June 1-3, 2024 - “Historic.” It was a word being used again and again on the lips of the 50 professional Christian women convening from America and the United Kingdom for the inaugural She Leads America/United Kingdom invitation-only leadership forum at Windsor Castle on June 1-3, 2024. Held inside the grounds of Windsor Castle and coordinated by the historic St. George’s College and Chapel, women from top Christian and nonprofit organizations came together to discuss how to engage and mobilize communities of women to stand up with clarity, intelligence, and grace for Biblical values. Delegates focused on finding solutions to key cultural issues and laws that are being communicated and enacted in our world today.
The event was held inside the Vicar’s Hall, built in 1415, where William Shakespeare first performed the play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" for Queen Elizabeth I. It was lined with the artwork of international artist and delegate Julie Ann Scott. The paintings were highlighted with splashes of orange in significant places, representing the hope of God by the artist. Remaining displayed for the entire event, they were a reminder to those attending of the significance of the week.
This consultation landed on the dates of 2 historic events that seemed to define our mission - D-Day and the Joan of Arc Feast Day - The term “allied forces” was a key phrase we kept getting from our gathering as it aligned with the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the combined Allied participation of America and the United Kingdom on the beaches of Normandy during WWII to defeat the evils of the Nazi regime. We believe it’s a Holy directive. The determined leaders at the forum had come together to align themselves in “one accord” and to take up Biblical armor (knowledge and wisdom) needed to fight the cultural enemies attacking Biblical values in their respective countries. Proverbs 9.
“Being allied forces is different than partnering, supporting, or collaborating. It’s a critical spiritual and practical strategy. Where each one of us is “stationed” is of critical importance, concern, and has relevant impact to each of us because we are aligned with one unified mission. We are at war. (Light v Darkness) Also, as allied forces, our unified mission doesn’t simply double our efforts or impact, it quadruples it… and likely increases it tenfold and beyond. This is why being allies is significant, we are on the offense not defense… we are "storming the beaches.” Brandi Swindell
Commissioner Jolene Hodder of the Salvation Army, made reference to a Joan of Arc Anointing “Strong and Unafraid… until the end.” Joan of Arc went into battle mode to save her country. She prioritized her faith above everything and would not deny her convictions no matter the cost. She led when both men and women wouldn’t. She was not afraid when surrounded by conflict. She trusted and obeyed God.
This mentality is how we should fight to save our ministries, churches, families, nation, and world. That is what our mission is and we are acting as “solutionaries, bringing light into darkness.” Liz Doyle Nancy DeBoer, former Mayor of Holland, MI, current MI State Representative, and Assistant Director of She Leads Michigan, opened the conference with these words, “Wisdom through human dialogue only goes so far. God must give wisdom if we are to engage in the dilemmas of our culture.” We can solve problems with a Google search, but it takes God’s wisdom to solve dilemmas.
Focusing on “Faith Based solutions”, 20 women from across the USA including She Leads America’s Christian Women of Distinction
*Dr Alveda King - Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an esteemed voice for pro-life issues and ethnic harmony.
*Kathy Branzell - President National Day of Prayer Task Force - an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress for all Americans to pray.
*Rev. Liz Doyle - Founder/Executive Director She Leads America
*Commissioner Jolene Hodder - Director of Women’s Ministries in the USA for the Salvation Army
*Kathleen Cooke - Media Producer - Influence Lab/Cooke Media Group
*Dr. Madeline Manning Mims OLY - Olympic gold and silver medalist, world record holder 800 meters, Founder and President of the United Sates Council for Sports Chaplaincy.
*Nancy Honeytree - First Lady of Jesus Music
*Bodie Thoene - Award winning Author of 75 Historical Novels
and 12 more amazing women of God travelled to Windsor Castle to connect with the hearts and minds of their counterparts in the UK exploring the topics -
“Bringing the World Back to Life - from the womb to the tomb & beyond”. Expert panelists Rev. Lynda Rose (Voice for Justice UK), Brandi Swindell Founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare International, Professor of Bio-Ethics in Georgetown University, Elaine Petty and National Health Service Commissioner UK Ola Sijuwade focused on the dignity of LIFE and our purpose from a Biblical and practical perspective. National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell led us in our devotional times and prayer around our subjects.
