On the evening of July 6, in a convention center conference room in St. Louis, the Association of Adventist Women (AAW) hosted the Women’s Ministers Reception and Woman of the Year Awards. The event was a celebration of women who have made significant contributions in ministry, science, medicine, and education. Among the attendees were missionaries, scholars, and thought leaders who have extensively researched and promoted the role and impact of women in the Bible and society – united by their belief in the equality of women in the church, ministry, and beyond.

Wanda Phipatanakul, Woman of the Year in Medical Science
The first award of the evening went to Wanda Phipatanakul, S. Jean Emans professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. She also serves as director of the Clinical Research Center in asthma, allergy, immunology, dermatology, and rheumatology at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Pat Cople, Woman of the Year for Leadership in EngineeringIn 1958, Pat Cople became the first woman to graduate from Walla Walla’s School of Engineering. She broke barriers throughout her career, including serving as Chief of the Air Force Construction Branch – the first civilian woman to do so.

Pastor Anathasie Nda, Woman of the Year for Spiritual Leadership
Anathasie Nda made history as the first woman pastor in Carmeroon and one of the first women in Africa to perform baptisms. Her work with students and underserved populations – including street children and people with leprosy – made a lasting impact.

The final award of the evening, Champion of Justice, was presented to Dr. Darius Jankiewicz. A theologian and pastor with global experience, he is especially known for his work on issues like women’s ordination and church authority, frequently featured in Adventist Review.
By Ezrica Bennett, Spectrum Magazine and Adventist Forum