How the Hispanic Ministries Program is Empowering Women

God has given women the gift of leadership. As part of God’s people, women are included in God’s promises to make us into “a chosen race, a royal priesthood… that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NRSV). However, women have faced significant challenges in demonstrating their inherent capabilities and leadership in some social, political, and religious spheres.

For example, the hierarchical and patriarchal structure found in some Hispanic church organizations creates obstacles for female leaders. The faith community and society will move forward when we recognize that men and women are equal and can work collectively in leadership roles as they embody the image of God, the “imago Dei.”

Through the Hispanic Ministries Program (HMP), Western Theological Seminary collaborates with Spanish-speaking ministries, providing education and empowerment for Latina women called to ministry. HMP fosters a culture of encouragement, allowing these women to explore and fully develop their God-given calling.

Dr. Gretchen Ávila-Torres is one of many who have benefited from the Hispanic Ministries Program’s unwavering commitment to equipping women for leadership positions.

“While I’ve faced many challenges throughout my ministry, God has placed key individuals in my path to support me along the way. The Hispanic Ministries Program has been crucial in developing my skills and preparing me for ministry. After graduating with a Graduate Certificate in Urban Pastoral Ministry (GCUPM), and Master of Arts and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Western Theological Seminary, I have had many opportunities in church ministry, including leading conferences, contributing to Bible study lessons on women’s ministry, and serving as the Director of Christian Education for the Pentecostal Church of God International Movement in the Midwest Region. Now, I serve as an Assistant Director for the Hispanic Ministries Program and teach its Spanish Capstone course.”

Angelina Corrujedo, MA ’25, knows that embracing faith means learning to wait on the Lord. Angelina, a senior Latina servant of God, waited an entire lifetime to graduate this spring with her Master’s degree from WTS. She embraced this opportunity for theological education despite cultural and social challenges that delayed her academic journey. Her determination inspires other Latina women who are called to prepare for ministry.

The Holy Spirit continues to empower Latina women like Gretchen and Angelina to contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom in our communities. Angelina shared that she is “grateful for Western’s Hispanic Ministries Program, which helps Latina women recognize the Imago Dei within themselves, and is committed to providing ongoing theological education for Hispanic women and men called by God to ministry leadership.”