The first evening included a special time for the delegates to reflect as they were taken on a private tour of St. George Chapel by one of the Queen’s select Military Knights of the Garter and given time to reflect in the chapel on the bravery of men and women who have defended the faith and given their all for God and Kingdom. We had the opportunity to worship led by Honeytree and to pray together and privately.
At each meal and tea break throughout the three-day conference, ongoing discussions and loud, rapid-fire conversations erupted. And they only grew as the 2nd day began with the topic focused on the dignity of women “Eve’s Revenge - Jesus avenging of Eve” and our identity.
Panelists Helena Croft MBE UK, Dr. Madeline Manning Mims OLY, Elaine Alam UK, a social scientist and an international development and human rights professional, and a personal testimonial via video from Riley Gaines a spokeswoman for fairness in women’s sport shared what they have been bravely engaged in promoting dignity of women. Commissioner Jolene Hodder offered practical steps for strengthening women in their identity.
Our third subject was Ethnic Harmony
"Ethnic harmony is crucial for societal progress as it creates a foundation of mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities. It helps to eliminate prejudice, discrimination, and social tensions, thereby fostering a more inclusive and cohesive society. When individuals from various ethnic backgrounds work together, it enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities, driving economic and social development.When people come together, acknowledging their differences while focusing on common goals, they can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the Opportunity to thrive."Dr Alveda King
Dr. Alveda King and Ginger Howard shared their perspective along with Liz Doyle and Dr. Sheena Tranter, a global minister of reconciliation. Our breakout groups were times of going deeper into our cross cultural experiences bringing enlightenment and healing.
"Thank you so so much for having and honouring me. It meant so much to me. Thank you for an impactful and empowering last few days. Thank you for the warmth and love. Thank you for the acceptance. I sometimes struggle to receive but love giving. Thank you for teaching to let go of my past and look ahead. Finally, thank you for allowing me to tap in the anointing of longevity in the room. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you 🙏🏾 She leads rocks 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽I pray for more grace and God’s empowerment for you and your team.” Morenike Ajayi MBE
The final session focused on the control of media and entertainment on the culture and why it’s essential to use it effectively in positive and provocative ways to change the mindset of the world back to a Biblical foundation. Hosted by Cooke Media Group and The Influence Lab/Women EVP/Co-Founder Kathleen Cooke, panelists included Christian Vision finance manager (which currently, through their global work, touches a million people yearly through media), Ellena Edmiston, and author, international speaker, TV and radio talk show host and life coach, Shaneen Clarke. Kathleen stated, “If we are going to change the culture, we’ll do it through the effective use of media and entertainment. It’s time to stop complaining and protesting about what we see on our screens and start supporting the professionals and creatives who are making the artistic content we see on them.”
Presentations were shown of effective commercials and short videos with the panel challenging the audience to not back down from using media tools to engage their audiences and to share their work with effective stories and provocative questions. Kathleen ended the evening talk by reminding the delegates that Nehemiah rebuilt the Jerusalem wall in 52 days to protect the temple of God (we’re individually and the Church, the living temple of God), which was vulnerable to an anti-Biblical culture as we are today. We must rebuild the wall of ‘the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, patience, and faithfulness. We must rebuild the wall – the place where God has us doing His work set before us and in the communities we live within. And the tools we must use are media and artistic Biblical tools.
