May 2026 Announcements

NatCon 2026: Recap

Reflections from Carol Shrader, Editor:NatCon 2026 absolutely overflowed with joy and sisterhood. From the first Heart To Heart coffee time where we had to scramble for enough chairs, make room for as many as possible at tables and watch as others just circled up in the aisles, to the final break-out session, women were bursting to share, be heard, and hear from each other. God’s presence, as women poured out to one another, was so clear. I loved seeing women who were strangers in the first session return each subsequent one, now as friends. Congratulations, Executive Team on a job not just done well, but done with faithful obedience to God!

Reflections from Jeanine Bruen, Midwest Regional Director: As I return to 'normal' life after Natcon, I'm thankful for so many reconnections and new connections made over the weekend! I heard  many who wished they had known about SBS 20 years ago! Some of these same ladies wondered if they could be of use to SBS since they are closer to retirement age than the training years.  My answer? YES! As we had time around tables to talk and share experiences and wisdom, every woman had a contribution and an openness to seeing how we are all needed. Praying for each other and worshipping together, all ladies experienced the value of walking together in Christ (whether in medicine/dentistry or married to it). 

Reflections from Bekah Baglio, South Regional Director: It’s hard to pinpoint my single favorite part of NatCon—just ask my kids, I’m terrible at choosing favorites because I tend to find something meaningful in everything. But if I had to choose, I’d say what stood out most was the sense of being part of the larger medical community within CMDA.

In particular, I loved the Heart to Heart Fellowship. I sat at a table with women ranging from medical students to retired physician wives—some of whom I later discovered were from my own city—and felt an immediate connection. By the third day, the openness and depth of our conversations were incredible.

I reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. I already can’t wait for next year!

Check out the Instagram recap on @sidebysidecmda

Two New Chapter Launches!

We are excited to announce the launch of two new Side By Side chapters!

Side By Side – Asheville, NC is led by Lea Buda. You can reach her at sidebysideasheville@gmail.com, and connect with the community on Facebook at Side By Side - Asheville (link below). Even before her move this June, Lea has already been actively connecting with women across Western North Carolina and laying a strong foundation for this new chapter. We are so grateful for her commitment and determination to build meaningful community in Asheville.

Connect on Facebook for Side By Side - Asheville, NC

Side By Side – Tupelo, MS is led by Aniya Gill, and you can connect with her at sidebyside.tupelo@gmail.com or on instagram at sidebyside.tupelo (link below). This chapter is launching with five members already gathering, and we are so grateful for Aniya’s  commitment to building community in Tupelo, MS.

 
If you are in either area, or know someone who is, we would love for you to help spread the word and get connected!
 
Please join us in welcoming these leaders and praying for both of these new chapters as they begin.

Connect on Instagram with Side By Side - Tupelo, MS

A Seat at the Table: Recap

Celebrating Faithful Servants Among Us
As we look back on this year, we are so grateful for the leaders who have faithfully said yes. Seen and unseen, their obedience has made an eternal impact. Their service is a beautiful testimony to the truth that when we offer our gifts to the Lord, He multiplies them for His glory.

It is with gratitude and joy that we honor the following award recipients; women who are living out their calling and strengthening this ministry through their dedication, prayer, and Christ-centered leadership.Individual Leadership Awards

• Above & Beyond Award
  Jacque Jones – San Antonio, TX
  Honoring a leader who serves wholeheartedly, as unto the Lord.

• Prayer Champion Award
  Rachel Girdler Cruceta – Long Island, NY
  Recognizing a leader whose faithful prayers strengthen and sustain the ministry.

• Care Leader Appreciation Award
  Jennifer Parsa – El Paso, TX
  Celebrating Christ-like compassion through intentional care and encouragement.

• Behind-the-Scenes Champion Award
  Michelle Austin – Atlanta, GA
  Honoring faithful, unseen service that blesses the ministry in meaningful ways.

• Encourager-in-Chief Award
  Alida Iradukunda – Tenwek, Africa
  Celebrating consistent encouragement through both words and actions.

• Invitation Champion Award
  Lauren Noonan – Hendersonville, TN
  Recognizing a heart devoted to inviting women into community and belonging.

• Faithful Steward Award (Tie)
  Renee Heyer-Starret – St. Louis, MO
  Leah Stellmaker – Duluth, MN
  Honoring steady obedience, reliability, and quiet strength in leadership.

Regional Director Chapter Awards

• Rookie of the Year Award (Northeast)
  SBS Hartford, CT

• MacGyver Award (Midwest)
  SBS Chicago, MI

• Legacy of Prayer Award (Midwest)
  SBS LaCrosse, WI

• Steadfast Soul Award (West)
  SBS Palm Desert, CA

• Most Resilient Award (South 1)
  SBS Augusta, GA

• Multiplication Mindset Award (South 2)
  SBS Jackson, MS

• Creative Ministry Award (South 3)
  SBS Charleston, SC

• Community Impact Award (International)
  SBS Malawi, Africa

Executive Team Chapter Awards

• Inspiring Legacy Award
  SBS Rochester, MN

• Kingdom Connector Award
  SBS Billings, MT

• Heart of Service Award
  SBS Grand Rapids, MI

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

Upcoming Prayer Hour

Before we rise, we bow.
 
Join us for our monthly Side By Side Prayer Hour, a sacred hour of teaching, connection, and intercession.

May 18th
1:00pm EST
 

We would love to pray specifically for you and your chapter. Please use the link below to submit a prayer request.

Join the Zoom Prayer Hour

Submit a Prayer Request