In the News

Through faith, determination, and the support of Caring Connections Ministry CWJC, Aaliyah Edwards transformed her life by earning her high school diploma, obtaining her driver's license, securing steady employment, and building a brighter future for her children. As the 2026 recipient of the Sybil Bentley Dove Award, her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of encouragement and opportunity.

After overcoming years of setbacks and earning her high school equivalency diploma through Begin Anew, Martresse Ezell is taking the next step toward becoming a licensed practical nurse. As the 2026 recipient of the WMU Foundation's Faye Dove Scholarship, her story is a powerful reminder of how faith, perseverance, and opportunity can transform lives.

Three Christian Job Corps sites are expanding their life-changing ministries through grants from the WMU Foundation. From providing childcare and leadership support to launching new GED programs and strengthening job training, these grants equip ministries to share the love of Christ while helping participants build brighter futures.

Sandy Wisdom-Martin, executive director of WMU, SBC, began WMU’s report to the Southern Baptist Convention on June 10 by introducing Carolyn Fountain, who was elected as president of the missions organization on June 7 during WMU’s Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Orlando. Fountain succeeds Connie Dixon who served as president for the past five years.

Carolyn Fountain of Monroe, Louisiana, was elected the 25th president of WMU during the 2026 WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. A longtime missionary, educator, church planter, and missions leader, Fountain becomes the first African American woman to serve as WMU president and brings decades of faithful service to the role.

WMU acquired Royal Racers on May 1, 2026. Since 1984, Royal Racers has resourced Royal Ambassadors with high quality wooden craft kits.

Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU, SBC) President Connie Dixon has formed a search committee to seek the organization’s next executive director-treasurer following Sandy Wisdom-Martin’s announcement on Dec. 10 of her intentions to retire by January 2027. Wisdom-Martin has devoted more than 35 years serving in Southern Baptist leadership roles with the past nine and a half leading national WMU. The committee will be chaired by Candace McIntosh of Alabama WMU and includes other current and former state WMU leaders.

WMU, SBC, has named four young women to the 2026 National Acteens Panel: Alexis Andrade of Freeman Heights Baptist Church in Garland, Texas; Hannah Cooke of Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia; Abigail Howard of Casey First Baptist Church, in Casey, Illinois; and Jamila Toya of Jemez Valley Baptist Church in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico.

During WMU’s January board meeting, January 10–12, 2026, approximately 210 missions leaders from across the country gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, where they participated in general sessions, 22 conference options designed to equip and inspire, interactive opportunities, and more.

Sandy Wisdom-Martin, executive director-treasurer of WMU, SBC, announced today she will retire in January of 2027, which will mark 36 years of devoted ministry service. Wisdom-Martin has led WMU, SBC, since October 2016. She shared her intention to retire with the WMU, SBC general board — comprised of state WMU presidents and executive directors — during a called meeting and then with WMU, SBC staff.

Three women are closer to realizing their academic pursuits thanks to Christian Women’s Job Corps® (CWJC) and a scholarship from the WMU Foundation. WMU Foundation announces 2025 Dove Award recipients.

Janalisa Sherrell is celebrating eight years of sobriety and is this year’s recipient of the Sybil Bentley Dove Award, which is presented annually to a current or former CWJC participant who has demonstrated a desire to improve themselves by enhancing their skills through academic development, Bible study, and Christian mentoring. It includes a scholarship to help with tuition, fees, and books.