13

Experienced Speakers

150+ Women

Gathered 

94% Attendee Satisfaction

∞

Friendships 

DR. CHRISTY KANE

Dr. Christy Kane is CMHC (Clinical Mental Health Counselor), successful business owner, author, and media contributor. As an experienced industry leader, Dr. Kane explores brain-based ways to heal our minds and relationships. She has appeared on KSL, NPR, UCAP, TEDx Park City, and has been a keynote speaker at several local and national conferences—Utah School Counselors Association, BYU Women’s Conference, and the National Association of Resource Officers to name a few. 

Throughout her community she conducts parent nights for local schools, commonly teaching kids and their parents about the effects of electronics on growing brains. Her recent release Fractured Souls & Splintered Memories: Unlocking the “Boxes” of Trauma delves into childhood trauma and empowering individuals to heal from past experiences to embrace positive mental health.

DR. SUSAN MADSEN

Dr. Susan R. Madsen is considered one of the top global scholars and thought leaders on the topic of women’s leadership, has authored or edited eight books, and has published hundreds of articles, chapters, and reports. Her research has been cited in the U.S. News and World Report, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Parenting Magazine, Chronicle of Higher Education, and The Washington Post. She is also a regular contributor to Forbes and other local and state newspapers. 

Professor Madsen is the Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University and serves on many nonprofit and community boards. She is also the Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, and her passion is to strengthen the impact of girls and women in Utah and worldwide.

CAROL MCCONKIE

Sister Carol F. McConkie served as first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency in The Church fo Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from April 2013 to March 2018. She was born in Spokane, Washington, USA. During her youth and childhood she lived in Delaware, New York, and Arizona, USA. She graduated from Arizona State University in English Education where she met her husband, Oscar W. McConkie III. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple and now have seven children and 33 grandchildren.

MEGHAN DECKER

Meghan Decker is a writer, teacher, and gay Latter-day Saint. She is the co-author of Reaching for Hope: An LDS Perspective on Recovering from Depression.  Her new book Tender Leaves of Hope: Finding Belonging as LGBTQ Latter-day Saint Women will be out in spring of 2022. She has also published in LDS Living, Meridian Magazine, and The Friend. 

Meghan taught seminary and institute classes for thirteen years and most recently served in a YSA branch. Meghan and her husband David live in Michigan; they have five daughters and fifteen grandchildren.

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JULIE LEE

Julie Lee is best known for her genuine nature as a speaker, podcaster, and friend. Branded as a shaker, she speaks boldly about the psychological battles she has fought inside. These experiences give her perspective and compassion for anyone who struggles to find purpose and meaning in life. In a world that craves authenticity, Julie’s podcast I See You has given hope and inspiration to thousands of listeners. 

A former public school teacher, Julie received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, with a minor in teaching English as a second language.  Sharing her message that compassion and connection save lives continues to be one of the most meaningful adventures of Julie's life. She lives in Utah with her husband, Rob, and their two children, Samuel and Lydia.

AMBER CORKIN

Amber Corkin is a DIY home and food blogger with a penchant for doing, not just dreaming. She earned a business marketing degree from Brigham Young University and worked in women’s fashion e-commerce before leaving to start her own business—The DIY Lighthouse. As a blogger, Amber has created content for household-name brands but also uses her platform to bring awareness to important topics like self-esteem and body image. 

Amber loves chasing lofty goals (like that one time she bicycled coast-to-coast across the U.S.) and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, Jake, and their three young children.

REVEREND BRIGETTE WEIER

​Reverend Brigette Weier serves in Utah. She is  passionate about how the love and grace of God transforms our lives and our communities. She has served in ELCA congregations in some capacity for over 20 years, in four different states. She was ordained in 2012 upon graduation from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

Reverend Weier and her spouse, Mike, and are the proud parents of two young adult children, Kayla and Andrew. When they have the opportunity they love to hike and explore Utah’s beauty. Reverend Weier is an avid runner and you can find her pounding the pavement in the neighborhood each morning.

DR. GONCA SOYER

Dr. Gonca (sounds like Gonja) Soyer was born and raised in Turkey. She moved to the US more than a decade ago to pursue a graduate degree. She received her Master’s and PhD degree in Educational Psychology from University of North Texas. Since she relocated to Logan, UT with her husband and two kids, she’s been enjoying the snow and mountains as they remind her of her hometown. 

Dr. Soyer is a faculty member at Utah State University’s Psychology Department and she has also been teaching SLCC as an adjunct instructor. She teaches psychology, family relationships, and child development related classes. Apart from teaching, Dr. Soyer serves as a board member to CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse). Gonca loves baking, hiking, and organizing road trips with her family.

Shannon Symonds writes in an old house by the sea, where her 6 children, their children, and 30 or 40 of her closest relatives, and their dogs come and go constantly. She loves laughter, a good mystery, running on the beach, deep sea fishing, and bonfires. Her all-time favorite job at church was Girls Camp Activity Director. 

Shannon worked for over 20 years as an Advocate serving survivors of abuse alongside law enforcement, as a home visitor supporting new mothers, and on other causes she is ridiculously passionate about. She will tell you, “Love sprinkled with laughter really is the answer, it always was, and it always will be.”

KERRY SMITH

Kerry Smith is a former editor and writer for the Ensign magazine, now the Liahona. A mother of two only children (10 years apart), she’s learned to be flexible with life goals and expectations. Kerry and her husband Cole enjoy exploring Utah with their family. Hiking, eating great food, and gathering with extended family and friends are absolute favorites. 

Sharing clean reads and impactful books is one of Kerry’s passions. She frequently encourages others to be selective about what they put into their minds. Learn more at mrsladywordsmith.com.

Dr. Jennifer Doty earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota in Family Social Science with an emphasis on youth development and prevention. She has published over thirty scholarly articles, and her research is built around the idea that parent-child relationships are key leverage points for improving both parent and adolescent health and well-being. 

Integrating faith and science to support families is a central theme of her work. A native of Chicago, she now calls sunny Florida home. In her spare time, Dr. Doty enjoys field work with her own three teenage and young adult children.

JESSICA PETERSON

Jessica Peterson, LCSW, received her Master’s degree in social work in 1999 from Brigham Young University. She has provided services for families and children as a therapist in private practice and LDS family Services, a behavior specialist, an adoption disruption clinician, a clinical director at a school for high-risk youth, and working with veteran families. 

Jess teaches as an adjunct professor in a clinical social work program. In her spare time Jess loves to hang out with her kids.  She enjoys paddle boarding on Minnesota's 10,000 lakes when they aren't frozen solid and hanging out at a horse rescue.

KARI TURNER