October 2020

Watch the livestream recordings here or on our Youtube Channel.

Extended content exclusively on Youtube!

Session 1 Who I Am 2020

Session 2 Who I Am 2020

Session 3 Who I Am 2020

In October 2020, we wern’t able to physically gather together in Prescott for the annual retreat like we usually do. Instead, girls gathered from all across Arizona and beyond to share in conversation about their identity in Christ over Zoom and through Youtube. Watch the recorded livestreams by clicking the links above!

October 2019

October 2018

October 2017

She Will Rise, an amazing weekend centered around shared love for Jesus, brought 27 young women and teen girls together at the Arizona Women’s Retreat on October 13-15, 2017. She Will Rise highlighted testimonies from Giselle Ortiz and Keersten DeWitt, local young adult women who are pursuing God through dedicated service. Leslie Yotziry led the group through intimate prayer experiences which helped us to internalize and reflect on the themes of overcoming and perseverance brought up by our speakers. Brittney Cortez helped us open up by taking us through fun group activities. Together, attendees contemplated the humble, simple, and meaningful connections between the stories of Esther and Mary to our experiences with God. These women from the Bible were young, vulnerable, and brave in the midst of the challenges they faced. Prompted by discussion questions, girls shared amongst each other the value of being chosen by God to arise and shine, and dialogued about how these words of life shape our daily walk as young women.

The diversity in age and ethnic heritage of the YWE makes gatherings especially rich, full of insight and revelation of the things of God. Giselle and Leslie came to us with the leadership team from Holbrook Indian School, Imma, Nadia, and Alliance offered special music from the Ubumwe congregation, and everyone else represented churches and communities from all over our state. Learning from each other and participating in this shared calling of rising to serve is what makes this sisterhood a vital part of abundant life in Jesus.

AZ Young Women’s Experience is passionate about integrating and being inclusive of all young women, as well as bridging the gaps between generations. Blessings of coming together with the annual Arizona Women’s Ministry retreat multiplied, as attendees of both programs were able to come together for Sabbath afternoon activities like learning to play the Ukulele, worship and praise through Hula, hiking in nature, lei making, and learning foot massage. Sabbath blessings continued with a Luau banquet and program in which all were able to participate through sharing what they learned. The weekend culminated in a final message united with the adult women and an optional ride on the Camp Yavapines zipline.

Inspiring testimonies shared between sisters are what inspire the YWE to continue bringing young women together. The interactive and engaging design of the programs encourages girls to interact with each other, share in prayer, conversation, and deep spiritual thought. As a result, our young women have grown in their relationships with God. The community that is AZYWE welcomes all teen girls, young adult women, and mentors to join in conversation, sharing experiences, and building the kingdom of heaven. Thank you to our donors, coordinators, and contributors for making all of this possible. Visit the website for more information, to stay connected, and learn how you can be involved. azyoungwe.com

AZYWE is supported by AZSDAYOUTH and Arizona Women’s Ministry.

Article by Sarah Sykora and Jessie Giambra

Photography by Gabrielle Oase

February 2017

Ready. Set. Go! Juliet and Evelyn cross the finish line, completing the three-legged race – one of the games organized at a local Phoenix park last weekend. The activity was part of a weekend experience organized by young women, for young women; inspired by a desire to revolutionize the way young people implement the ideas of love and compassion, making them essential parts of daily life. From designing a custom tee-shirt and playing various games to having front row seats to a dramatization of the story of Daniel, each child’s experience was made extra special by the collaboration and influence of an older “sister”, playing and smiling alongside them the entire time.

Attendees of the the Young Women’s Experience, “What is Love?” gathered together from all over Arizona, including as far as Holbrook Indian School, to strengthen relationships between sisters, make new ones, and inspire girls everywhere to take relevant actions of love in their communities. During the Friday evening and Saturday morning activities, the group of teen and young adult women was inspired to think deeply about what love looks like from the perspective of God and others. Alicia Johnston spoke powerfully on each individual loving God and challenged each listener to examine personal barriers that might block the flow of God’s love towards others.

Gratitude is extended to each participant, sponsor, volunteer, and coordinator for helping to create an environment where godly love can flow freely, across social barriers, embracing diversity and growing the kingdom of God. The Arizona Young WE is a collaboration of young women who are passionate about putting the ideas of Jesus into action. Visit AZYOUNGWE on Facebook to see more photos from this event.

Story by Sarah Sykora

Photography by Rielle Oase

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October 2016

A 3-day weekend retreat at Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Arizona.

“This event has been the highlight of my 1.5 years in Arizona! To see such unity and fellowship in young women, I have never seen before, and I was changed by what was shared in this sacred space.” – Aria

“Everything was sooo amazing I cant even describe it! =] Thx” -Nevaeh

“Wonderful program, interesting topics and new acquaintances make up a large part of my wonderful experience here.” -McKenna

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May 2016

The first ever Young Women’s Experience for young women all over Arizona. A gathering uniting the generations of women in Arizona in conversation, worship and interactive breakout sessions.