DES MOINES, Iowa — July 2026 — Women of the ELCA (WELCA) elected Sheena Foster as its new president on the fourth ballot during the organization’s Thirteenth Triennial Convention last week in Des Moines, Iowa. Foster will serve a three-year term leading the nation’s largest Lutheran women’s organization, representing thousands of women of faith committed to discipleship, service, justice, and stewardship across the United States and the Caribbean.
A lifelong advocate for women and girls, Foster brings to the presidency a distinguished record of nonprofit leadership, public service, and faith-based ministry. She currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, in the Metro Washington, D.C area. Crittendon Services is one of the nation’s oldest organizations dedicated to empowering adolescent girls through education, leadership development, and workforce readiness. She also serves on the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), bringing broad experience in governance, strategic planning, and organizational transformation.
Foster’s election comes at a pivotal moment, as Women of the ELCA honors its legacy of faithful ministry while looking forward to a promising future. Speaking before the deciding vote, Foster emphasized a vision rooted in listening, transparency, innovation, and intergenerational engagement.
“It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the call to serve as President of Women of the ELCA,” Foster said. “This election is not about one person; it is about all of us. Together, we will honor the faithful women who built this organization while courageously embracing the opportunities God is placing before us. Every woman is worthy because each of us has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God.”
Inspired by Psalm 139 and the triennial theme, I Am Worthy, Foster shared her commitment to creating an organization where every woman feels seen, valued, and empowered to live out her God-given calling. Foster plans to focus on strengthening relationships across synods and congregations, expanding leadership opportunities for women of all ages, increasing engagement with younger generations, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Women of the ELCA through thoughtful stewardship and innovation.
“We have an extraordinary legacy of faith, generosity, advocacy, and service,” Foster said. “Now is the time to write the next chapter together with hope, courage, and a commitment to ensuring that future generations of women know they belong in this community.”
Foster is one of the newest leaders entrusted with guiding Women of the ELCA’s churchwide ministry, continuing its mission of mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in service to the church, their communities, and the world.
According to WELCA Executive Director Jennifer Hockenbery, next year, 2027, is the 40th anniversary of the ELCA and Women of the ELCA. “We are thrilled to have Sheena Foster as the Churchwide Executive Board President,” Hockenbery said. “Women of the ELCA has so much good work to do!”
About Sheena Foster
Sheena Foster is President and Chief Executive Officer of Crittenton Services of Greater Washington in the Metro DC area and a Commissioner for the Montgomery County Commission for Women. A nationally recognized nonprofit leader, she has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for women, girls, and underserved communities. Foster is also a seminarian at Hampton University School of Religion, where she studies the intersection of faith, justice, sustainability, and leadership. An active lay leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a member of Luther Place Memorial in DC, she is passionate about equipping faith communities for public witness and service. She is also the author of a forthcoming book, Faith-Rooted Business: Integrating Spirituality and Sustainability in the Marketplace.
Media Contact
Elizabeth McBride
Email: [email protected]
Website: welca.org
To God be the Glory.