America First Women’s Initiative (AFWI), Women of Grace and Grit Roundtable
Aug 28, 2025, 10:30AM
On the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, AFPI’s America First Women’s Initiative hosted a Women of Grace and Grit roundtable in Washington, D.C. The celebration brought together trailblazing leaders who reflected on the legacy of women’s suffrage, the fight for family values, and the importance of courage in the cultural battles of today.
Ashley Hayek – President of America First Works & EVP of AFPI
Ashley Hayek set the tone with a powerful reminder of the administration’s commitment to justice. Fresh from a DOJ ride-along, she described confronting predators and abusers alongside U.S. Marshals.
“It’s absolutely phenomenal to see the work that our Department of Justice is doing, that Attorney General Pam Bondi is doing, that the President is doing to clean up Washington, D.C., get bad people off the streets, put them in prison where they belong."
She also emphasized the stakes of the 2026 elections and expressed confidence in President Trump’s leadership and AFPI’s policy-first approach.
Martin Gillespie – Executive Vice President, AFPI
The only man on the program, Martin Gillespie, brought both humor and humility. He tied the American Dream to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision, noting its alignment with America First principles today.
“The American dream, probably the best illustration of it, was laid out on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial… and who would believe that what he laid out on those steps is the ethos of America First conservatism now, some not quite, but 65 years later. It really talks about a merit and character-based society, rejecting things like CRT, rejecting Marxist ideology… black against white, rich against poor, men against women, the list goes on and on and on.”
He then introduced Dr. Alveda King to lead prayer and reminded everyone that AFPI’s foundation was built on the vision and work of strong women leaders.
Dr. Alveda King – Chair, American Dream Initiative at AFPI
Dr. King filled the room with faith and joy. She sang “God Bless America” with the crowd and reminded everyone of the gift of life after the fall of Roe v. Wade.
“On the plane and I said, can’t they shut those kids up? God said, you shut up. They’re having their babies. So I’m celebrating that.”
She prayed over President Trump, First Lady Melania, and the women leading AFPI, urging men and women to work together in harmony, not competition.
Stacey Schieffelin – Chair, America First Women’s Initiative
Stacey energized the audience with a message of authentic empowerment rooted in faith, family, and freedom.
“Those suffragists weren’t just fighting for a ballot, they were building a legacy of liberty.”
She announced the inaugural America First Women’s Advisory Team, a powerhouse of 20 women guiding AFPI’s mission, and introduced the panel of distinguished speakers.
The Honorable Linda McMahon – Secretary of Education & Former SBA Administrator
Linda McMahon reflected on her journey from building WWE into a global enterprise to serving in public office. She described the challenges women faced in business decades ago and how the 19th Amendment opened doors.
“For women to have the right to vote and for women to be looked at in business is an incredible accomplishment… the 19th Amendment opened many, many doors and made it official that we could step through.”
As Secretary of Education, she pledged to restore parents’ rights:
“Parents have to have the rights relative to their children and I will continue to fight very, very hard for that.”
Savannah Chrisley – TV Personality & Advocate for Justice Reform
Savannah Chrisley shared her deeply personal story of fighting for her parents’ freedom after their federal sentencing. She described breaking stereotypes in political spaces and refusing to be silenced.
During an influential dinner one of the guests said:
“I thought you were going to be the quiet, sweet one. And I don’t want to be known as the quiet, sweet one.”
Her persistence paid off when President Trump pardoned her parents earlier this year:
“On May 28th of this year, the president pardoned both my parents. So now they’re home.”
Kimberly Fletcher – Founder of Moms for America
Kimberly Fletcher honored the original suffragists while challenging the distortions of modern feminism. She spoke of equipping mothers with knowledge of America’s real history and giving them a voice in schools.
“Women are destroying this country, and it is only women that can save it.”
She highlighted Moms for America’s growth to 500,000 members and celebrated the movement’s success in empowering women to speak boldly and reclaim parental rights.
Abby Spencer Moffat – CEO, Diana Davis Spencer Foundation
Abby Spencer Moffat emphasized philanthropy as a force for women’s empowerment rooted in dignity and freedom. She traced her legacy back to her grandmother’s 1913 suffragette march.
“Empowered women don’t just lift themselves, they lift communities, countries, and generations.”
She recalled the words of Margaret Thatcher, who once told her:
“Young lady, you have a voice. Now use it.”
Jayme Franklin – Entrepreneur & Founder of The Conservateur
Jayme Franklin, representing Gen Z, delivered a fiery critique of modern feminism and its attack on family and faith. She launched her platform to restore femininity, beauty, and grace in conservative culture.
“I want to spread the message to young women that nothing is going to be more fulfilling to you than your faith in God, your family, and having children.”
She urged young women to reject false empowerment and embrace God-given purpose.
Closing Thought
America First Women’s Initiative (AFWI) Women of Grace & Grit Roundtable didn’t just celebrate history, it ignited and initiated an impactful movement for the future.. From Ashley Hayek’s call to action, to Dr. Alveda King’s prayer, to the testimonies of leaders like Stacey Schieffelin, the Honorable Linda McMahon, Savannah Chrisley, Kimberly Fletcher, Abby Spencer Moffat, and Jayme Franklin, the event affirmed that the fight for faith, family, and freedom continues in the America First movement.