Presenters
Wednesday General Sessions

Evening
April 29, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
A short intermission will be held from 7:20–7:40 p.m.
Jen Thatcher
Fill Your Life with Light and Truth

Noelani Wayas
God Loves You This Very Day and Always

Noelle Pikus Pace
To Be Whole, Not Flawless: Understanding Perfection in Christ

Sister Tamara W. Runia
First Counselor, Young Women General Presidency
Thursday General Sessions

Morning
April 30, 9:00–10:15 a.m.
Sheri Dew
May We Arise and Shine Forth as Women of Light
(Wendy W. Nelson) Scriptures references: Isaiah 60:1; 3 Nephi 18:24

Afternoon
April 30, 3:15–4:15 p.m.
President Camille N. Johnson
General Relief Society Presidency
Friday General Sessions

Morning
May 1, 9:00–10:15 a.m.
BYU First Lady Wendy Reese, BYU President C. Shane Reese

Special WC 50th Anniversary Session—Women of Light
May 1, 3:30–4:25 p.m.
Sandra Rogers
Becoming Women of Light: Letting the Savior Transform our Hearts

Afternoon
May 1, 4:45–5:45 p.m.
Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Concurrent Session Speakers
Type a speaker's name.
Living Our Covenants Connects us to Jesus Christ
4th of 12, Mother of 6, Grandma Lu to 18; Advisor; Counselor; Nurturer; RM; BYU RSA; Young Women, Relief Society, Stake Primary Presidencies; Travel, Hiking and Sewing enthusiast; Loves learning new skills, truth, and doctrine; Temple worker. Best of all, Helpmeet to Daniel
Serve, Shine, and Share! Missionary Opportunities for Ages 21 to 101!
Served at-home Senior Mission assigned to Senior Missionary Department (2017-2020). Currently Stake Committee Co-Chair on Senior Mission Opportunities. Wife, mom, entrepreneur, travel enthusiast, and away-from-home missionary hopeful.
One Eternal Family: Creating Unity and Celebrating Diversity
Shima Baughman is a public educator, professor, and author whose work at the BYU Wheatley Institute focuses on how religion improves lives. She adores her husband and their five children, whose ages span from 2 to 21
A Willing Heart: Understanding and Living the Law of Consecration
A wife and mother of seven; a pediatric nurse navigating her own health struggles; a lover of people, travel, and all things active; a returned missionary who finds Christ in life’s ups and downs and shares how the Savior shows her a better way.
The Gift of Joy and Laughter in our Lives
Husband, father, grandfather; author, podcaster on FollowHim, Sunday School teacher for the 12-13 year olds; religion instructor, BYU Salt Lake Center
Finding Happiness Now
Married with 5 “Neopolitan” children with strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla hair; BYU teacher of writing, literature, and global women’s studies; co-creator of BYU Walks app tour: “Celebrating Women Who Built BYU”; loves travel, music, family, and pie
Rooted in Christ: Nourishing Deeper and Stronger Gospel Roots
Wife, mother, grandmother. Served with husband as mission leaders in the Illinois Chicago Mission 2022-2025. Life coach, writer, speaker, podcaster, runner. Advocate for self-care; being divine self; and vulnerable, curious, compassionate connection
Young Adults: Strengthened in Fierce Winds by Faith in Christ
Arab-American, returned missionary, published author, and disciple of Christ; values faith, family, and personal growth; enjoys strength training, writing, and mentoring others; known for determination, empathy, and a calm presence in hard moments
The Gift of Joy and Laughter in our Lives
Lisa Valentine Clark is an actress, writer, speaker, and produces and hosts The Lisa Show podcast, and Council of Moms podcasts. She is the mother of 5 mostly grown children
Gathering Light: Learning from Women of Other Faiths (moderator) and Building Bonds and Healing Wounds: Fostering Healthy Family Relationships
Mental health educator, author, and storyteller; real interfaith and human connection conversations are her favorites; as a lupus warrior, mother of two miracle children, empty nester and sourdough baker means more time with her fabulous husband
A Divine View: Rising Above the Noise of Comparison
Wife, filmmaker, photographer, storyteller, follower of Jesus Christ, former Girls Camp Director and Relief Society President, crafter, believer in truth, living faith boldly, recognizing divine worth as women, and becoming who we are created to be
All are Alike unto God: Understanding Neurodivergent Children
Neurodivergent daughter, sister, nanny, and friend. University of Utah student studying Human Development with an emphasis in Child Healthcare and Infant Mental Health. Aspiring play therapist. Passionate artist. Grateful follower of Jesus Christ
Love is at the Center: Strengthening Every Kind of Family and Love Begins at Home: Fostering Belonging and Inclusion for LGBT Family Members
BYU senior associate athletic director; NCAA women's basketball committee member; BS, MS, and EdD from BYU; joyful aunt to 17; common ground seeker; youth Sunday School teacher; Broadway musical lover; improving pickleball player; striving disciple