The historic gathering ended with a beautiful Afternoon Tea in the Castle Hotel Ballroom and the honoring of additional women of distinction who have done and are continuing to do monumental work for God’s Kingdom purposes. Christian Women of Distinction recipients from the U.S. presented awards to 14 iconic women of faith in leadership in the U.K., Lady Susie Sainsbury CBE, Lady Carol Baker, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, Helena Croft MBE, Morenike Ajayi MBE, Andrea Williams, Olave Snelling, Kristen Getty, Dr. Sheena Tranter, Shaneen Clarke, and Julie Anderson, Commissioner Shelley Hill of the Salvation Army. Another 26 women from the UK also were honored with certificates and medals,It was an event “for such a time as this” and we believe is the first of many to come globally. Helena Croft MBE has accepted the leadership of She Leads UK and will be selecting an advisory team in the next few weeks.
“To be in and among “a company of women” of this level of spiritual maturity and commitment was a refreshingly profound blessing to all of us. It felt comfortable, deeply significant, and rejuvenating. It’s not typical or normal but felt familiar and right spiritually and what should be the norm. To be among a group of fellow serious pray-ers AND do-ers is deeply encouraging, powerful, and creates a spiritual anointing and focus that is and will be transformative for this broken and hurting world. This experience was historic and I believe will have a dynamic ripple effect. As leaders we already have an impact… now we encourage and rightly set the tone for others who are struggling with how to navigate the times we’re living in. Through She Leads we lean into this fresh anointing while sharing and receiving each others gifts." - Brandi Swindell
Four days as guests in George House at Windsor Castle was life changing. Getting to know such amazing, world changing Women of Valor gave me a taste of what it will be like in eternity with Esther, Deborah, Ruth and Mary. These are all women who said “Yes” to God. I am so thankful I did not hesitate to come to England when the trumpet was sounded. We are now joined in the battle to revive the world for Christ. In the memory of our mothers and for the sake of our children and grandchildren we will pray together and stand together. For the women who went before us and those who will come after us, it is our turn to link arms and stand together. - Bodie Thoene
Here are the UK women we awarded with the special recognition.
LADY SUSAN SAINSBURY Lifetime Achievement Award
Lady Sainsbury has been married to her husband, Timothy Sainsbury, for the last 63 years. Together they have four children, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Her husband Timothy was a Member of Parliament. During his time in Parliament, he alsobecame a Member of the Government. Susie became part of the Parliamentary Wives Christian Fellowship which met in the Speaker’s House in the House of Commons where they studied the Bible and prayed for Members in their work.Susie and her husband were founders and Trustees of The Headley Trust and the Jerusalem Trust. Susie took over from her husband as Chairman of the Jerusalem Trust in January 2019. She has been a Director of the Luis Palau European Board since the 1980's, and has served as a Trustee of the Prayer Foundation which was started by Julie Anderson and her husband, Rod. Susie has a strong calling to pray and intercede for Israel, Parliament and her local Church. She was appointed CBE in the New Years Honours 2024.
Top 12 Women of Distinction United Kingdom 2024
Julie Anderson
Julie is known for her incredible ability to bring women together in intercession for the the United Kingdom. She founded the Deborah Company where women in leadership were mobilized in strategic prayer. Julie’s heart particularly burns for the nation, with prayers for parliament, youth, and the media. She comes from a media background, having been Brian Epstein’s secretary during the height of the Beatles popularity, and also working for London’s top 60’s chat show as Simon Dee’s PA. She is very much aware of how rapidly the music and strength of a generation can sway an entire nation. She is equally persuaded of the Lord’s desire to move strongly amongst His church, through the youth of the nation. Julie, with her husband Rod, built Prayer for the Nations in London, and are the Senior Leaders of Commonwealth Christian Fellowship in London, and are best known for their uncompromising and direct message of renewing the mind to God’s Word.
Morenike Ajayi MBE Morenike Ajayi MBE B.Sc, M.BA, FCPFA, and Prince 2 is the Director of Corporate Services at Gravesend Churches Housing Association and Founder, Career Nuggets. Previously, Morenike held the position of Commercial and Finance Director at the London Pensions Fund Authority, overseeing a £6bn pension fund. Morenike received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2022. She was recognised for her services to race equality and inclusion.
