Young Life women leaders on what they wish they knew when they started
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, we asked women across Young Life’s global mission to reflect on their leadership journeys. More than 55 different voices responded, from regional directors in Russia to YoungLives coordinators in Africa, from Capernaum leaders to area directors across six continents. Their wisdom reaches across borders, roles, and seasons of life.
When asked what they wish they could tell their younger selves, the advice gets honest, the wisdom gets specific, and the encouragement becomes the kind that actually changes how you show up to work. Here are some of the highlights across common themes that proved to span the entire globe!
Be Brave to Go Slow
Our world is fast and if we’re not careful, it’s easy to get sucked into believing that everything in Young Life needs to move just as fast. However, women on staff are in tune with the “rhythm of ministry” — especially when it’s a bit slower.
“When starting new ministry, give yourself grace and be patient. Ministry that will last takes time to grow.” — Jane Lemmen, associate regional director
“Give yourself grace and time to learn the culture and develop a rhythm; keep focus on Jesus and relationships first.” — Elizabeth McRae, campaign director
“Trust the process and do not rush outcomes. Relationships take time, and impact isn’t always immediately visible. Faithfulness in showing up consistently matters more than trying to do everything perfectly.” — Cynthia Osege, associate regional director
Your Unique Wiring Is a Strength
The pressure to conform appeared in nearly every response from women. It’s clear we all feel a common pressure in this issue. And the advice? Stop trying.
“View your unique skillset and wiring as a strength you can develop, instead of trying to mold yourself into someone else.” — Alyssa Alderman, grant manager
“Women are uniquely designed by God and bring those qualities to any table or room they are in. We are needed in rooms full of men just as much as men are needed in rooms full of women …You were made for this. Show up, and own it.” — Chelsea Cannon, director of Marketing for Young Life
“Effective leadership starts with presence (the Jesus way) and not position, serving with humility and grace.” — Lilian Macharia, YoungLives staff associate and Catherine Athieno, area director
Ask Questions … All of Them
There are so many people to learn from in Young Life! One thing women around Young Life have found is deep community between mentoring relationships, peer groups, Bible studies, and more. Women around Young Life are pushing egos aside and realizing the wealth that comes from asking questions!
“Find a mentor. Don’t be worried about asking questions.” — Marne Henderson, area director
“It is leadership by presence more than by perfection, by humility and honesty, that matters. Performative faith is leadership through remembering their names, celebrating their gains, and grieving in their losses.” — Cathy Okunia, associate area director
“Do not get caught up in getting everything perfect; focus on building relationships with other staff and volunteer leaders. Keep Jesus in the center of everything you do. Do not be afraid to ask for help.” — Anyine Edith, staff associate
Relationships are Everything
We love relationships around Young Life, and women are at the heartbeat of them!
“Leadership in Young Life is first about presence and relationship, not position. People grow best when they feel seen, heard, and trusted.” — Daluthando Vuyo Hlophe, area director
“Leadership is less about having the right answers and more about being faithfully present. People don’t grow because we manage them well; they grow because they feel seen, trusted, and supported.” — Wezzie Nyirongo, staff associate
“We started a women’s community program that enables women staff leaders to come together. This monthly meeting helps the women to express themselves on what challenges they are going through, both in life and ministry, and give each other motivation. It also enables us to become prayer partners despite being from different areas.” — Mercy Muraga, staff associate
Take Care of Your Whole Self
Women are known for making sacrifices on their own self-care in order to help others out. When you’re doing ministry, it can be amplified even more. So many leaders chimed in on the topic of self-care:
“Remember that only the Lord does the impossible, you cannot wear yourself out, you must rest in him.” — Jenny Moreno, area director
“Your health and boundaries matter most. Because if those are not happening then you aren’t able to show up as your best self.” — Ferin Smith, area director
“Please go (to therapy)! There are few places that care about their staff’s mental health enough to cover the sheer amount that Young Life does; take advantage of it!” — Rachel Karman, Young Life ONE
“Take a timely sabbatical. I put it off for years because it was ‘never the right time.’ It’s a blessing, and designed to keep us in the game longer. Take it when the time comes!” — Carly Voge, associate regional director
Prayer Is Your Primary Tool
Prayer was a common theme, giving us all reminders of where we start and end, and have our being, all day long in ministry.