Lessons at the Well: Women in Scripture who Exemplified Jesus Christ
Lori Denning is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Currently, she is a professor of Religious Education at BYU–Idaho and is finishing her PhD in Ancient Scripture. She is an author and a frequent podcast guest. She loves talking and teaching of the Savior.
Following Prophetic Light in a Changing and Challenging World
Gerrit Dirkmaat is a professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU. He has a PhD in American History and worked on the Joseph Smith Papers project. He is also the host of the Standard of Truth Podcast, providing answers to Church history questions.
Parents of Adult Children: Navigating Grown-Up Kids with Love, Grace and Grit
Wife, mother of five, grandmother; served a mission in Alberta, Canada; couples’ therapist; Gospel Doctrine teacher; avid reader; loves traveling and being with family; passionate about fostering understanding, faith, and connection
The Great Blessing of Friendships (moderator) and Rooted in Christ: Nourishing Deeper and Stronger Gospel Roots
Disciple of Jesus. Wife, mother of six, missionary mom, soon-to-be mother-in-law. BYU Women's Conference Committee member. Fun-seeker, world traveler, question-asker, story-collector. Last to leave the party
Love Begins at Home: Fostering Belonging and Inclusion for LGBTQ Family Members
BYU professor of Religion; Editor-in-chief of BYU Studies; teaches and researches on religion, family life, mental health, and LGBTQ+ individuals; husband to Aislin; dad of six; loves games, hikes, and BYU ice cream
Where Love Leads: Living Our Faith through Service
Truth seeker; Hope hugger; Clinger to the assurance that ALL will work out through the Gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ; Religious freedom multi-faith advocate; Global champion of crippled children born with clubfoot and those who care for them
Nurturing the Light of My Testimony of Jesus Christ
Jenet Jacob Erickson: wife, mother, associate professor in Religious Education at BYU; researcher of women’s wellbeing, religion’s influence and the power of covenant relationships; loves working with students, and learning with and from her family
Whom I Love I Also Chasten
Barbara Morgan Gardner loves Jesus Christ and His gospel and helping others Walk with Him in scriptures and sites. She loves being a wife, mother, BYU Religion professor, host of "Grounded," and co-founding Women of Covenant Leadership and...chocolate.
Tell me the Stories of Jesus: The Power of Gospel Teaching in the Home
Weber State University graduate (2004), Dental Hygienist, devoted wife, mother of five, currently the ward Relief Society President but wishing for primary pianist, ward organist…for life, runner, traveler, and home improvement enthusiast.
Building Bonds and Healing Wounds: Fostering Healthy Family Relationships
Husband, father, and grandfather. Former mission president, bishop, current MTC branch president. I’m a BYU religion professor, a marriage and family scholar, a four-time cancer survivor, a fitness fanatic, and a lover of our Savior and His gospel
Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations
Aliah Hall, LCSW, is a clinical counselor at BYU–Hawaii and a featured voice on the LDS Living Sunday on Monday and Magnify podcasts, sharing insights on faith, worth, and healing. She serves in Primary and loves strengthening individuals through Christ
Am I Ready? Preparing with Faith for the "Great and Terrible" Day of the Lord
Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU and host of the "Unshaken" podcast; happy husband and father of five; frequently works with people experiencing faith crisis
Share His Light through Loving, Sharing and Inviting
Religious Educator; speaker and single mom of two teenagers, and two goldens. Known for blending humor and gospel insight online as a digital missionary. Sonrisa is a seeker of divine confidence and helping others smile for Him, even in the struggle
Grief and Belief: When Mourning and Hope Meet in Christ
Sealed to her tall, dark and handsome angel, Maka and their kids- Ashlei, Maika, Samuel and Karlei. She is an RM to the Philippines; Masters in Family & Consumer Science; Service Missionary, Orem Temple ordinance worker; Favorite song - I’m trying to be like Jesus
Write the Things of God: A Record of His Goodness (Workshop)
Mom of four boys; married to her best friend; author of "Types, Shadows, and Casseroles: Finding Christ in Your Daily Life"; writer for LDSLiving.com; enjoys Zumba and 3D printing; believes everyone is doing the best they can with what they have
Grace Across the Table: Christlike Love in Families of Different Beliefs
Dr. Erin Kramer Holmes is a professor and Director of the BYU School of Family Life. Her research focuses on fathering, mothering, and work–family life. A nationally recognized scholar and mentor, she leads with faith, belonging, and service
