Five women in the Canada Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been called to a new leadership role: Area Organization Adviser (AOA). If the title sounds unfamiliar, that’s because it’s brand-new in Canada.
Since 2021, women leaders have been called to similar positions in international locations, including Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Globally, this initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to include women’s voices in leadership and training. AOAs mentor, support and strengthen the work of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations.
Elder Vern P. Stanfill, Canada Area President, said, “Area Organization Advisers will provide instruction, training and mentoring to Church leaders throughout Canada. These are women of great leadership experience, and they will bless the lives of the members of the Church in Canada. We welcome them and are grateful for their willingness to serve.”
Learn more about what the five Canadian AOAs think about their new role:
DOWNLOADLynn Sloan
Lynn Sloan is a member of the Surrey First Ward in the Surrey British Columbia Stake. She said: “This is an extraordinary moment in the history of the Church, and I love the idea of counselling together with our Canadian sisters while working under the direction of the Area Presidency and General Relief Society, Young Women and Primary boards. I have been mentored by faithful, righteous sisters throughout my life and look forward to supporting and mentoring other sisters in the same way that others have strengthened and built my testimony of the Saviour Jesus Christ.”
DOWNLOADRachel Howard
Rachel Howard, a member of the Memorial Park Ward in the Raymond Alberta Stake, looks forward to participating in “this global initiative, a worldwide effort to strengthen sister-led organizations.” She said that she felt an immediate excitement when she was called as an adviser, and “the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith came to mind that the Church was not fully organized until the women of the Church were organized. This opportunity to liaise between general and stake women’s leadership feels like the living, revelatory part of that statement. God is so aware of His daughters!”
Tia Shipley
Tia Shipley, a member of the Connors Hill Ward in the Edmonton Alberta Bonnie Doon Stake, sees this calling as “an opportunity to serve the sisters in Canada and help them feel seen, supported and strengthened in their stewardships. I hope to help them increase their covenant confidence and grow in their capacity to lead and lift others through their service.” She added: “The women of the Church are committed, covenant-keeping sisters who have consecrated their lives to building the kingdom. I am thrilled to be even a small part of this global initiative, as sisters yoke themselves with the Saviour and move His work forward with faith.”
DOWNLOADLori LaFrance
Lori LaFrance is a member of the Pickering Ward in the Oshawa Ontario Stake. She said the new AOA callings “reflect a significant moment for women in the Church in Canada. The AOA callings highlight the value of women’s voices, perspectives and spiritual contributions across our diverse communities as we work together to build the kingdom of God. I hope it strengthens unity and confidence as women support one another along the covenant path and draw closer to the Saviour.” She added: “It is encouraging to be part of a worldwide effort that unites women across cultures and nations in discipleship of Jesus Christ. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on inclusiveness and the importance of women’s insight and leadership in building the kingdom of God.”
Anne-Marie Valois
Anne-Marie Valois of the Valleyfield Quebec Branch in the Montreal Quebec Stake said she is looking forward to getting to know and serve women across Canada, “to see them the way our Heavenly Father does and to be an instrument in bringing His love to them. We should all feel that we are connected through our love of the Saviour and through His church. I am excited to help the sisters feel it, feel they are not alone, feel supported, feel encouraged, in short, feel loved.”