“Stay rooted in prayer, build a team, and trust God for the results.” — Catherine Athieno
“We need to daily spend time with the Lord and in his Word so we can lead others and point them to Jesus.” — Karen Hogman, Capernaum coordinator
Ministry and Motherhood
How do so many balance a demanding job with parenthood? Moms know how hard this can be, but also how rich it can be to do it with a job within the Young Life community!
“You CAN be a mom and a woman in ministry; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” — Jillian Delbridge, area director
“Becoming a mom can help you with boundary setting. You will do your job differently, and that’s OK. Contact work can be BETTER with your kids. We need moms on staff; ask for what you need and communicate.” -— Claire Pusateri, Regional Initiatives coordinator
“Leaders extend openness and flexibility to women who become mothers, encouraging them to continue serving in ways that align with their families.” — Emily Mahoney, campaign director
Leadership Is Influence, Not Position
Everyone is a leader, regardless of their role or title. We see this every single day in the influence of women on each continent.
“People usually respond to care, concern, and relationship even when authority lacks and only influence is leveraged for leadership.” — Christen Morrow-Ara, Capernaum divisional coordinator
“Leadership often looks like giving other people courage. Be a person’s biggest fan; they’ll learn to take risks.” — Ashley Flowers, regional director
“Leadership is helping others succeed … equipping and supporting those you supervise in a way that makes them flourish, grow, have an impactful ministry and, ultimately take your place.” — Jane Lemmen
You’re Not Alone
Ministry can feel lonely. Adulthood can feel lonely. Loneliness plagues so many of us and sometimes we just need the reminder that we’re in it with many others.
“Lean into community early, ask questions, learn from others, and invite support. Young Life is not meant to be done solo.” — Cynthia Osege
“You don’t have to carry everything alone, and you don’t have to prove your calling.” — Daluthando Vuyo Hlophe
The Change They’re Seeing
Women in Young Life have a voice, and we’ve seen more and more women step into that voice. We’re excited about the impact women are having in every facet of ministry.
“Women leaders often grow from hesitating to speak into meetings to confidently sharing insight, challenging assumptions, and advocating for young people and teams.” — Catherine Athieno
“I’ve seen women grow in confidence, clarity, and courage. Many have moved from hesitating to speak into stepping into leadership with conviction.” — Wezzie Nyirongo
Prayers for the Next Generation
As we look ahead to the next season of reaching students, we can’t help but be excited about what God has in store for leadership around Young Life. These prayers are an encouragement for us all, especially as we think about future women who aren’t on staff yet, young student staff early in their career, or the woman reading this who knows there’s more for her to give in ministry.
“Bow low, but not so low your crown falls off. Speak proudly but with deep humility.” — Mariah McCleary, associate regional director
“God made you on purpose for a purpose. Serving the Lord unlocks spiritual growth.” — Rebeka Marcille, area office administrator
“I pray they would know their worth. I pray they would feel freedom in not having everything figured out.” — Emily Mahoney
“I pray they would know they are called, capable, and deeply loved by God. That they would not shrink themselves to make others comfortable, but would lead from wholeness, wisdom, and faith.” — Daluthando Vuyo Hlophe
A Closing Word
“I am so grateful I said yes to coming on Young Life staff years ago when it didn’t make sense on paper and was an entirely different plan from what I had for my life.” — Sarah Lowe, Divisional Field Development director
“This is a big job with many pieces but don’t forget we get to be in the front row to watch what the Lord is doing in the lives of students and families. What a privilege.” — Laurel Hogan, Young Life College director
From Colorado to South Africa, to El Salvador, women are leading slowly and prayerfully, asking questions relentlessly, showing up as their whole selves — mothers and managers, wounded and wise, uncertain yet unshakeable in their calling. The wisdom of these women, and the many others they represent, is a gift!
Special thanks to every woman around the globe who contributed to this article!
