KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (ABHMS)—Seven emerging leaders from across the United States and Puerto Rico will gather Nov. 5-7 at the Baptist Church of West Chester in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to share how they are applying intercultural leadership principles in their ministries, professions, and communities. The three-day symposium concludes the inaugural year of Young Adults With Emerging Ideas (YAWEI), a community of practice developed by the Intercultural Leadership Institute (ILI) of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS).
The gathering follows eight months of learning and collaboration and will feature presentations by cohort members, experiential activities, and a public panel discussion on Nov. 5 exploring intercultural leadership in practice.
YAWEI was created for young adults ages 21-44 who hold leadership responsibilities and want to better understand how culture shapes their work.
Intercultural learning takes shape
Beginning in March, the 2026 cohort participated in four virtual learning sessions that examined how cultural identities, experiences, and assumptions shape leadership. Through intercultural leadership frameworks, cultural intelligence exercises, and group discussions, members explored ways to recognize cultural differences and respond more effectively in their ministries, professions, and communities. Each member was also tasked with developing a project or strategy that applied those lessons to a challenge in their own leadership setting.
“These emerging leaders came to this experience with diverse histories, distinct ways of seeing the world, and responsibilities to the people they serve,” said Abigaíl Medina Betancourt, ABHMS national coordinator for Intercultural Engagement. “When we learn from one another, we begin to recognize things about ourselves we might not otherwise see. My hope is that participants will carry that understanding into their work and find new ways to lead in their communities.”
The seven members of the inaugural YAWEI cohort are:
Rubén Isaac, a Baptist pastor in Puerto Rico whose ministry includes young adults, Christian formation, and pastoral care, with an interest in intercultural approaches to counseling and dialogue.
Byron Johnson, assistant minister for regional ministries with American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, where he works with culturally and linguistically diverse congregations.
Terry Lastra Cruz, director of the Youth Office for the municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, whose work in youth development and social services emphasizes inclusion and civic engagement.
Matthew Rivera, ABHMS national coordinator for Healing and Transforming Communities, whose work helps congregations and community leaders address injustice and build relationships across cultural differences.
Alexzandria Sanchez, ABHMS director of Scholarships, Ministerial Grants, and Emerging Leader Initiatives, whose background in journalism, documentary filmmaking, and community advocacy informs her approach to leadership.
Sarah Smith, who serves in Christian education and ministries of engagement and belonging at Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her experiences in Haitian American and African American Baptist communities inform her interest in strengthening relationships across cultures and generations.
Ashley Swaner, a graduate student at Wheaton College in Illinois, where her work with student artists and campus organizations emphasizes intercultural storytelling.
Three-day symposium brings intercultural learning into practice
The symposium opens Thursday, Nov. 5, with a 2 p.m. panel discussion, “Intercultural Leadership as Transformation: Insights on Intercultural Leadership in Practice,” exploring how cultural awareness shapes leadership in congregations, workplaces, and communities.
Panelists include Rev. Eden Carlton, an ILI alumna and founder of Between Churches; Rev. Evan Duncan, pastor of the Baptist Church of West Chester; and Dr. Monica Joshi-Kumar, a chemistry professor and forensic chemist who immigrated to the United States from India. ABHMS’ Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri, director of Intercultural Ministries, will moderate.
The discussion is open to the public. Those wishing to attend in person should RSVP to ili@abhms.org and meet at the Baptist Church of West Chester, 221 S. High St., West Chester, Pennsylvania. The discussion will also be livestreamed on the ABHMS Facebook page.
Friday's program focuses on presentations from the seven emerging leaders, who will share projects and strategies developed during their eight months of intercultural study. The group will also explore “Conversation Starters: Family, Identity and Faith,” an ILI resource that encourages reflection and dialogue. A celebration of the inaugural cohort will conclude the day's activities.
On Saturday, the gathering will focus on the history of the area's Underground Railroad. After a breakfast service at the Baptist Church of West Chester, cohort members will join members of that congregation and Saint Paul Baptist Church for an Underground Railroad tour. The symposium will conclude with a collective reflection on the experience.
Applications open for 2027 cohort
As the inaugural cohort prepares to complete its work, ABHMS invites applications for the 2027 YAWEI Community of Practice.
The program is open to young adults ages 21-44 who serve in ministry, community, or organizational settings and seek to strengthen their ability to lead across cultures. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in intercultural and justice-oriented leadership and a willingness to learn collaboratively with peers.
The 2027 program will expand to five 90-minute virtual sessions over eight months, scheduled for March, April, May, August, and September. Selected participants will complete introductory online coursework, explore intercultural leadership frameworks, and develop projects to present at the concluding symposium, scheduled for Oct. 21-23, 2027.
The registration fee is $100, payable after selection. ABHMS will cover lodging and program meals during the symposium, with modest travel stipends available to those who need assistance.
Applications must be submitted by Jan. 22, 2027. Candidates will be asked to describe their leadership experience, interest in intercultural learning, and ideas for a potential final project. The application process is electronic, with forms available online.
For additional information, contact Abigaíl Medina Betancourt at abigail.medina@abhms.org.
About ABHMS
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.