Western Jurisdiction
National Directors
2021-2024
President of the National Board of Directors
'Ainise Isama'u
California-Pacific Conference
I grew up as a child of a pastor. My faith journey has taken many different paths. On it I’ve found my husband, Henry Webb Isama’u, and my beautiful daughter, Polyana Moira ‘Ofa Isama’u. I’ve studied computer information systems, worked as an academic advisor and I hope to graduate this year from Claremont School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis on ministerial leadership. These paths have led me to begin my ministry to inspire, educate and console.
I am a lay member of United With Hope United Methodist Church in Long Beach, California, and a pastoral intern at Faith Torrance United Methodist Church, where I work with young adult leaders called to ministry, helping to find creative ways to equip young people to be the church. I have served as the West District United Methodist Women Limitless mentor for young women and communications coordinator for the California Pacific United Methodist Women. I am also part of the conference’s Pacific Islander Youth and Young Adult (PIYYA) ministry.
I am so excited to bring my passion for women’s ministry and my life skills and experience to the national level as your Board of Directors' president. United Methodist Women is an organization with a phenomenal foundation and members full of dedication, passion and love. Young adult ministry and United Methodist Women are platforms for the future of the church. As president of this historically grounded and forward-moving organization, I pray to continue to bring a strong connection between generations to ensure a place and voice at the table for women, children and youth.
My United Methodist Women story began with a conversation with Brenda Tuita, who was the California-Pacific Limitless coordinator, about an event. This led to talking about Limitless, which led to my first conversation with the West District Limitless team. I admit I was skeptical about getting involved with United Methodist Women at first because I thought it was on organization for older women, and I wasn’t interested in meetings or sewing.
Little did I know my life would never be the same.
Even taking on new leadership roles for United Methodist Women, I never felt alone, and I’ve learned a lot about being organized, working with women of all ages and communicating. The California-Pacific United Methodist Women leadership team were amazing teachers who embraced me and showed me the way while allowing me to have my own voice. These bold, courageous, daring and loving women opened their hearts and mentored me. What a time it is to be a woman of God. What a time it is to be a faith leader!
I believe that we are called to stand rooted in our faith, to grow in knowledge and be motivated by the world’s great need for women to be in mission for women, children and youth. God calls us. God calls and we answer. We speak up and show up. We learn more about God’s love the more we work together. United Methodist Women members accept God’s invitation to be part of God’s work for the transformation of the world.
I can’t wait!
I am a lay member of United With Hope United Methodist Church in Long Beach, California, and a pastoral intern at Faith Torrance United Methodist Church, where I work with young adult leaders called to ministry, helping to find creative ways to equip young people to be the church. I have served as the West District United Methodist Women Limitless mentor for young women and communications coordinator for the California Pacific United Methodist Women. I am also part of the conference’s Pacific Islander Youth and Young Adult (PIYYA) ministry.
I am so excited to bring my passion for women’s ministry and my life skills and experience to the national level as your Board of Directors' president. United Methodist Women is an organization with a phenomenal foundation and members full of dedication, passion and love. Young adult ministry and United Methodist Women are platforms for the future of the church. As president of this historically grounded and forward-moving organization, I pray to continue to bring a strong connection between generations to ensure a place and voice at the table for women, children and youth.
My United Methodist Women story began with a conversation with Brenda Tuita, who was the California-Pacific Limitless coordinator, about an event. This led to talking about Limitless, which led to my first conversation with the West District Limitless team. I admit I was skeptical about getting involved with United Methodist Women at first because I thought it was on organization for older women, and I wasn’t interested in meetings or sewing.
Little did I know my life would never be the same.
Even taking on new leadership roles for United Methodist Women, I never felt alone, and I’ve learned a lot about being organized, working with women of all ages and communicating. The California-Pacific United Methodist Women leadership team were amazing teachers who embraced me and showed me the way while allowing me to have my own voice. These bold, courageous, daring and loving women opened their hearts and mentored me. What a time it is to be a woman of God. What a time it is to be a faith leader!
I believe that we are called to stand rooted in our faith, to grow in knowledge and be motivated by the world’s great need for women to be in mission for women, children and youth. God calls us. God calls and we answer. We speak up and show up. We learn more about God’s love the more we work together. United Methodist Women members accept God’s invitation to be part of God’s work for the transformation of the world.
I can’t wait!
National Director
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I am a retired Pediatric/School nurse living outside of Denver, CO. I most recently served United Methodist Women as the Vice President to the Western Jurisdiction Leadership team preparing for our 2020 Quadrennial Event in Tempe, AZ. I also serve as the Mountain Sky Conference Abundant Health Ambassador. I am the local communications coordinator at Smoky Hill UMW and have served on the Rocky Mountain Conference UMW as Secretary of Program Resources and Education and Communication Coordinator; past Mile High/Pikes Peak District Secretary of Program Resources and Social Action Coordinator. My Interests include health issues, making connections, and giving voice to those who are marginalized. I firmly believe that in this time of divisiveness, we still share common, core values. We need to be in true relationship and caring conversation with each other, seeing and witnessing the Christ that lives in all creation.
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This is my second term on the Board of Directors for UMW representing WJ. First term I was Chair of Finance for this body and therefore served on many committees to include the executive team, Legacy, Assembly, Personnel, and other focus committees. As director I have spoken to many conferences and districts across the US. Experiences include dean and assistant dean at regional and conference schools of mission and chair of nominations for the 2012-2016 WJ Leadership Team. I have held positions on my UMW conference, district, and unit. Before retiring I was a board member of Tacoma Community House, one of our UMW’s National Mission Institutions.
Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are in education with a focus on at-risk youth. As a 40-year educator, I have taught at all levels working with special needs students and students in the mainstream programs. Effective communication is my platform. |
National Director
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Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Roz has lived/studied/worked in 7 states and in 3 countries overseas. She currently lives in Fairview, OR. Her career covered 33 years with a major US airline in various management roles. Now retired, she devotes her time where it matters most: United Methodist Women and ecumenical activities that build inter-denominational relationships. She’s held elected office at the local, district and conference levels for UMW. She most recently served on the Program Advisory Group. She’s the current Conference and GBGM Missionary Itineration Coordinator. Roz supports and volunteers for Church Women United, Inc., Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, her County Elections Board and AARP/Tax Aide. She knits for a local prayer shawl ministry. For fun, Roz is completing many of the items on her “Bucket List.” Roz and her husband Richard have been married for 58 years. Their daughter and her family live in Newport Beach, CA.
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Alternate National Director
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