In 2010, the Institute for Global Engagement was invited to a landmark gathering of women of diverse faith; all focused on building peace and security worldwide. The gathering in Riggs Library at Georgetown University was entitled "Women, Religion, and Peace: Experience, Perspectives, and Policy Implications." It was hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, and the World Faiths Development Dialogue. Around the long table were women of faith from all different nations, creeds, and cultures, entering into a discussion of peace with the understanding that gender and faith were critical components. 
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With that inspiration, in 2014, we at the Center for Women, Faith & Leadership at the Institute for Global Engagement in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of Kristen Lundquist, embarked on a brave new path. Realizing that more was needed to support women who wanted to advance their leadership, programming was developed for women of faith striving to advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations worldwide in some of the toughest contexts you can imagine. The Center for Women, Faith & Leadership Fellowship Program - a one-year multi-faith program that provides a supportive space for self-reflection, multi-faith engagement, skill-building, and self-care is offered in hybrid and virtual formats.  A team of experts is dedicated to seeing women of faith advance in their leadership and influence toward global good. Today, as we enter a new chapter, I am excited to continue advocating and supporting women of faith serving globally.  We are also beginning a certificate program through the Center for Global Partnerships and Learning at Pepperdine University for the program.