As founder and CEO of social enterprise Career Nuggets, Morenike has helped further career opportunities for the BME community by providing mentoring, networking, workshops, events and more. All this is done on a voluntary basis.In addition, she is presently the Treasurer and a trustee at London Youth. Previously, she was on the Board of Trustees for the National Union of Students (UK) and Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre. Morenike has won multiple awards and is a chartered accountant, executive producer, TV presenter, author, career mentor and motivational public speaker.
Lady Carol Baker Lady Carol grew up in Sussex and studied Industrial Design at Chelsea Art School in London where she was also a Governor of a South London State Primary School.She was married to Nicholas Baker who subsequently became MP for North Dorset from 1979 until his death in 1997, during which time she was a Governor of two rural private schools. She has since been involved with Restorative Justice in two prisons.Her Christian faith focuses on introducing Christians to Jesus’ Jewish upbringing, His Father’s eternal Covenant with His Firstborn and the unique responsibilities for the Remnant Church who have been grafted into this holy inheritance.She is a committed intercessor for those in Parliament.
Shaneen Clarke Author, international speaker, and life coach. Shaneen's mission has been to inspire and motivate individuals from all walks of life, speaking in the most exclusive private schools, universities, international faith conferences and corporate events. Her seminars have impacted viewers through her television and radio appearances.
Helena Croft MBE Helena Croft MBE is an experienced, visionary leader, public speaker, former council deputy leader, and expert in understanding sexual violence and the exploitation of women. She is the founder and CEO of the award-winning charity StreetlightUK, one of only 34 charities in the UK to be given a special award in 2021 by the Queen for its frontline work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Awarded an MBE in the Kings 2023 birthday honours’, Helena lives in London with her husband Jonathan.
Commissioner Shelley Hill - World Secretary for Women’s Ministries for the Salvation Army. was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in June 1993, along with her husband Commissioner Edward Hill. She served in ministry leadership positions in Hawaii and in California. In July 2016, she and her husband took up leadership in the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory, where Shelley was Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. In 2018 she and her husband were appointed to the Canada and Bermuda Territory, where Shelley was also the Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries.May 2021, Shelley and her husband took on new roles at International Headquarters in London as zonal leaders for the Americas and Caribbean zone. Shelley’s role as Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries allowed her to see the beautiful ministry to women in a variety of cultures, as well as facilitating millions of dollars of Mission Projects around the world, and coordinating the efforts in the Americas combatting the scourges of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. In Commissioner Hill’s present role as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Shelley continues to encourage, empower and equip women for leadership in the 134 countries for which she shares responsibility.
Kristyn Getty
Kristyn Getty is a GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist from Northern Ireland whose voice is synonymous with hymns. According to ChristianityToday, she and her husband Keith have “changed the way evangelicals worship” with hymns such as “In Christ Alone”.
As an artist, she has recorded duets with artists including Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and has performed sold out shows on world stages from Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Sydney Opera House to the Grand Ole Opry.She is also the co-founder of the Getty Music Organization & Foundation, an author, and a voice actor on projects from the ESV Bible to movies including “Pilgrims Progress”.She is passionate about Christianity’s role in children and families, and most especially passionate about being the mother of her four daughters Eliza, Charlotte, Grace and Tahlia.
Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. She is the author of multiple books including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), and bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’
Over the last twenty five years, Amy has given talks and answered questions on university campuses around the world. She has also addressed Parliamentarians in the Speakers Rooms and Chapel at the UK Parliament and staffers on Capitol Hill, and at the West Wing of The White House. She regularly responds to invitations to speak in banks, businesses, and consultancy firms as well as churches and conferences and enjoys broadcasting in the media and giving public lectures.
Amy is interested in the intersection of questions of meaning and faith within the marketplace, education and policymaking. Amy holds a doctorate (DPhil) in Theology from the University of Oxford, and serves as Honorary Lecturer in Divinity at the University of Aberdeen.
