The women of St. James’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, hosted WomanKind 2026—a transformative, two-day conference exploring themes of faith and the vital roles of women in the church and broader society.
They were honored to feature internationally recognized author, activist, and speaker Lisa Sharon Harper as the keynote.
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2026 Workshops
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Being Aware: A Meditation
Millie is a Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator who will lead a meditation workshop exploring being in the moment through very light, easy movement and stillness. Through this very simple practice, we can experience the underlying ground of being, the depth and peace that is our essence. If you’ve ever longed to connect with the deeper aspects of your being, to regulate your nervous system, and navigate life’s challenging and joyful moments with curiosity and a sense of ease—join us for this gentle introduction.
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Personal, Communal, and Faithful Witness: Faith, Calling, and the Power of Your Story
Through the lens of one woman's personal journey into ministry, this workshop explores the winding road of answering God's call. From navigating sexism and ageism to the complexities of race and gender, balancing pastoral leadership with single parenthood, and leaning into the power of community and village, discover how faithful witness becomes an anchor through every season. Leadership lessons, hard-won wisdom, and honest conversation frame this transformative experience. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own stories and recognize how every chapter, the joyful and the painful, has been purposefully shaping their communal witness in each new season. The Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook is the Executive Director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.
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Raising Boys in Today’s World
Kim is the Director of The Center for the Study of Boys and Associate Head of the Upper School at St. Christopher’s.We recognize the headlines describing the challenges facing boys today in education, mental health, and social development. Boys and young men are navigating competing, confusing messages about modern manhood, often leading to fracture and discord in their own identities and a struggle to find their place. Her workshop provides parents and caregivers with a deeper, research-informed understanding of how boys think, feel, and learn. We will explore the developmental differences that influence their engagement, motivation, and emotional processing, moving beyond stereotypes to affirm the unique energy, sensitivity, and compassion inherent in boys. At the heart of every boy is a powerful desire for meaning and purpose—a yearning to find his essential role as a valued member of the larger community. Grounded in the theme of I Corinthians 12, this session explores how to support our boys in becoming the men God calls them to be within the one Body of Christ. By nurturing a boy’s innate desire for purpose, we equip him to recognize his essential connection to the whole, teaching him to see differences not as a source of division, but as the very structure that makes the Body complete. Participants will leave with practical strategies to channel boys’ energy, foster his sensitivity, and cultivate the compassion needed to honor the dignity of every human being, enabling him to use his gifts to serve others and build unity.
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Reflecting on the Theme "One Body"
Lauranett is the Director of Race & Social Justice at Richmond Hill. Her workshop explores Womankind as a collective term for women and considers its limitations and opportunities in expressing shared human identity and respect for the diversity among us. Engaging the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which understands humanity as a relational and interdependent concept and practice, the session highlights how dignity, compassion, justice and mutual belonging shape communal life. The session focuses on how Richmond’s history has both hindered and evolved the concept of “one body” as it interprets the past and examines the present. The journey across time in the city of Richmond offers perspectives that illuminate a vision of humanity, amid inhumanity, formed not through sameness, but through interconnectedness and recognition of the diverse gifts inherent in One Body.
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Partners in Hope: The Intersection of Faith & Science at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Rachel is the Faith Liaison and Engagement Coordinator at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her session explores how the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and faith communities are joining forces to expand access to cancer education, screening, and testing - ultimately improving outcomes across diverse neighborhoods. Participants will learn how trusted faith leaders, community networks, and healthcare professionals are working together to break down barriers, increase early detection, and support individuals throughout the cancer journey. You’ll learn about the work of “Facts & Faith Fridays”, practical strategies and examine how this partnership model builds trust, reduces disparities, and brings lifesaving resources directly to the communities that need them most. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen collaboration, enhance outreach, and create a more equitable path to cancer prevention and care.
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Aligning Faith & Data: How We Use Data to Build the Case for Empathy & Opportunity
Join us for an engaging session exploring the vital role of data in driving meaningful action in the Richmond community. As part of the RVA Rising initiative, learn how data-driven strategies are moving the needle on key community targets and promoting a collective call to action to serve our neighbors.Martha Shickle, Executive Director of PlanRVA, will guide attendees through a comprehensive analysis of regional data, illustrating how the democratization of data, building shared empathy, and evidence-based decision-making can help dismantle traditional biases and deepen understanding of how to foster economic mobility.
Participants will gain hands-on insights into using data to foster empathy and informed ministry, enhancing their capacity to discern and act as Christians in service to the greater Richmond area. This session promises a blend of rich data exploration and practical applications designed to inspire meaningful action and engagement. Join us as we transform numbers into narratives that empower communities and change lives.
Partners with Pace
For the 2026 Outreach Project, WomanKind partnered with the Pace Center at VCU—an inclusive, interfaith campus ministry that empowers students as servant leaders. Pace celebrates every student’s unique story and gifts, fostering a community where no one has to live in isolation.
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