The National Episcopal Church Women is proud to recognize the recipients of its inaugural 2026 Graduate Scholarship Program, celebrating women who are answering God’s call through advanced study in theology and the healing professions. These exceptional scholars exemplify faithful leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to serving Christ through their ministries and vocations. As the first recipients of these scholarships, they establish a meaningful legacy that reflects NECW’s commitment to investing in women whose gifts will strengthen the Church and transform communities for generations to come.
Women in Healing Ministries Scholarship Recipient
Adrienne Hubbard —Diocese of Olympia / Diocese of Washington (Province VIII)
Program: Entry MSN, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Graduation: May 2027
Adrienne’s call to nursing emerged after the death of her godmother Kim, a “nurse, healer, and compassionate spirit,” whose legacy she seeks to carry forward. Her grief drew her back to church and into a vocation where her “path to God and path to nursing are inextricably linked.” Adrienne is active in parish life at Saint Mark’s Cathedral and Ascension & St. Agnes; serves as eucharistic minister and on the 20s/30s leadership team. She highlights intergenerational mentorship from women in caregiving professions. She plans to work as a bedside nurse in DC; long-term goals include maternal-child health policy, advocacy, and a future PhD.
Lisa Richardson —Diocese of Southwest Florida (Province IV)
Program: PhD in Art Therapy at Adler University
Graduation: May 2027
Lisa’s calling to the healing professions began through work with at-risk youth and grew into a passion for using creativity and art therapy to support emotional and spiritual wellness. She views creativity as a reflection of being made in God’s image and is committed to making expressive arts programs accessible to underserved communities.
Following a cancer diagnosis, Lisa experienced a period of deep spiritual reflection that strengthened her commitment to helping others heal through faith and creativity. Her doctoral work now focuses on developing expressive arts programs that promote mental wellness and emotional regulation.
Women in Theology Scholarship
Luz María Lambis Garcés —Diocese of Colombia (Province IX)
Program: Master of Divinity, Universidad Santo Tomás
Graduation: TBD
Luz María is enrolled in a Master’s in Theology at Universidad Santo Tomás and is discerning a call to ordained ministry with a focus on pastoral accompaniment.
She serves as Women’s Coordinator for Province IX and is a regional formation leader, offering cross-cultural leadership that strengthens women’s ministries across diocesan boundaries. Her financial need is tied to tuition for a four-semester program. She articulates her vocation as a desire “to be a bridge between God and people,” reflecting a deeply rooted pastoral identity.
Susan L. Mueller —Diocese of Ohio (Province V)
Program: Master of Divinity, Virginia Theological Seminary
Graduation: May 2028
Sue is pursuing an M.Div. at Virginia Theological Seminary with a call to priesthood and sacramental ministry. Her formation is grounded in justice, creation care, and a strong liturgical sensibility. She brings extensive leadership through the Diocesan and National ECW, including service as Creation Care Chair and in worship planning roles.
She writes that she has encountered Christ “in both brokenness and hope,”a theme that shapes her pastoral imagination.
Lucinda Dennis —Diocese of Missouri (Province V)
Program: Master of Divinity, Virginia Theological Seminary
Graduation: May 2028
Lucinda describes a lifelong call to ordained ministry that deepened through life experiences, volunteer ministry, and spiritual discernment. After years serving in parish leadership and outreach, she felt called to fully dedicate her life to ministry and theological education. Her leadership has been shaped through Episcopal Church Women, pastoral care ministries, Eucharistic visitation, and outreach to nursing homes and homebound parishioners. She emphasizes servant leadership, compassion, and community-building, particularly through ministries developed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Lucinda left employment and relocated to attend seminary full time, viewing the transition as an act of faith and obedience to God’s call.
Alicia Hager — Diocese of the Great Lakes (Province V)
Program: Master of Divinity, The General Theological Seminary
Graduation: May 2027
Alicia’s call to ordained ministry began through lay leadership and discernment toward the diaconate before evolving into a call to the priesthood. After years of formation, delayed by diocesan transitions and the pandemic, she was ordained in 2022 and now leads a growing parish community. She is pursuing her M.Div. to strengthen her formation and expand future opportunities for diocesan and parish leadership. Her ministry is deeply shaped by the women of the Episcopal Church who mentored and supported her through parish life, choir, and outreach ministries. Alicia describes her leadership style as pastoral and relational, centered on guiding and caring for her congregation with compassion and authenticity.
Susanne O’ Day —Diocese of Georgia (Province IV)
Program: Master of Divinity, General Theological Seminary
Graduation: May 2028
Her application reflected a lifelong call to ordained ministry that has grown through parish leadership, children’s ministry, preaching, and women’s Bible studies. She is passionate about Christian formation, pastoral care, and creating welcoming communities where women, children, and those on the margins are fully seen, valued, and empowered. The committee was particularly impressed by her thoughtful vocational discernment, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to serving the Church through compassionate, inclusive ministry. Suzanne is a dedicated church leader whose theological studies support an ongoing commitment to spiritual formation, service, and leadership within the Episcopal Church.