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.
Jennifer R. Farmer, aka The PR Whisperer®, is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates.