Galina Stele has been elected to serve as director of General Conference Women’s Ministries for the 2025–2030 term during the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Stele was first voted into the role during the Spring Meeting on April 10, 2024, following the unexpected passing of longtime Women’s Ministries director Heather-Dawn Small. Previously, Stele had been elected associate director during Annual Council in October 2023. A native of the Russian Federation who spent much of her early life in Kazakhstan, she brings decades of service in education, research, and ministry.

Before joining Women’s Ministries, Stele served in the GC Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, first as a research and evaluation assistant (2012), and later as manager (2016). She also served as a professor of theology at Zaoksky Theological Seminary in Russia and held leadership positions in the Euro-Asia Division, including Shepherdess Coordinator, editor of Shepherdess and Living Church, and director of the Institute of Missiology.

Stele made history in 1996 as the first woman to graduate with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University. She is a published author and experienced speaker, regularly participating in evangelistic series, youth congresses, and Total Member Involvement events. Her ministry interests include member retention, small group engagement, family life, and practical theology.

She is married to Artur Stele, GC vice president. They have one married son and a grandson. In her free time, Stele enjoys reading, writing, gardening, cooking, and puzzles.

Women’s Ministries empowers and supports women in spiritual growth, leadership, and service. It provides resources, training, and advocacy on issues such as education, abuse prevention, and discipleship, ensuring that women are equipped to contribute fully to the mission of the church and their communities.

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