Celebrating Belonging: See Hear Love Hosts Canadian Christian Women Leaders at Crossroads for International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, Crossroads’ studio was abuzz for See Hear Love’s celebration of belonging, gathering a dynamic group of Christian women leaders.

Visionary, Host, and Executive Producer Melinda Estabrooks orchestrated a gathering that transcended mere discussion, weaving themes of unity, service, innovation and a sense of belonging. Guest panel facilitators Cheryl Nembhard (Executive Director, Women Speakers Collective) and Senait Litchmore (Therapist, Speaker & Coach) brought warmth and wisdom to the room. With genuine spirit and courage, 16 speakers inspired a diverse gathering of women leaders with their lived experiences and wisdom, responding to Melinda’s thoughtfully curated questions. The questions were carefully designed as a beacon for Leading, Serving, and Belonging—inspiring Inclusion and affirming the comforting truth that we are never alone—we are each seen, heard, and deeply loved by God!

The afternoon unfolded as a chorus of laughter and tears, marking a sacred communion of sisterhood. Here we chronicle just a few of the compelling insights from trailblazing Canadian Christian women leaders—a testament to the shared mission of faith, leadership, and belonging.

14 TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS FROM CANADIAN CHRISTIAN WOMEN LEADERS

1. Dorothy Pang (Interim Director, Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre), a beacon of inspiration, reminded us that as Christ-followers, we are not imposters in the spaces we dream of occupying. Rather, we are called and chosen by a higher purpose, urging us to step into our roles with confidence and purpose.
2. Sue Wigston (CEO, Givesome), with her stirring words, reminded us that even in our toughest chapters, we are not alone. With faith as our anchor, we can weather any storm, knowing that our story ends in victory.
3. Caroline Riseboro (President & CEO, Trillium Health Partners Foundation), illuminated the importance of consistent values in times of crisis, urging us to hold fast to our core beliefs and trust in a sovereign God who guides us through every challenge.

4. Allison Alley (President & CEO, Compassion Canada), in her journey to leadership, emphasized the importance of authenticity and daily communion with God, urging us to show up as our true selves and engage deeply with others.
5. Ellen Graf-Martin (President & Chief Marketing Strategist, Graf–Martin Communications), drew inspiration from the story of Bezalel, a master artisan chosen by God, reminding us that our talents are divine gifts meant to be embraced and shared with the world.
6. Michelle Pommells (Chief Strategy & Development Officer, Crossroads & YES TV), challenged the myth that leadership belongs only to the extroverted, urging us to seek mentorship and embrace our unique traits as strengths in our leadership journey.
7. Alana Walker Carpenter (CEO of Intriciti), with her insightful perspective, emphasized the power of saying “no” as a means of protecting our priorities and nurturing our well-being.
8. Stacey Campbell (President & CEO, Prison Fellowship Canada), drawing from her faith, encouraged us to embrace criticism with resilience, recognizing that it refines rather than defines us.
9. Dr. Marjory Kerr (President & Vice Chancellor, Tyndale University), shared invaluable insights on leadership stewardship, reminding us that our roles are temporary gifts to be managed wisely.
10. Angie Peters (President & CEO, Yonge Street Mission), championed innovation and inclusivity in leadership, urging us to create spaces where every voice is valued and empowered.
11. Jasmine Duckworth (Community Development Manager, Karis Disability Services), with her story of resilience, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and belonging, especially for those with disabilities.
12. Melissa McEachern (Chief Operating & Content Officer, Crossroads & YES TV), drawing from Scripture, reminded us to hold fast to our purpose in the face of adversity, knowing that it anchors us through life’s storms.

• 13. Melinda Estabrooks (Host & Executive Producer, See Hear Love), urged us to approach leadership with intentionality and curiosity, embracing opportunities for growth and learning.
• 14. Cheryl Weber (Director, Crossroads Cares; Co-Host, 100 Huntley Street), reminded us to anchor ourselves in God’s truth, finding freedom from the weight of others’ opinions.
• 15. And Lara Watson (Executive Producer & Host, 100 Huntley Street), navigating uncertain times, emphasized the power of sisterhood and collective wisdom in charting our course forward.

These inspiring insights really brings home the message: our leadership path is carved out through shared purpose, faith, and the warmth of our community. Every message is a gentle nudge to embrace the unique gifts we bring to the table, to lead with sincerity and kindness, and to support each other as we face life’s twists and turns.

If you ever feel like you need encouragement on your leadership journey, just remember that Crossroads’ 24/7 prayer line (1-866-273-4444) is here to lend a compassionate ear and join you in prayer.

There’s a verse that speaks beautifully to our sense of belonging: “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5). It’s a lovely reminder that we’re intertwined in our faith journey, giving us a sense of unity, and belonging.

Join the See Hear Love community at seehearlove.com. See Hear Love broadcasts Mondays at 9:30am/pm on YES TV and the YES TV APP. It’s also available on-demand through Crossroads’ free streaming platform CASTLE® at intothecastle.com. See Hear Love is a production of Crossroads Christian Communications Inc, a registered charity in Canada and the USA. To support See Hear Love or to become a monthly member visit https://donate.crossroads.ca/see-hear-love