Rest, Remember and Reconnect: Living the Principle of the Sabbath
Mother of 4. Gatherer. Nurturer. Connector. Motherline Skincare Founder and CEO. YSA bishopric with husband Joe. Kickboxing and mission prep trainer. Design director for J-Development. Misionera de Argentina. Professional makeup artist. Light seeker.
We Can Embrace the Gospel of Hope
Disciple of Jesus Christ learning to hold both sorrow and hope. Journalist at CBS, ABC and NPR. Author of Silent Souls Weeping. Producer of Pathway to Hope. Host of the Deseret Voices podcast. Wife and grieving mother
Responding with Respect: Practical Skills for Navigating Conflict in Families (Workshop)
Husband, Father, Mental Health Therapist, CMHC, Clinical Leader at Primary Children's Hospital. Pacific Islander. Genealogist. Author. Champion for underserved populations and children. Current member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Embracing God's Design for Women: Understanding the Menopausal Stage of Life and Understanding the Importance and Sacredness of Marital Intimacy
Dr. Chelom Leavitt is a professor in the School of Family Life. She researches sex within committed relationships. Chelom has been married to David Leavitt for 37 years and they have 9 children and 8 grandchildren. Chelom loves all things beautiful!
Overcoming Loneliness through Authentic Connection
Portia Louder is an Author and Life Coach, she works with at risk youth and people struggling with addiction. Portia spent 5 years in prison and authored two books. She shares, "You can do really hard things when you know who you are to Jesus Christ"
Being Confident in Your Call to Lead
Aspiring Christlike leader, mother, wife, daughter, endowment worker at the Mount Timpanogos temple, Dean of the BYU Marriott School of Business, thrives on a daily dose of the scriptures, the NYTimes Games App, and chocolate.
Finding Strength in the Lord: Developing Emotional Resilience
Janeen is a Therapist and Adjunct Professor in Ancient Scripture at BYU. She is passionate about helping her clients build healthy relationships with their Savior, loved ones, and emotional worlds. She loves singing, hiking, and her little dog Scout!
Gathering Light: Learning from Women of Other Faiths
Joy McCullough, ACMHC, is a licensed counselor who co-creates interfaith content with her husband, Pastor Jeff McCullough, through the Hello Saints YouTube channel, fostering curiosity, friendship, and safe spaces for honest dialogue.
Overcoming Loneliness through Authentic Connection (moderator) and Ministering with Empathy, Charity, and Wisdom
Happy wife and proud mama to one daughter and her 17 imaginary brothers, Marriage and Family Therapist, former Relief Society President who loves being a minister, occasional adjunct faculty at BYU, often found skiing, baking, playing games, or at the theatre
Covenant Confidence: Strength Through Sacred Promises
Mother of four little women, sweetheart to Todd, AZ native, New Yorker, performing arts teacher, Gospel lover, BYU Alum, sports enthusiast, temple worker, Spanish speaker, Church representative at the United Nations (Committee on the Status of Women)
Lessons Learned: Insights for New Missionary Moms
Adjunct Professor BYU Mission prep, Mission leader WA Spokane Mission, Branch Missionary Provo MTC. Married with five children and five grandchildren. Love: making sourdough, traveling, Lake Powell, playing pickleball. Temple worker, Stake Relief Society President
Nurturing Yourself as a Mother: Prioritizing Personal Renewal
Founder of Elavare; Helps women rediscover themselves, return to meaningful work, and rise. Global speaker; Single mother of five; YSA Stake Relief Society President; BA and MBA from BYU; Committed to strengthening women, families, and communities
Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Power of Forgiveness (Isaiah 61:3)
Lover of truth and all things Jesus Christ; awesome aunt of 20; GREAT aunt of one; BYU religion teacher; sun & beach lover; mediocre pickleball player; connoisseur of chocolate milk; chronic pain warrior; lover of people; DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST!
Parents of Adult Children: Navigating Grown-Up Kids with Love, Grace and Grit
Texas born, a lover of life, liberty, and all things lovely. Cherishes being a Wife, Mom and SheShe. A collector of art, music, and recipes, but especially friendships. Always and forever, striving to be a disciple of Jesus, my Anchor and my Joy!
End of Life Planning: Strengthening You and Your Family for the Future
associate dean, BYU Continuing Education; finds joy in helping others learn to make wise financial plans to expand feelings of security and preparedness; married to his high school sweetheart, Melanie; parents of three, grandparents of seven
Mourning with Those that Mourn: Bringing Comfort in Times of Grief
