FULL SPEAKER ROSTER

Chevalier DeShay

Chevalier DeShay is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, committed to helping women reach their spiritual potential. Alongside her husband, Pastor Carl L. DeShay Sr., she co-founded Kingdom Harvest Ministries International in Bastrop, Texas. Her message of unity and support among women reflects her belief that we are all on a shared journey toward our individual purposes.

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As a speaker, wife, mother, and professional, Chevalier’s life exemplifies resilience, overcoming challenges, and embracing growth. A graduate of Huston-Tillotson University with a B.A. in Business Management and an MBA from Baylor University, she inspires others to transcend their pasts and step into the divine purpose laid out for them.

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Chevalier invites all women to join her in empowering each other, redefining the narrative of strength and support in faith, family, and career.

Shakela Matthews

Shakela T. Matthews is a Woman of God, wife, mother, military veteran, and the founder of Divinely Restored LLC. As a certified Life and Relationship Coach, speaker, and author, she empowers women to overcome their past and live with purpose and peace.

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Shakela has inspired audiences nationwide through platforms like the Leadership Experience Tour and Empower Her Summit, and her message has been featured on ABC, NBC, TapIn Magazine, CanvasRebel, and more.

Demeca Hobbs

Community Outreach Coordinator with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, which includes over 10 years of mortgage lending. Skilled in Commercial Lending, Consumer Real Estate Loans, Consumer Lending, and Branch Banking. My current role has an emphasis on financial empowerment and education by providing a catalog of workshops, seminars, and tools developed to meet the unique and varied financial needs of minority communities in Texas.

Jean Drummond

As President and Chief Executive Officer of HCD International, Jean is a dynamic and knowledgeable healthcare professional with vast experience providing executive oversight on extensive quality services across the Federal, state, county, community and private health sectors. Specifically, Jean’s strength lies in her ability to bridge the gaps between health policy, program implementation, and access to care for our most vulnerable populations. She began HCD International in 1991 after a successful career as a practicing clinician.

Her focus on placing only the best candidates for positions based on skills, experience, work ethic and drive ensures that clients receive excellent value on each contract. Jean received her undergraduate degree as a Physician’s Assistant from Howard University and earned her Master’s in Public Administration in Health Care Management from Bowie State University. She is also a devout mother of three and wife to Dr. Jimmie Drummond, a Veteran of the US Air Force. Recognizing her divine purpose in life, Jean realizes her success rests in giving the greatest gift of all – love and service to mankind.

Tonda Owens

I am a servant leader with over 20 years of experience supporting children, individuals, and families through leadership and service. I currently work as an Internal Network Provider Representative at Blue Cross Blue Shield, serve as Senior Vice President of Operations for Chosen Women Empower, and proudly lead as Board President of the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry.

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I hold a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University and a Master’s in Social Work from UT Austin. Most importantly, I’m the proud mother of Taylor Andry-Jackson and lovingly known as Ma’T to Myles and Symone.

Tresha Silva

With over 24 years in nonprofit leadership, Tresha is the Executive Director of the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry & Support Center. She began her career at Bastrop’s Family Crisis Center and holds a nonprofit management certificate from UT Austin. She is currently studying Business Administration at Huston-Tillotson University.

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A dedicated advocate for seniors and hunger relief, Tresha has received several honors, including the Bastrop Chamber’s Point of Light Award and the Central Texas Food Bank’s “Hunger Hero” recognition.

Dr. Donna Slater

Dr. Donna Slater is not only a compassionate servant of God, but also an influential community leader, an accomplished author, and a dynamic preacher. Her life’s work continues to empower and transform lives, leaving an enduring legacy of faith, love, and wisdom.

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She is the visionary behind two impactful annual events under Donna Slater Ministries, Spiritual Strip DownFace2Face with God, a women's summit and Silver Sparkles, a gathering that uplifts seasoned and widowed women. Both events are a testament to her ability to bring people together for reflection, renewal, and inspiration.

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​Her leadership has been recognized with distinguished awards, including Volunteer of the Year for her work with Head Start National Preschool Education Program, Volunteer of Distinction with Christian Women Job Corp, and the First Lady: Extending the Legacy Woman to Woman Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., T. Mathis-Hawkins Section.