West Coast Regional Summit
May 21, 2025 | 9 AM-3 PM PST
Wilburn Auditorium at Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
Through faith, she leads with influence and purpose.
Join us for a day of collaboration, inspiration,
and empowerment.
This spring, CWFL is hitting the road to curate a powerful dialogue for women of faith leaders and advocates from across the West Coast.
The Summit will foster deeper connections, meaningful conversation, and actionable strategies to address challenges affecting our communities today.
This summit is a chance for women of all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities to unite, share wisdom, and impact change. We hope to see you there.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Thema Bryant
We are thrilled for Dr. Thema Bryant to be one of our keynote speakers. Dr. Bryant is a Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University, former President of the American Psychological Association, and recent author of “Matters of the Heart”.
Her keynote will aim at equipping women with the right context for addressing moments in time: “Context Matters: Considering Faith, Culture, and Gender in Global Initiatives.”
Rabbi Sarah Hronsky
It is an honor to have Rabbi Sarah Hronsky join the Summit as a keynote speaker.
Rabbi Hronsky is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel. She serves on several Boards around the city of Los Angeles and was a 2023 recipient of the Pioneer Women Award, recognizing her dedication to promoting gender equality and advancing the status of women and girls in L.A.
Rabbi Hronsky’s keynote will explore antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States and its effect on women-of-faith leaders.
Keynote Speaker
Meet Our Speakers
Panelist & Breakout Leader
Pepperdine University
Agriculture, Food & Human Values Society
Panelist & Breakout Leader
International Justice Mission
Panelist & Breakout Leader
Lipscomb University
Welcome
Pepperdine University
Opening Prayer
Hilton Foundation
Overview
Center for Women, Faith & Leadership
Panel Moderator
Hilton Foundation
What to expect
Engaging Local Voices: Hear from dynamic women leading change in the western United States, sharing their stories, strategies, and solutions to some of the most pressing issues in their communities.
Focused Conversations: Participate in interactive workshops and discussions tailored to global concerns, with a focus on practical, community-driven solutions.
Building Connections: Network with like-minded women and leaders who are shaping faith-based advocacy, peacebuilding, and social justice across the West Coast.
Inspiring Action: Walk away equipped with new tools, perspectives, and partnerships that will empower you to lead and advocate in your own local context.
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Dr. Sharififard serves on the Board of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society and is a faculty member at Pepperdine University. Her research focuses on leadership development and global food systems. She is especially passionate about addressing food insecurity across college campuses.
Learn about global food security through a student lens and discover how you can stand up for food justice in your own community.
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A light is shining on one of the most pervasive and devastating human rights violations in our world today. According to WHO, globally 1 in 3 women and girls have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Drawing on her years of experience advocating for vulnerable communities, Jennifer will share how IJM helps to restore survivors through trauma-informed, victim-centered care, strengthen justice systems, and ensure offenders are held accountable.
This session is a powerful opportunity to learn how you can support justice and healing worldwide.
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We are living through a massive shift—a moment in history where we are quite literally rewriting the rules of engagement between humans and machines. God created us in His image with the ability to create, discern, and connect. Artificial intelligence, in many ways, is a reflection of us—our inputs, our values, our vision—which means we have a responsibility to shape what it becomes.
This is not a time to shrink back in fear, but to step forward with faith, wisdom, and conviction. We have the opportunity to shape a post-AI society—one where human dignity is protected, creativity is honored, and technology is guided by values that reflect God’s heart.
In this session, Sarah will guide us on how to show up for this new opportunity. We don’t need to be technologists to influence the future. We simply need to be willing to speak, to show up, and to help define where human skills belong in this rapidly changing world.
Moving from fear of AI to flourishing with AI isn’t just possible—it’s imperative. As women of faith, we are called to engage this new age of innovation with courage, curiosity, and compassion––crafting a world where technology helps us become more human, not less.
There are 3 breakout sessions and each session will be offered twice to provide attendees the opportunity to engage with multiple presenters.
The first session will begin promptly after lunch at 1:00 PM. The second session will start at 1:55 PM.
Summit participants, this is your opportunity to ask questions and go deeper on each specific issue. We encourage you to thoughtfully explore ways you can stand for change and make an impact in your community.
Our breakout sessions are uniquely designed to give attendees the opportunity to engage directly with our panelists. Our panelists are covering three urgent issues that are impacting women and children on the West Coast and around the world:
Food insecurity
Gender-based violence
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI)
About the breakout sessions
Register today!
Registration: $55
Student rate: $20
FAQ
Where is the event?
The West Coast Summit will take place in Wilburn Auditorium on Drescher Campus at Pepperdine University.
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 kturner@globalengage.org by May 19th.
How do I get to campus?
Due to closures on PCH (HWY 1), we recommend taking the 101 Freeway to Malibu Canyon Road. Turn right at Seaver Drive (traffic signal) and get a visitor's pass and parking instructions from the information booth.
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 kturner@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 ahead of time, select their preferred breakout sessions, and indicate any dietary preferences for lunch. Guests are also welcome to register upon arrival.
Where do I park?
There is plenty of parking on Drescher Campus. When you arrive at Pepperdine, let security know you are there for the West Coast Summit and that it’s on Drescher Campus. They will direct you on how to get here.
What is the format of the breakout sessions?
There are two sets of three breakout sessions. The first session will begin promptly after lunch at 1:00 PM. The second session will start at 1:50 PM. Each attendee will have the opportunity to participate in two breakout sessions. This is your chance to 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 West Coast Summit is being held live on Pepperdine University’s campus 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.
Thank you to IRUSA, the Hilton Foundation, Multi-faith Neighbors Network and the Institute for Global Engagement for the funding and support to make this day possible.
