New England WELCA is proud to be bringing to our Convention two women who exemplify strong women in leadership positions. This opportunity to hear and share conversation with them is truly exciting!
We asked Cassandra Wilson, Vice President of the NE Synod Council to join us back before the Synod Assembly and she replied with a resounding YES. She is a grateful member of the brand new Hope Lutheran Church in Woburn and Malden, MA. A cradle Lutheran with a deep love for the church’s people, stories, the way faith shows up in everyday life. In her professional life, Casey works in project management for radiation oncology practices, translating complex government and payer rules so clinicians can stay focused on caring for their patients. She brings that same spirit to her synod work—running council meetings with clarity and care, and helping lay leaders find connection, resources, and encouragement. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she now lives in Reading, MA with her husband Bill and their mini‑panther cat, Keiko. She is honored to join the Women of the ELCA for this retreat and to share in the spirit, wisdom, and joy they bring to the synod.
The other woman is Jennifer Hockenbery, WELCA Executive Director and Journal of Lutheran Ethics, Editor. She served as the interim executive director since July 1, 2024. The Women of the ELCA churchwide executive board voted April 18, 2026, to offer Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery a four-year term as executive director for the organization. Quoting from a recent WELCA Blog – “With “joy and gratitude,” Dr. Hockenbery accepted the position, which was finalized in May.”
“I was so honored to be hired as interim executive director of Women of the ELCA in 2024, to work with WELCA’s wonderful churchwide staff,” she said. “In that time, I have attended conventions and retreats all over the country, as well as the Churchwide Assembly; the installation of our presiding bishop, the Rev. Yehiel Curry; ELCA Church Council meetings; and many other ecumenical and churchwide events. Everywhere I go, I see the impact Women of the ELCA has had on the lives of women and all those whom these women serve. And there are so many people these women serve!”
From her biography she shares her goals and vision for WELCA- “Her goals in her role include creating spaces for listening to participants and leaders in WELCA as well as working with the staff and board to create a strategic plan for a strong, healthy, financially sustainable WELCA that will meet the needs and support the dreams of current members while building outreach to even more women who could find support and inspiration through the organization.”
New England Sisters in Christ – PLEASE consider this special opportunity to share the vision these women have for ministry and action from our neighborhood and beyond! Join us at Calumet to hear the good news of the great things our Lord is doing! You will be refreshed and reminded how WORTHY YOU ARE!
We asked Cassandra Wilson, Vice President of the NE Synod Council to join us back before the Synod Assembly and she replied with a resounding YES. She is a grateful member of the brand new Hope Lutheran Church in Woburn and Malden, MA. A cradle Lutheran with a deep love for the church’s people, stories, the way faith shows up in everyday life. In her professional life, Casey works in project management for radiation oncology practices, translating complex government and payer rules so clinicians can stay focused on caring for their patients. She brings that same spirit to her synod work—running council meetings with clarity and care, and helping lay leaders find connection, resources, and encouragement. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she now lives in Reading, MA with her husband Bill and their mini‑panther cat, Keiko. She is honored to join the Women of the ELCA for this retreat and to share in the spirit, wisdom, and joy they bring to the synod.
The other woman is Jennifer Hockenbery, WELCA Executive Director and Journal of Lutheran Ethics, Editor. She served as the interim executive director since July 1, 2024. The Women of the ELCA churchwide executive board voted April 18, 2026, to offer Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery a four-year term as executive director for the organization. Quoting from a recent WELCA Blog – “With “joy and gratitude,” Dr. Hockenbery accepted the position, which was finalized in May.”
“I was so honored to be hired as interim executive director of Women of the ELCA in 2024, to work with WELCA’s wonderful churchwide staff,” she said. “In that time, I have attended conventions and retreats all over the country, as well as the Churchwide Assembly; the installation of our presiding bishop, the Rev. Yehiel Curry; ELCA Church Council meetings; and many other ecumenical and churchwide events. Everywhere I go, I see the impact Women of the ELCA has had on the lives of women and all those whom these women serve. And there are so many people these women serve!”
From her biography she shares her goals and vision for WELCA- “Her goals in her role include creating spaces for listening to participants and leaders in WELCA as well as working with the staff and board to create a strategic plan for a strong, healthy, financially sustainable WELCA that will meet the needs and support the dreams of current members while building outreach to even more women who could find support and inspiration through the organization.”
New England Sisters in Christ – PLEASE consider this special opportunity to share the vision these women have for ministry and action from our neighborhood and beyond! Join us at Calumet to hear the good news of the great things our Lord is doing! You will be refreshed and reminded how WORTHY YOU ARE!
ClOSING
The New England WELCA Biennial Convention is October 22-24, 2026