Staff
Margaret J Weber, PhD
Program Director
“When we don’t speak up - the world loses an important VOICE!”
As a lifelong advocate for women of faith to share their voices and step confidently into leadership, Dr. Margaret J. Weber brings both passion and experience to her role as Program Director at the Institute for Global Engagement’s Center for Women, Faith & Leadership (CWFL).
In this role, Margaret guides the Center’s vision to empower women of faith to lead and influence for the betterment of their communities and the world. She offers counsel on issues at the intersection of gender, religion, and peacebuilding and oversees the CWFL Fellowship Program—a unique space where women leaders are encouraged, strengthened, and celebrated.
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.”