Olhivia “Abby” Gutierrez of San Antonio Elected Vice President of United Women in Faith National Board

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith today announced the election of Olhivia “Abby” Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas, to the position of vice president of the national board of directors, effective October 3.

Gutierrez, a member of La Trinidad United Methodist Church in San Antonio and the Rio Texas Conference, has been involved with United Women in Faith and its predecessor organization since childhood. She first participated in local unit meetings with her mother and attended the School of Christian Mission, now called Mission u, as a child. As a young adult, she served as a children’s study leader and later held leadership positions at the local, district, conference, jurisdictional, and national levels, including most recently serving as a member of the Program Advisory Group.

“I have been empowered by United Women in Faith to be a better, confident leader, teacher, and facilitator,” explains Gutierrez. “I hope to continue developing these skills and using them as I serve United Women in Faith and The United Methodist Church.”

In addition to her leadership with United Women in Faith, Gutierrez serves as a lay leader in her local church and is a member of the Rio Texas Uniting Table. She also serves as chair of the World Day of Prayer USA board.

Gutierrez is particularly passionate about anti-racism, immigration reform, and caring for migrant communities. She also hopes to help United Women in Faith engage more young women in its mission and create opportunities for women who are working for justice and advocating for people on the margins.

“I hope that we will be able to better engage and recruit the young women that are marching and protesting for the rights of those on the margins,” Gutierrez said. “I know that young women are ready to move mountains, especially in this country.”

As vice president, Gutierrez will help provide leadership to the national board as United Women in Faith continues its mission of turning faith, hope, and love into action for women, children, and youth.

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United Women in Faith is the largest denominational faith organization for women in the United States.