Feeling God’s Love: Women Who Lead with Faith, Courage and 'Greater Love' 

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As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints observes Women’s Month, women around the world are reflecting on a central message: “Every woman is deeply loved by Heavenly Parents.”

The message aligns with the Church’s 2026 Easter initiative, “Greater Love,” which highlights the Savior’s love expressed through His life and ministry. For women serving in leadership and administrative roles in the Church, that truth influences how they see themselves and how they serve others.

In the Philippines, two women serving in distinct leadership roles shared how their understanding of divine identity guides their work in Church administration and religious education. Although their responsibilities differ, both said their faith influences how they approach leadership, responsibility and service.

Leading Church Administration

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Ruth Del Mundo serves as Director for Temporal Affairs (DTA) of the Manila Philippines Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In that role, she oversees planning, communication, financial stewardship, physical facilities, humanitarian services, human resources, and compliance matters for the Church in the Philippines.

“Knowing that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father is so important to me,” she said. “That means I can rely on Him in all that I do.”

 “In every critical decision, especially those that directly affect people’s lives, I seek the Lord’s help. I know I cannot do this work without Him guiding me.” — Ruth Del Mundo.

Del Mundo joined the Church workforce in 1999 as a project accountant. Over the years, she served as Finance Manager and later as Area Controller before being appointed DTA, the first woman to hold that position globally.

She described moments in her career when new responsibilities felt daunting. When she was first promoted to head the finance department, she questioned whether she was ready. “I thought I was not prepared,” she said. “But my leaders expressed confidence in me.”

That experience, she said, strengthened her confidence and trust in the Lord. “It taught me that growth comes through responsibility. It also taught me to trust and empower others.”

Preparing the Way Through Temporal Affairs

Del Mundo explains that she sees the work of temporal affairs as foundational to the Church’s mission.

“In many ways, our work prepares the way,” she said. “We help ensure that Church operations run smoothly so priesthood leaders can focus on their ecclesiastical responsibilities.”

As the first woman DTA, she recognizes the significance of the role. “Being the first comes with responsibility,” she said. “People observe how you perform. I feel a responsibility to do well so that opportunities continue for others.”

Her approach to decision-making combines prayer, collaboration, and careful review of reliable data. “We seek the Lord first,” she said. “But we also counsel together and look at the information available. Often, insights come when we listen.”

Del Mundo also credits her family for providing steady support as she fulfills her responsibilities. Her husband, Nelson, and their five children create a home environment grounded in cooperation, faith, and encouragement. She shared that their support allows her to serve with focus and clarity.

“That support makes it possible for me to give my best both at home and in my responsibilities,” she said.

Strengthening the Rising Generation

While Del Mundo supports the Church’s temporal operations, Alyssa Julia “AJ” Caduada serves as the Seminary and Institute Coordinator in the Philippines, the first woman to hold that position in the country. In that role, she supports religious education programs designed to help youth and young adults deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and prepare to make and keep temple covenants.

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For Caduada, the message that every woman is deeply loved by Heavenly Parents provides clarity and direction. “It reminds us that we belong,” she said. “We are part of a family. That speaks to identity and inclusion. It also reminds us of our divine potential.”

 “When we understand who we are, it changes how we see ourselves and how we approach opportunities.” — AJ Caduada.

Understanding divine identity influences how she approaches her work. “I am not simply checking off responsibilities,” she said. “When I approach my work with love, it becomes more meaningful because I know it affects someone else’s life.”

She said the Easter theme “Greater Love” reinforces both the purpose and the method of her service. “The reason behind what we do is love — love for the Savior and love for the rising generation,” she said. “It also changes how we do things. Even simple tasks become more intentional when motivated by love.”

When asked what young women most need to hear today, she offered three reminders:

1. Remember your divine identity and potential.
2. Involve the Lord in daily decisions.
3. Make the most of opportunities, whether large or small.

“The experiences and skills you gain now will prepare you for future roles,” she said.

Growth Through Opportunity

Caduada’s connection to the Seminary and Institute program began as a student. She credits the program with strengthening her testimony and helping her develop practical skills that shaped her academic and professional path.

She studied at Brigham Young University–Hawaii and later completed graduate work in public administration before returning to the Philippines. “I wanted to keep my word and serve here,” she said, referring to a commitment she made to return and help build the Church in her home country.

Her background in research, collaboration, and teaching prepared her for her current role, but she describes continued learning as one of its most rewarding aspects. “I love to learn,” she said. “The more you learn, the more you realize there is still so much to understand.”

She often reflects on the phrase, “Whatever thou art, act well thy part.” “Whatever role we have,” she said, “we should do our best in it.”

Leadership as Stewardship

Though Ruth Del Mundo and AJ Caduada serve in different capacities, both describe leadership as stewardship rather than status. Their experiences illustrate how understanding their divine identity and responsibility as children of Heavenly Parents can shape our professional growth, decision-making, and service.

As the Church observes Women’s Month and looks toward Easter, both Filipina leaders said their faith continues to guide their service in their respective roles. 

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