FULL SPEAKER ROSTER

Desmond Champion

Meet Desmond Champion, a talented musician who effortlessly connects with audiences through the mesmerizing combination of guitar playing and a velvet voice. With every strum of the strings and each note that escapes his lips, Desmond weave magical moments, captivating listeners and taking them on a musical journey. Whether it's an intimate acoustic setting or a lively stage performance, Desmond’s passion for music shines through, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to experience his artistry.

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.

Veronica Perry

Veronica Perry is a passionate and purpose-driven dancer using movement as a powerful form of worship, healing, and self-expression. With a heart for ministry and a deep love for the arts, Veronica brings grace, strength, and authenticity to every performance. Through dance, she inspires women to embrace their God-given identity and walk boldly in their purpose. Her dedication to empowering others shines through both on and off the stage.

 Anyrah Shavéh

Anyrah Shavéh is an award-winning poet and author from Flint, Michigan, now based in Brooklyn, New York. Renowned for her thought-provoking performances and advocacy work, she has gained national recognition for merging storytelling with profound social commentary.

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She has graced major stages, including the inaugural Afropunk Herstory event and the Lincoln Center Poetry Festival, and has shared the spotlight with Grammy Award-winning artist J. Ivy and New York Times best-selling author Kennedy Ryan. In 2024, she captivated audiences as both a performer and keynote speaker at the University of Michigan-Flint’s Boss Up Leadership Conference, delivering a message of empowerment and resilience.

Belinda Everett

Belinda Everette is a dedicated advocate for financial literacy, housing preservation, and community empowerment, with over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing social justice and equity, particularly within BIPOC communities.

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Belinda currently serves on the Executive Committee of the NAACP Houston Branch, where she also chairs the Housing Committee and leads advocacy initiatives. In these roles, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing impactful housing programs designed to increase access, education, and opportunity for underserved populations.

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Through her leadership and unwavering passion, Belinda continues to create lasting change by addressing systemic disparities and championing pathways toward generational wealth and economic stability.

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.

Monica White

Monica White, Licensed Broker and founder of Forward Management Group LLC, has over 20 years of experience in Atlanta real estate. A Realtor since 1995 and Broker since 2005, she is a recognized leader in residential property management. Known as “The Property Management Diva,” Monica combines top-tier service with a passion for mentoring and empowering women in real estate. Through her strong social media presence, she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of professionals.

Nzinga W. Benton

Nzinga W. Benton, daughter of Dr. Emeritus Micheal and Dr. Y’Vonne Benton of Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA, is a licensed and ordained minister with a lifelong passion for music and ministry. She has served at her home church and others, including Love Life Christian Fellowship and Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. Her musical gifts have taken her around the world, but her true calling lies in preaching God’s word. Known for her powerful delivery and passion for impacting lives, Nzinga is committed to being a vessel of change for generations past, present, and future.

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.

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.