BWA Women Commissions New Global Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – July 18, 2025) Baptist World Alliance Women (BWA Women / BWAW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Karlene Edwards-Warrick as President and Ruba Rihani Abbassi as First Vice President, ushering in a new era of leadership for the global network of Baptist women.

Edwards-Warrick, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, is the first representative from the Caribbean to serve as BWA Women President – bringing over four decades of ministry and leadership experience to the role. For the last five years, she has served as President of the Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union (CBWU), one of BWA Women’s seven continental unions, where she emphasized leadership development and intergenerational ministry. She has also served over the last five years as a BWA Women Vice President, representing the Caribbean at a global level. Her professional background includes more than 30 years in the private sector with a focus on human resources and leadership training. An ordained minister, Edwards-Warrick has also served as the President of the Baptist Union of Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Department (BUTTWD) for the 2018-2025 term.

“I want to thank God that I have been given the opportunity and the honor of serving you as your President. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside some incredible leaders, many of which I have served with over the last five years. We are creating history today, and I say all praise and all glory and all honor to Almighty God,” said Edwards Warrick. “Colossians 3:23 will help shape my service in this position. It will allow me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus; therefore, I will always be able to see Christ in every situation and in all people. As a servant leader, it will allow me to carry out my duties and responsibilities with the knowledge that everything I do, I do it unto God.”

As one of her first responsibilities, President Edwards-Warrick co-led the communion service at the Closing Celebration of the 23rd Baptist World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, on July 12, 2025, alongside new BWA Chair Karl Johnson. This marks the first time a BWA Women President has been given the honor to lead this important part of the Congress proceedings.

Abbassi, based in Jordan, is the founder and CEO of Arab Woman Today (AWT), a ministry dedicated to empowering Arab women across the Middle East through media, education, and community programs. Since its inception in 1999, AWT has reached millions via radio, television, and online platforms. Under Abbassi’s leadership, AWT has grown into a trusted voice advocating for women’s potential, dignity, and leadership within their families, communities, and society at large. Abbassi’s leadership has been recognized with the Dellanna West O’Brien Award for Women’s Leadership Development, honoring her commitment to fostering leadership among women in the Arab world. Beyond AWT, Abbassi is widely known as a leader, trainer, and consultant. Her holistic approach to leadership development integrates spiritual formation, emotional health, and strategic thinking. Her work extends to mentoring, equipping women leaders, and fostering collaboration across ministries and networks.

“I strive to lead with integrity, seeking to honor God and faithfully serve others. My purpose-driven approach to leadership is fueled by a passion for expanding God’s kingdom, nurturing people in their faith journey, and equipping them to lead themselves and others,” said Abbassi.

Both leaders were installed and commissioned at the 2025 Baptist Women’s Summit held in Brisbane, Australia, from July 7-8. With more than 700 women from over 60 countries in attendance, the summit served as a powerful moment of global celebration and spiritual commissioning. Surrounded by their families, Edwards-Warrick and Abbassi were prayed over by outgoing President Karen Wilson (Australia) who has served from 2020 to 2025.

“It has been a privilege to serve over the last five years as BWAW President. My heart is full of joy and anticipation as Karlene Edwards-Warrick takes up this mantle of BWAW President along with Ruba Abbassi as First Vice President,” said Wilson. “These women bring godly wisdom and great experience to their leadership roles. They are women of great character and will be a blessing to the global Baptist family.”

Selected after a global search facilitated by a BWA Women Officer Search Committee, the appointments of Edwards-Warrick and Abbassi reflect BWA Women’s dedication to diverse and representative leadership. Working alongside BWA Women Executive Director Merritt Johnston and the additional Vice Presidents representing each continental union, their combined experiences and visions are expected to strengthen BWA Women’s mission and ministry across more than 150 countries.

BWA Women also honored their 2020-2025 officers at the Women’s Summit with commemorative statuettes presented to President Wilson and Secretary-Treasurer Sherrie Cherdak as well as a prayer of thanksgiving voiced by 2020-2025 BWA President Tomás Mackey.

“Our global Baptist sisterhood is so thankful for the faithful service of Karen Wilson and Sherrie Cherdak who began their terms of service amid the challenges of a global pandemic but navigated that season and the years that have followed with dedication, vision, and perseverance. We give thanks to God for their lives, their ministry, and their friendship,” said Johnston. “Building upon the momentum of the last quinquennium, I look forward to the honor of serving alongside our new President, First Vice President, and our Continental Union leaders as we seek to impact the world for Christ.”

For more information about BWA Women and its global initiatives, please visit bwawomen.org.