Staff
Margaret J Weber, PhD
Program Director
“When we don’t speak up - the world loses an important VOICE!”
Dr. Margaret J. Weber passionately advocates for women of faith — encouraging them to find their voices, embrace their calling, and lead with courage on the global stage. As Program Director, she offers decades of transformative experience, extensive scholarly expertise, and a steadfast belief that faith-inspired leadership can transform lives.
Margaret’s distinguished career in higher education has been guided by a singular mission: opening doors. As Dean and Professor at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and through leadership roles at Oklahoma State University, she worked tirelessly to increase access to education, mentor the next generation of scholars, and foster cultures of inclusion and dignity. Her impact extends well beyond the classroom.
Ria Shim
Program Assistant
Ria holds a M.A. in Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College. She currently serves as a Youth Director at her church in Illinois, where she leads weekly youth programs, discipleship activities, and mentors youth in her city. Ria approaches her work with a deep commitment to faith, integrity, and service, seeking to integrate her academic training with meaningful relationships and community engagement in both local and global contexts.
Ria’s calling is deeply rooted in her faith in Jesus, which shapes her commitment to integrity, service, and the celebration of people across every culture, ethnicity, and language.
“Each person was created in the image of God, and it is not just a duty but our life’s call to honor each person with dignity, respect, and love.”
Senior Fellows
Committed to the mission of CWFL, Senior Fellows serve as advisors, faculty, and mentors to the cohorts and certificate program.
Senior Fellow
Licensed Therapist & Wellness Coach
“Across many faiths and beliefs, we find that women are called to leadership versus oppressed submission; this is a theme that empowers and binds us as a sisterhood!“
“Women are natural leaders in so many ways every day; being part of a supportive sisterhood that uplifts our connection to the Divine while grounding our work for humanity is essential to our growth in mind, body, and spirit.”