BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Odelle Cadwell of Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit is the recipient of the 2026 Dellanna West O’Brien Leadership Award, the most prestigious leadership honor of national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). 

“With over 40 years of involvement in WMU, Odelle has demonstrated exceptional personal integrity and a profound dedication to missions education,” said Marilyn Hopkins, emerita executive director of WMU of Michigan (1985-2008), who nominated her for the award.

Cadwell began learning about WMU at her local church as a Mission Friends leader when her daughter was a preschooler. When her daughter moved up to Girls in Action (GAs), she began working with GAs and then Acteens. She was involved with missions camps at the state assembly as a leader and promoted missions opportunities and trips for youth in her church. As church WMU director, she championed churchwide support of missions offerings including Annie Armstrong, Lottie Moon and state offerings, along with providing the prayer emphasis, book studies and missionary speakers for the church.

Cadwell went on to serve as WMU director for the Greater Detroit Baptist Association until she was elected to serve as president of Michigan WMU, which included serving on the executive board of national WMU, all the while serving as Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) state advocate with a home base in the Greater Detroit Association.

“Odelle’s vision for Christian Women’s Job Corps reflects her deep understanding of the needs of women in poverty, as she aims to establish active sites in Detroit and beyond, showcasing her selflessness and global perspective,” Hopkins said. “Her extensive volunteer service, spanning 37 years, highlights her commitment to fostering leadership among women.

“By connecting them to resources within the association, state and national convention, she has become both a mentor and a role model, exemplifying godly leadership across diverse backgrounds,” Hopkins continued. “Her educational background in psychology, combined with her professional experience in banking, ministry and hospitality, equips her with unique insights to guide and inspire others.”

David Cox Sr., senior pastor at Temple of Faith Baptist Church, describes Cadwell as a vital part of their church family, having served in numerous roles that greatly impacted their ministry and community.

“For over 40 years, Sister Cadwell has been a faithful and dedicated member of Temple of Faith Baptist Church and has exemplified unwavering commitment to her faith and our congregation through her active leadership and service. Her passion for Christian Women’s Job Corps of Michigan is evident as she leads with vision, wisdom and a heart for service. Her leadership within CWJC has been transformative, offering hope, education and spiritual growth to countless women across our community.”

In addition, Cadwell provides leadership training for women in missions and spurs them to greater involvement in missions and ministries at local, associational and national conferences.

“Odelle’s exceptional leadership over Michigan WMU’s compassion ministries of Christian Job Corps and Sisters Who Care is truly remarkable,” said Susan Hodnett, executive director-treasurer of Michigan WMU. “She consistently embodies Colossians 3:12 by demonstrating compassion, kindness and humility. Her ability to lead while actively listening to and collaborating with her team is an invaluable gift. Rather than merely directing, she walks alongside, encouraging personal and professional growth, and guides others towards Christ.”

Sandy Wisdom-Martin, executive director of national WMU, has also observed how Cadwell meets needs and shares Christ through her many avenues of service.

“Some people leave footprints,” said Wisdom-Martin. “Odelle leaves pathways. She goes out of her way to make sure every person is seen, heard and valued. She consistently invests her time, talents and resources into the lives of others.”

This award recognizes Baptist women who are currently demonstrating the ability to foster leadership in women and who display the potential to be leaders in the community and the world. It carries a grant to help the recipient continue her development and ministry to others.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Julie Walters is corporate communication manager for national WMU.)