For our December Work + Faith Online Speaker Series, we had both the honor and privilege of hearing from Orlando Bowen, Keynote Speaker and Executive Director of One Voice One Team. Orlando reflects on the foundational experiences that shaped who he is today, helping youth in the community redefine their possibilities. He shares his incredible triumph story with the audience highlighting the true power of forgiveness in the face of unthinkable adversity. Orlando encourages listeners to see that “our humanity connects us” and inspires us to move conversations towards action despite differences. We hope Orlando’s story of resilience inspires you to show forgiveness in areas of your life where you would least expect, love without boundaries, and focus on what you can do with the gifts God has given you.

In our November Work + Faith Online Speaker Series we had the honor of hearing from Ed Woo, Vice President of Analytics for Walmart Connect. Ed shared his journey of meeting the Lord while pursuing his MBA and unexpectedly stepping into the field of database marketing, leading to a successful career in data analytics. Ed explained that “data is the new oil” and as individuals “we think of analytics every day, we just don’t call it that”. We hope you are inspired by Ed’s insight on data analysis, investing in others, and doing the little things that matter - even when costly.

We had the joy of hearing from Donnie, President of PSP Metrics, on his journey from working with athletes to living out his dream of acquisition entrepreneurship. Donnie spoke about the importance of exposure to various career paths, taking the next step towards career dreams through shameless audacity, and the blessing that comes with living within God's will. We hope you are encouraged by Donnie's words on stepping out in courage and faith.

We had the joy of hearing from Paige Robinson, Founder and CEO of Will Reed. Paige shared on the evolution of her business, being called to lean into her faith throughout the process, and serving first-time venture capitalist founders through her talent pipeline and expert-level approach to team building. Paige challenges listeners to be good stewards of their gifts, step outside the bounds of society through intentional relationships, and be faithful to where God has placed them.

We had the honor of hearing from Rennie Curran, CEO of Game Changer Coaching, in our August Work + Faith Online Speaker Series. Rennie shared with us how he accepted pressure to perform in the NFL without allowing fear to hinder him as he navigated his time with the Tennessee Titans. Rennie explained his approach to helping others is grounded in an “abundance mindset” and establishing his own personal “board of directors”. We welcome you to hear more from Rennie on humility in times of success, his unique perspective on teamwork, and placing God’s will at the center of his life.

In our or June Work + Faith Online Speaker Series we had the honor of hearing from Heather Broeder, Executive Vice President of People at Refined Technologies, Inc. Heather shared with our community the immeasurable impact that valuing people over profit has in the corporate business sector as she said, “it is more important to be right with people than being right”. In her experience at RTI, through servant leadership and second chance hiring, they have lowered attrition rates and increased profits. Heather also shared with us her heart for the Lord and encouraged leaders to “offer what is broken to God, and watch him redeem it.” 

In our May Work+Faith Online Speaker Series with Danny, Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries, he shared the impact of growing up with multi-cultural immersion and his successful career in the NFL. Danny provided insight on remaining humble in the midst of success through faith and the encouragement of community that prioritizes a servant-leadership mindset. Danny's heart for the underdog inspired his interest in the work of Desire Street Ministries. We hope you are inspired by the organization's 31 years of experience of revitalizing neighborhood ministry leaders through the intersection of work and faith.

Terrica shared with us her powerful life testimony of overcoming abuse, homelessness, and poverty to become a top realtor and developer in Louisiana. Her story of redemption is a living example of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD”. Terrica has not let rejection from her childhood or professional endeavors stop her from believing that God has a plan purpose for her life. She is now living that out through her $14 million development, Madeline Cove, for Lafayette’s lower-income residents to find safety, stability, and a roadmap to long-term wealth through homeownership.

To kick off the New Year, we had the blessing of learning from Lee Behar on the topics of stewardship and generosity. Lee serves as the Director of Finance and Strategy Director for The Maclellan Foundation, which is one of the largest Christian family foundations in the world. In our time together, Lee shared with us 5 principles for Biblical generosity and the difference between the mindset of “how much can I give” vs. “how much do I keep”. We hope this conversation encourages you to give generously because God has first given to us.