THE WLA STORY
A Global
Movement
Championing
Women Leaders
The Vision
Women Standing Shoulder to Shoulder Around the World
In 2020, our founder, Karen Wilson, received a compelling vision from God: women standing shoulder to shoulder along the coastlines of the world—strong, courageous leaders united in purpose and committed to bringing the next generation with them. Today, that vision is becoming reality.
The original artwork inspired by Karen's vision. Artist: Corinne Jasmine – Perth, Western Australia
What began as a God-given vision quickly became a reality.
From Perth, Western Australia (often described as the most isolated capital city in the world) Karen Wilson launched the Women Leaders Network in 2023, creating spaces where women leaders could connect, grow, and support one another across cultures and continents.
As women responded, the movement expanded rapidly, reaching and connecting thousands of women leaders around the world. It became increasingly clear it was meeting a real need—creating places of belonging for women who often felt isolated in their leadership journey.
Today, Women Leaders Alliance carries that vision forward, uniting women leaders and trusted organisations around a shared commitment to championing women in leadership and advancing God's purposes in every sphere of society.
What makes Women Leaders Alliance different?
Leaders truly flourish when organisations work together rather than compete, when resources are shared rather than protected, and when we’re connected to a broader community of support.
This Alliance brings together thousands of global leaders and numerous partner organisations, to create something no single organisation could achieve alone. As each partner strengthens the Alliance, every leader benefits.
Meet Our Team
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Meet Our Team ●
Meet The Founder, Karen Wilson
Rev Karen Wilson brings decades of leadership experience in pastoral ministry, non-profit organisations, aid and development, education, and cross-cultural settings around the world. As an ordained minister, author, and passionate advocate for women in leadership, she understands both the challenges and the privilege of leading alongside others.
At her heart, Karen is called to champion women and men leading well together. She believes women should be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to step fully into their own calling, and she has dedicated much of her life to creating opportunities for women lead with confidence.
In 2020, God gave Karen a vision of women standing shoulder to shoulder around the world—strong, courageous leaders united in purpose and committed to bringing the next generation with them. What began as a vision has since grown into a global movement.
Today, Karen leads Women Leaders Alliance alongside a global team of staff and volunteers who share her passion for seeing women thrive in leadership, faith, and life.
Donna Bates
Strategic & Partnerships Director
Donna Bates is an award-winning business strategist, mentor, and passionate advocate for purposeful leadership. With more than 28 years of experience advising boards, CEOs, business owners, and organisations, she helps leaders turn vision into practical action through strategic insight and thoughtful guidance.
As Strategy & Partnerships Director for Women Leaders Alliance, Donna builds meaningful partnerships that strengthen collaboration, expand opportunities, and equip women leaders around the world to grow in influence and impact. She believes the greatest change happens when people unite around a shared vision.
Kat van der Merwe
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kat van der Merwe is a creative at heart, a singer-songwriter, with a degree in Marketing and Design, and experience across government, non-profits, the music and arts industry and church leadership. She has a gift for bringing ideas to life, telling meaningful stories, and helping people connect with a bigger vision.
As Marketing & Communications Manager for Women Leaders Alliance, Kat shares the vision and impact of the movement through strategic marketing, creative storytelling, and thoughtful communication. When she's not creating, she's embracing the joy and adventure of motherhood. Kat is excited to be part of the Women Leaders Alliance team and to add value to what God is already doing around the world.
Letitia Bracken
Website Designer & Copywriter
Letitia Bracken creates thoughtful digital experiences that combine storytelling, intuitive user experience, and intentional design to help organisations communicate with clarity, build trust, and inspire meaningful action.
Outside of Women Leaders Alliance, Letitia runs her own boutique design studio and co-leads a local women's business mastermind. She enjoys creating spaces where women can connect, encourage one another, and grow together, and is delighted to bring that same heart for community and collaboration to the Women Leaders Alliance.
Meet
The Board
Women Leaders Alliance is governed by a Board of experienced leaders who bring wisdom, accountability, and a shared commitment to the vision of championing women in leadership. Together, they provide strategic oversight and support the long-term sustainability of the Alliance as it continues to grow with integrity and impact.
Rev Karen Wilson
Founder & Board Chair
Karen Wilson is an accredited Baptist Minister, author, and speaker with degrees in theology and education. She has had Senior and Executive roles in a number of organisations and brings experienced leadership to Women Leaders Alliance.
Karen is a visionary and relational leader, who believes in inspiring and building into others.
Denise Stein
Board Member
Denise Stein has spent her career serving women and families through faith-based and non-profit organisations. A qualified social worker and passionate advocate for women in leadership, she is committed to helping women recognise their God-given gifts and lead with confidence and purpose.
Denise brings extensive experience in governance, strategic development and community service.
Leonie Wright
Board Member
Leonie brings more than 30 years of experience across Christian ministry, leadership development, business, and the not-for-profit sector. She is passionate about helping individuals and organisations flourish through healthy leadership, spiritual growth, and emotional wellbeing.
Leonie has always championed women in leadership brings strategic thinking and organisational understanding to the board.
Shelley Bartels
Board Member
Shelley Bartels brings more than 30 years of experience across banking, finance, and the not-for-profit sector. With expertise in financial services, client relationships, team leadership, and training, she brings practical wisdom, commercial insight, and strong governance experience.
The Story Is Still Being Written
What began as a personal vision has grown into a global movement. Women leaders, partner organisations, volunteers, and supporters are coming together to champion one another, share wisdom, and help the next generation of leaders flourish.
We've Saved You a Seat at the Table
Whether you're looking for encouragement, leadership development, meaningful connection, or opportunities to grow, there's a place for you here.