Wife and mom of 2 daughters and a son. Grandma of 2 beautiful boys. Temple worker, pianist, and loves to study the gospel. A champion of Mother Eve, the Plan of Salvation, agency, womanhood and the family. Will talk about Jesus with anyone, any time!
The Divine Pattern of Belonging: The Family is the Center of the Gospel
Wife, mother, religious educator, disciple of Jesus Christ. Her happy places: the House of the Lord, her garden, the middle of a good book, and anywhere the sun is shining. She loves cheering people! She is married to Jed and is the mother of two
Following Him: Seeking a Peacemaker’s Heart
Online sharer of real life with a hopeful twist; Author of 52 Modern Manners; Jesus seeker, connection crusader, gummy bear connoisseur, teen champion, nature lover, and sports watcher. Wife, mom, and Nammy to my favorite and forever people.
Heartfelt Prayer: Connecting with God, Anytime and Anywhere
Wife, mother of 6, grandma, Guatemala-El Salvador Mission, AA from BYU in Family Life, former Primary, Young Women and Relief Society President, Stake Relief Society President, Service Missionary, loves music, home decorating, photography, the mountains, the temple and time with my family
The Lord Loves Effort: He will Magnify Your Offering
Born and raised in Zacatecas, Mexico; Disciple of Jesus Christ; accountant; pastry chef; business owner; former Relief Society and Primary president; current Stake Primary President; favorite aunt; current LDS Perpetual Education Fund Program employee
Finding Strength in the Lord: Developing Emotional Resilience
Josey Sewell is a wife, mother of three, and autism mom. A dental hygienist turned founder and leadership coach—and current Young Women’s President—she equips individuals to lead their businesses and lives with faith, discipline, and intention
Tell me the Stories of Jesus: The Power of Gospel Teaching in the Home
Wife to my best friend, mother of six incredible boys, disciple of Jesus Christ, gardener, pickleball lover, nature enthusiast, trail runner, life long learner. Bachelor of Science in Family Life Studies, MBA with Emphasis in Leadership
When Sad Days Come: Finding Peace and Joy through the Savior
Trauma therapist, LCSW, wife, and mother of three. Raised in Houston, she worked in corporate relations connecting executives and frontline teams. She now helps others move from survival to healing through emotional and body awareness and faith in God.
Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations
husband, father, new father-in-law, missionary dad; author, podcaster on FollowHim; PhD from BYU; education and business consultant centering on creating a high trust culture; BYU Associate Teaching Professor in Ancient Scripture; avid ice cream connoisseur and marathon runner
A Willing Heart: Understanding and Living the Law of Consecration
Joseph M. Spencer is an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He's the author of seven books and dozens of articles on scripture and theology. He and his wife, Karen, are the parents of five
Love is at the Center: Strengthening Every Kind of Family
Lisa Denning Spice is the creative director of the FollowHIM podcast with Hank Smith and John Bytheway. She’s a mom to three and a cheerful rambler to many—especially when scripture, long lunches, and families that resist tidy labels are involved.
Covenant Companionship: Finding Deep Joy in Marriage
Mother of one daughter and two sons and wife to Chad. Disciple of Jesus Christ, technology wizard, wanderer of Middle Earth, and voracious book reader
Small town farm boy from western New York who grew up loving tractors and hard work. Husband to Allison and father of three, Come Follow Me curriculum creator, currently supporting the fastest growing area of the church across Africa
The Gift of New Beginnings Through Jesus Christ
wife and mother of five; writer and marketer; loves chasing sunsets; host of the Get Ready with God podcast; favorite part of serving as ward Relief Society president is serving sodas every week; currently lives in Provo, Utah
The Lord Loves Effort: He will Magnify Your Offering
Rocket scientist; author of Squashing the Imposter Syndrome; PhD, PE, PMP; humanitarian, mentor, and outdoor enthusiast; helps others overcome self-doubt and build confidence to embrace unlimited potential through faith, effort, and practical tools.
Young Adults: Strengthened in Fierce Winds by Faith in Christ
Loves Jesus, family and friends, movies, road trips, chocolate, and the temple; aspiring BYU graduate & Child Life Specialist; Sacramento, CA mission; humbled BYU Women's Conference committee member 2026; blessed and grateful brain tumor survivor since age two
Raising Resilient Hearts: Helping Children Develop Emotional and Spiritual Strength
Husband, father, grandfather; Managing Director of Saprea; MPA from BYU's Marriott School; previously served in Young Men, Elders Quorum, Primary, Bishop, and Stake President; avid college football fan; passionate advocate for child protection