The Progressive Women’s Association will host its annual Black History Month “Women of Distinction” celebration on Friday, Feb. 27, at 12:00 p.m., featuring a keynote address by Pastor Regina Riley. As Co-Pastor of Agape Life Ministries in Fairmont, Pastor Riley will explore the vital intersection of faith and community service, sharing her inspiring vision for empowering women to achieve confidence, security, and spiritual freedom. The event serves as a premier tribute to the leadership and legacy of Black women in our community, offering a midday program of encouragement and recognition for the 2026 honorees.
If you would like to attend this celebration please contact us at 304-624-6881 with your RSVP. You can pay at the door and plates are $10. Please come to help us celebrate these women of the community.
Pastor Regina Rose- Riley was born October 30, 1961, in Harlem, New York. She was reared in West Virginia, where she matriculated through the Fayette County School System graduating from Oak Hill High School in 1979.
Pastor Regina attended Fairmont State University graduating with an Associate of Science Degree. She later returned to Fairmont State University and received an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Development and a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. She is presently working towards a Masters in She worked as an In-Home Childcare Provider from 1995-2006. She also worked for Marion County Gear UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program) and for the West Virginia Achievement Project. She served on the Dunbar Foundation Board, and the Fairmont Partnership Housing Development Board.
On July 27th ,1981, while visiting college friends, Pastor Regina accepted the Lord into her heart. It is because of her commitment to God that Pastor Regina was a faithful member of Miracle Revival Center Ministries under the leadership of the late Apostle Donald L. and Rev. Johnnie Mae Johnson. It was there she was licensed as a minister and then later ordained in l986. Pastor Regina served in many capacities while at Miracle Revival Center Ministries such as Youth Pastor, usher, youth choir director, praise team leader and Sunday school teacher.
In August of 2000, the Lord led Pastor Regina and her husband to Christian Love Ministries under the leadership of Dr. John D. Washington and Pastor Lois Washington.
Through faithful service, Pastor Regina received credentials through Christian Love Ministries as an ordained Pastor. In June of 2009, along with her husband, Pastor Regina was installed as Pastor of Christian Love Ministries, now Agape Life Ministries.
She is a conference speaker, bible study teacher, praise team leader and former overseer of Agape Life’s Women’s Ministry, WWAM (Women with A Mission, her desire is to see women empowered and walking in their purpose.
Pastor Regina has been married for forty-five years to her high school sweetheart, Pastor Lonnie Leo Riley. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Pastor Regina is not a person that is easily defeated despite difficulties but is a steadfast soldier fulfilling the purpose and plan that God has predestined for her life. It is her desire to be an example of God’s saving grace.