The Summit
November 12, 2026 | 9 AM-4:30 PM EDT
Suite 900, 1775 Eye St. NW
Washington, D.C.
Through faith, she leads with influence and purpose.
Join us for a day of collaboration, inspiration,
and empowerment.
This fall, CWFL is curating a powerful dialogue for women of faith leaders and advocates from across the United States.
The Summit will foster deeper connections, meaningful conversation, and actionable strategies to address challenges affecting our religious freedom today.
This Summit is a chance for women of all backgrounds, faiths (or none), and ethnicities to unite, share wisdom, and impact change. We hope to see you there.
Keynote Speaker
Lou Ann Sabatier
We are thrilled for Lou Ann Sabatier to be one of our keynote speakers. Lou Ann Sabatier is the Principal of Sabatier Consulting and Communications Director at Wilberforce Initiative and FORB Women’s Alliance.
Her keynote will aim at the state of women’s religious freedom globally.
Keynote Plenary
Dr. Margaret Weber
Margaret J Weber is the Director of the Center for Women, Faith, and Leadership (CWFL) at the Institute for Global Engagement.
It is a privilege to hear from Dr. Weber in this new wave during the digital age. Her keynote is titled, Algorithms and Altars: Can AI build bridges for women of faith.
Closing Plenary
Nadine Maenza
Nadine is a speaker, writer, and policy expert with more than two decades of experience advocating for working families and advancing international religious freedom.
She serves as Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable in Washington, DC, Senior Advisor to Shai Fund, and Chair of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) Advisory Council.
From conversation to commitment, Nadine will lead us into our call to action.
Meet Our Speakers
Soraya Deen
Panelist
CEO Muslim Women Speakers
Panelist
Advisory Board, CWFL
Panelist
Institute for Global Engagement
Panelist
Ph.D, Charles Sturt University
Panelist
Combat Antisemitism Movement
Panelist
Empower Women Media
Moderator
Institute for Global Engagement
Opening Reflection
Senior Fellow, CWFL
Heights Counseling & Wellness, LLC
Moderator
Senior Fellow, CWFL
What to expect
Engaging Local Voices: Hear from dynamic women leading change in the United States, sharing their stories, strategies, and solutions to some of the most pressing issues in their communities.
Focused Conversations: Participate in interactive panels and discussions tailored to global concerns, with a focus on religious freedom and community-driven solutions.
Building Connections: Network with like-minded women and leaders who are shaping faith-based advocacy, peacebuilding, and social justice.
Inspiring Action: Leave equipped with new tools, perspectives, and partnerships to empower you to lead and advocate in your local context.
About the Panel Sessions
Our panel sessions are designed to give attendees the opportunity to engage with pertinent topics of navigating the challenges of women of faith in leadership contexts throughout various capacities. Our panels are covering two main themes:
-
Navigating tradition and reform— how sacred texts and institutional norms shape women’s roles— and how women are reshaping them.
Afeefa Syeed (Moderator)
Soraya Deen — Muslim
Kit Bigelow — Baha’i
Katherine Marshall — Christian - Catholic
Natalie Sanadaji — Jewish
-
Our panelists will share from their own divers experience.
Ria Shim (Moderator)
Ghada Ghazal — Syrian refugee
Shirin Taber - Iran
Roya Rahmani - First female ambassador to the U.S. - Afghanistan
Register today!
Registration: $25
FAQ
Where is the event?
The Summit will take place at IGE’s headquarters at 1775 I St. NW, Washington D.C.
Will food be provided?
Yes. We’ll have coffee and light refreshments during the break. Lunch will be served at 12:00 PM.
How do I make changes to my registration details?
If you need to make any changes to your registration or attendance status, please email rshim@globalengage.org by October 31.
How do I get to the space?
We are located at Suite 900 on the 9th floor of 1775 I St. NW. We will have signs as you enter the lobby directing you and the security officers will grant you access to Suite 900 .
How will dietary needs be handled?
When registering for the event you indicated dietary preferences and any allergies. Your preferences have been taken into consideration and we will have lunch options available to meet the needs of all our attendees. If your dietary needs have changed since registering for the event, please email rshim@globalengage.org.
Can I invite friends to the event?
Yes, we would love for you to invite your networks (men are welcome too!).
Everyone can register online in advance and indicate any dietary preferences for lunch. Guests are also welcome to register upon arrival.
Where do I park?
A parking garage is located within the building and is operated by Colonial Parking as Lot 681. The garage entrance is on I Street NW, between 17th and 18th Streets NW. Parking rates are $15-$20. Street parking spots are available nearby as well, but they aren’t always guaranteed.
What is the format of the panel sessions?
There are two sets of panel sessions. The first session will be before lunch at 11:00 AM. The second session will start at 1:30 PM. Each attendee will have the opportunity to participate in both panel sessions. This is your chance to hear stories of each panelist and ask questions and go deeper on the specific topic, exploring ways to create change and make an impact in your community.
Is there a virtual attendance option?
No, the Summit is being held in-person in DC and will not be streamed.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a notebook and pen for jotting down ideas, your business cards for networking, and any questions you may want to ask during the breakout sessions.
What is on the agenda for the event?
You can view the program on our main landing page.
Sponsors
