Ria Shim

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.

Having lived in four countries and embodying different cultures, Ria brings a cross-cultural perspective shaped by diverse global communities. She is passionate about creating spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and a strong sense of belonging. Central to her work is a desire to empower women—especially women of faith—by encouraging their leadership, amplifying their voices, and supporting their role in building peace within their communities.

Ria is deeply committed to upholding the dignity of every individual, recognizing that while people come from different cultures, languages, and stories, each person bears the image of God.

During the fall of 2022, she volunteered with Trampoline House, a community justice center in Copenhagen, Denmark, that serves asylum seekers and refugees helping organize weekly activities and community events that provided children, families, and individuals with a safe, joyful space to play, build relationships, and experience belonging beyond the constraints of resettlement camps. One of the most impactful moments in this community house was that each person from refugees to volunteers cooked food, served, and ate together, fostering relationships rooted in respect and compassion. Working primarily with the children and youth in this context deepened her conviction that children are among the most vulnerable populations and strengthened her desire to ensure they are safe, understood, and cared for.

Experiences like this have been a catalyst for Ria’s passion to empower and uphold human dignity, and to put hope into action for children, individuals and families navigating challenges and uncertainties. Ria is grateful to be part of CWFL, believing that equipping and connecting women of faith in leadership is essential and a powerful force for advancing peace, resilience, and meaningful global impact. She enjoys exploring new cuisines, cooking, art, traveling, and catching sunsets.