Washington Metro Area Women’s Ministries Celebrates 22 Women of Honor
The Washington Metro Area Women’s Ministries (WMAWM), led by Area Leader Sekema Rhodes, celebrated 22 exceptional women and young ladies during its 2026 Women of Honor Awards Ceremony, held Sunday, September 20, at Dupont Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. The afternoon celebrated the excellence of women while honoring faith, leadership, empowerment, and service. The ceremony also created a special opportunity to recognize the eight 2021 Women of Honor Awardees, whose original celebration was held virtually via YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic in keeping with social-distancing guidance. This year’s ceremony provided an opportunity to honor them in person and celebrate their continued place in the Women of Honor legacy.
The 22 nominees represented churches throughout the Washington metropolitan area and included both adult women and young ladies (ages 12–17). Each nominee was individually recognized, pinned, and given her flowers—both literally and through words of affirmation. Each received a long-stem red rose, while highlights from her nomination were shared, celebrating the unique ways she is making an impact through faith, leadership, empowerment, and service. WMAWM leaders from area churches joined Rhodes and the executive committee to coordinate the afternoon and ensure each nominee received meaningful, memorable recognition.
Awards were presented across five categories: SHIMMER — Youth Faith; SPARKLE — Youth Empowerment; and the Adult Women categories—SHINE — Surrendering to God; SPARK — Empowering Women; and SHE R.O. — Servicing the Community. Dr. Marcus E. Harris, Washington Metro Ministerium Leader and Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Brinklow Church, presented a message of celebration and encouragement to the women and guests gathered for the occasion. After the awards were presented, Sister Carleen Kinlock, First Lady of the Allegheny East Conference, celebrated each nominee and awardee with Words of Congratulations.
The grand finale was the unveiling of the 2026 Chosen Vessels Award, WMAWM's highest honor. Selected by the WMAWM Executive Committee, the award recognizes a woman who exemplifies unwavering faith, Christ-centered leadership, integrity, humility, Spirit-led service, and sustained commitment to ministry, leaving a lasting impact on the church and community.
Sekema Rhodes, WMAWM Area Leader, and Dr. Arlene Harris, WMAWM Treasurer and First Lady of Emmanuel-Brinklow Seventh-day Adventist Church, MD, revealed the 2026 Chosen Vessels Award and presented it to Dr. Lois Peters, who was also a 2026 Women of Honor nominee in the SPARK — Empowering Women category and a member of Emmanuel-Brinklow. Dr. Peters received the honor with humble and overwhelming appreciation as the congregation rose in a standing ovation to celebrate her life of service and impact.
More than an awards ceremony, Women of Honor was an intentional celebration of sisterhood, service, and the importance of recognizing women and young ladies who are making a difference—whether publicly or quietly behind the scenes. Through the collective efforts of WMAWM leadership, local church Women’s Ministries leaders, and the many individuals who supported the program, the afternoon created space for 22 women and young ladies to know that their faithfulness is seen, their service matters, and their lives are worthy of celebration.