seamlessly enter any environment or situation and know how to fit in.
Manifesting: The power to transform ideas into tangible realities.
As women in ministry, we are blessed to use these divine superpowers to live out our purpose—bringing truth, empowerment, change, and restoration as we build His kingdom.
Denise Fase (Grand Rapids 1998)

To me, being a woman in ministry means responding to a divine calling from God, greater than personal fears and insecurities. It involves embracing one’s spiritual gifts, contributing to the church’s mission, and being a voice of hope within the faith community. It also involves loving and serving others and being God’s most excellent advertisement.
Ruth Castillo (Dallas 2015)

To be a woman in ministry, serving across churches, parachurch organizations, community programs, and social services, is to embody both faith and resilience. It means standing as a bridge between spiritual and practical needs, offering hope through Christ while addressing real-world struggles. It is a calling that requires strength, compassion, and a deep understanding of the joy and challenges of serving diverse communities. As a Black woman in ministry, I bring the richness of cultural heritage, lived experience, and a unique perspective on perseverance, justice, and grace. It’s about being a voice of encouragement, a source of wisdom, and a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. With a heart for outreach and collaboration, it means laboring to share the Gospel and inspire hope, healing, and transformation in every life touched. Ultimately, it is a sacred commitment to serve, uplift, and empower others through the love of Christ.
Angela Reeves (Chicago 2002)

At the heart of being a woman in ministry lies the essence of service. It’s a journey that isn’t without its hurdles, but the hurdles can be surmounted. Consider Esther, whose courage and position saved her people; Priscilla, a pioneer in the early church who worked alongside Paul; Phoebe, a devoted deacon serving in Cenchreae; and the Samaritan woman at the well, who, despite being marginalized, became a catalyst for many to find Christ. I serve under a remarkable female senior pastor, and our church continues to blossom.
Valerie Wimms (Pittsburgh 2012)