In recent years Amy Orr-Ewing has advocated significantly for transparency and justice working alongside and representing survivors of abuse and mistreatment. Her significant contribution was recognised by the Church of England in June 2023 at the Annual Lambeth Awards, where Orr-Ewing was awarded the Alphege Award for Evangelism and Witness, for exceptional dedication, skill and insight in her advocacy work
Rev. Lynda Rose -Lynda Rose is an Anglican priest and writer. Called to the Bar in 1983, she subsequently went into ministry and became one of the first women to be ordained in the Anglican Church.Currently she is CEO of Voice for Justice UK, the campaigning group founded to defend the disadvantaged and marginalised, and to defend Christian freedoms in an increasingly secular world. She also serves as Convenor of the Lords and Commons Family and Child Protection Group, an independent all-party Parliamentary research group.She is author of several books for both the religious and general markets, and regularly writes for Christian Today, and the Christian media.
Olave Snelling Olave Snelling is a Media strategist with long experience as an award winning TV/Radio producer and presenter. Having worked in London, New York, Los Angeles, Nairobi and on three continents in print journalism, TV, radio and film, her role as Chairman of the Christian Broadcasting Council gave her prayer and passion for the proclamation of the Gospel a wonderful platform. She was asked, with Mark Stevens of Thames TV, to galvanise the massive upsurge of prayer that launched the first commercial Christian radio station in Britain in 1995. She was Head of Public Affairs at Premier Radio for a while and a broadcaster for eleven years. With a global and multi-racial focus in her life, she was Chairman of AE UK and is now still a Board Member of African Enterprise, her brother, Dr. Michael Cassidy’s Africa-wide evangelistic ministry.
She has been involved for decades with intercessory prayer ministry, particularly for the Media, and has been part of Prayer for Parliament in the Houses of Parliament. She is Co-Chair of the Working Party of the Parliamentary Lords and Commons Family & Child Protection Group, having worked on a major Symposium in the House of Commons for Child Online Safety and this year on a major Report on Knife Crime to be presented to Parliament.
Dr. Sheena Tranter Dr. Sheena has been employed as Abdominal Laparoscopic Specialist surgeon at the Bristol Royal infirmary since 2003. She was Deputy Dean of the medical school Academy there for 6 years.
She was the visionary for a gathering of 5000+ in the Bristol City stadium on Pentecost 2012. Since then Sheena has gathered Church leaders together monthly for deepening unity and strategising for mission. As a spiritual strategist, she gathers Christian leaders to support the Mayor of Bristol as together they seek God's mandate for the city.She co-founded Prayers for the Nation which occurs every month at the Houses of Parliament, with many MPs in attendance. She regularly attends the Welsh/Scottish and Westminster Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, and is co-facilitating the inaugural British Irish Prayer Breakfast to take place in Edinburgh 12th June.
Sheena is an Associate with the US Prayer Breakfast Fellowship and assistant leader for the European Prayer Breakfast, helping to establish prayer breakfasts in currently 30 of the 50 European nations. She is a Founder of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast which was birthed 6 years ago. She is a spiritual mentor/strategist to many international dignitaries. As a leader of the National Reconciliation forum, Sheena has a particular passion for our Commonwealth family of Nations, spearheading repentance and seeking subsequent restitution through trade and investment. She co-leads the European Prayer Breakfast’s womens ministry which she co-founded 2 years ago.
Andrea Williams - Having qualified as a barrister in 1988, Andrea Williams founded Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre, which have run some of the most high- profile Christian interest campaigns and legal cases in Europe. A prolific media commentator, she has been a frequent presence on major TV channels and radio stations. She is passionate about seeing every area of society transformed by the gospel. She is married to Gareth and they have four adult children. On overcoming cancer in 2010 she took up marathon running and has recently completed her 12th race.
Special Mention - Abbih Oloyede and her husband Rev. Jonathon Oloyede
Abbiih Oloyede is a Lifestyle Transformational Leader, Entrepreneur, and Lifestyle Practitioner.Abbiih is very passionate about Spiritual & Personal Development, hence her program: Prophetic Insights & MAPP (Mind and Purpose program). She oversees Women’s World a platform that seeks to inspire and motivate women to maximise their God given skills and abilities. She is the Director of The Gold Portfolio which educates and sells Bullion Gold and is the Director of Alpha Nursery Childcare, a day care for children.You can watch her on TBN UK anchoring City Chapel Transformational Moments. She’s married to Dr Jonathan Oloyede and is blessed with two young adults.
