Women’s Ministries Event Promotes Advocacy
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Southwestern Union partnered with the women’s ministries teams from Albuquerque area churches for a powerful and inspiring event, March 14-15. The gathering not only celebrated women—an emphasis often highlighted during the month of March—but also brought attention to an important cause: the enditnow® global initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which raises awareness and advocates for the end of violence worldwide.
This was the first event coordinated by Teresa Flores, the newly appointed women’s ministries director for the Texico Conference. She worked closely with local women’s ministries leaders to organize the impactful weekend, which drew more than 120 women. The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers and presenters, with sessions held in both English and Spanish to accommodate all participants.
Keynote speakers included Carlos Craig, Southwestern Union president; Letty Craig, Southwestern Union Women’s Ministries director; Gladys Adjei-Poku, director of nursing at Loma Linda Medical Center; Ana Rosa Cobos, bilingual therapist at Panorama Healing, LLC; and Erica Tarango, a social worker. Each speaker brought valuable insights, addressing topics ranging from faith and personal growth to mental health and the fight against domestic violence.
A highlight of the event was its collaboration with the More Compassion mission trip, an initiative led by the Southwestern Union’s Youth and Young Adult Department. This annual outreach gathers young people from across the union to serve the community, worship and build meaningful connections. The women’s ministries event concluded with a joint community outreach effort, featuring a variety of booths and resources. These included information on sexual abuse awareness, immigration support and advocacy through the enditnow® initiative. Representatives from the City of Albuquerque were also present, offering resources and support services.
The weekend was a great success, with women leaving the event informed and inspired to make a difference in their homes, churches and communities. With such a strong turnout and positive response, the Texico Conference women’s ministries team is now preparing for its next gathering, a Spanish-language women’s ministries retreat scheduled for October. The upcoming retreat promises to continue the momentum, offering spiritual growth, encouragement and fellowship for Spanish-speaking women from across the conference.
Through collaborative efforts like these, women’s ministries continues to be a vital force in fostering support, education and advocacy—ensuring that women are not only celebrated but also equipped to make a lasting impact in the world around them.
By Debby Marquez
Communication Director