PLEASE PRAY -
YOUR KINGDOM COME,
YOUR WILL BE DONE ON
EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
She Leads America is taking a delegation of 20 Christian Women Leaders to Windsor Castle
for an important gathering of hearts and minds across the Atlantic with their British Counterparts.
This past summer She Leads America's Founder and Executive Director, Liz Doyle and
her husband Syd were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and decided
to spend some time in Windsor, England. While there, the Lord orchestrated
a divine appointment with a member of the Board of St George’s
House on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Liz asked the Canon on duty if it would be possible to have a summit/consultation
for Christian Women in leadership inviting both American and their British
counterparts to discuss the challenges they face and faith based solutions.
He immediately agreed this would be a wonderful opportunity and by the end of the
day, dates were penciled in and we are now on our way May 29th to meet with
30 amazing leaders across all sectors of society in the UK exploring the topics,
“Bringing the World back to Life”, "The Dignity of Women", "Ethnic Harmony"
and "The Effective Use of Media and our Compelling Message".
Our prayer is that this summit/consultation will be a safe space where we share our experiences,
expertise and hearts, hearing one another as we grapple with the many attacks on our biblical
values and find ways to move toward faith based solutions around the challenges we all face.
We are eager to meet our sisters across the Atlantic to learn about the unique challenges in
Britain and how they are addressing the global crisis we all find ourselves in. Our anchor is the
Word of God, and as we approach all of these issues from a biblical and prayerful perspective
believing the Holy Spirit will show us the way ahead.
We will also be honoring 40 Christian Women of Distinction in the UK with an elaborate
Afternoon Tea in the magnificent Castle Hotel in Windsor. Honorees include the
evangelistic philanthropist, Lady Susie Sainsbury, Helena Croft MBE,
Morenike Abjaii MBE, LIFE advocate Rev. Lynda Rose, and
Grammy nominated singer from N. Ireland, Kristyn Getty.
Please pray for the participants from the USA who include -
*Dr Alveda King - Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an esteemed voice for
pro-life issues and ethnic harmony.Co- Director She Leads Georgia
*Kathy Branzell - President National Day of Prayer Task Force
*Rev. Liz Doyle - Executive Director She Leads America
State Representative/ Asst. Director Nancy DeBoer -
Michigan/Asst Director She Leads America
*Commissioner Jolene Hodder - Director of Women’s Ministries
in the USA for the Salvation Army
Elaine Petty - Bio-ethicist, U.S. government policy consultant, and consultant
on persecuted church/Acting Director She Leads Washington DC.
*Kathleen Cooke - Media Producer - Influence Lab/Cooke Media Group
Sylvia Williams - National Day of Prayer/She Leads America Prayer Coordinator
*Nancy Honeytree - First Lady of Jesus Music/Co- Director She Leads Indiana
Brandi Swindell - CEO/ Founder Stanton Healthcare International -
pro-life, human rights advocate.
*Bodie Thoene - Award winning Author of 75 Historical Novels
*Dr. Madeline Manning Mims - OLY Gold and Silvermedal winner/
Director She Leads Oklahoma
Sandra Pate - TV & Media /Director She Leads Louisiana
Karen Marquez-Molina - Attorney/Pastor
Dr. Janet Mangum - Director of Transformation for Aglow Intl.
Dr. Kristen Cummins- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Gwen Bradley - National Day of Prayer Task Force
Joy Wyns - Global Missionary - Pastor
Ginger Howard - Business Owner
Janeth Baldemor - Business Owner
*She Leads America Christian
Women of Distinction
If you would like to be a part of this “Heavenly
Historic” summit and Tea, please go to the
donate button on the website and give.
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and PRAY PLEASE!
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