Laura Acuña is a dynamic speaker, author, Bible teacher, and certified professional life coach with over 25 years of experience in women’s ministry. As host of the Still Becoming Podcast and author of Still Becoming: Hope, Help, and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul (published December 2022), she inspires women to grow up spiritually and emotionally, embracing the abundant life God has designed for them.

A graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Christian Counseling and a minor in Biblical Studies, Laura has devoted her life to nurturing spiritual and emotional well-being. She is the co-founder of Sisters in Faith Ministries, a non-profit that served women in Maryland and surrounding states for over 23 years.

Laura’s journey reflects God’s love, grace, and healing. Embracing her work-in-progress nature—quirks and all—she has turned her struggles into a source of freedom and joy. Married for 41 years to her college sweetheart, Pat, their relationship began during their days performing in a local Italian opera. Their shared commitment to God, marriage, and family continue to sustain them as proud parents and grandparents.

When not ministering, coaching, or hosting her podcast, Laura enjoys spending time with family, travel, exploring vintage shops, or meeting friends for coffee. 

Her life and ministry continue to inspire countless women of all ages and stages to step into their full God-given potential, celebrating the beauty of a journey that is always still becoming.

Learn more: laura-acuna.com

Becky Harling is a gifted speaker and author known for her passion and humor. Married to Steve Harling, they have four children and a growing tribe of fourteen grandchildren. Together, they have dedicated themselves to ministry, traveling both together and separately across the globe. Becky fondly states that when she married Steve, he gave her the world.

As a dynamic speaker, Becky engages audiences with authenticity and a Biblical foundation. Her speaking engagements span a variety of venues, from large conferences with thousands in attendance to intimate gatherings with just a few listeners. Regardless of the setting, she finds immense joy in sharing her message.

Becky is the author of 16 books, with her latest work, Friendwise: Practical Ideas For Richer Relationships, set to release in 2026. She has a passion for media and frequently appears as a guest on radio shows, television programs, and podcasts. Additionally, she hosts The Connected Mom podcast, which reaches listeners in over 50 countries, and provides leadership and communications coaching.

In her free time, Becky enjoys walking on the beach, hiking with her husband, spending quality time with her children, playing with her grandchildren, and enjoying meaningful conversations over a strong cup of coffee with friends.

Learn more: beckyharling.com

Edie Melson is an seasoned author, mentor, and speaker who is passionate about helping others discern their paths through faith and creativity. Her heartfelt message, “Find your voice, live your story,” drives her mission to encourage individuals through writing, coaching, and photography, sharing the profound truths she has learned over the years.

Growing up in the 1960s, Edie traveled the country with her artist mother and musician-turned-photographer father in a VW Bus, which sparked her own creative expression. Her latest works focus on Soul Care, emphasizing the importance of connecting with God’s peace through creative activities during life’s stressful seasons. She embraces her identity as an organized creative who is always eager to explore new ventures.

Edie is also the founder of TheWriteConversation.com, a widely recognized industry blog that has been featured on Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017, attracting over 6 million unique visitors. As the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, she connects with more than six hundred fellow writers each year. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Edie has been married to her husband, Kirk, for 43 years, and together they enjoy spending time with their three grown sons and four grandchildren. When not immersed in her writing, Edie can often be found hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her big black dog, capturing the perfect shot while Kirk patiently carries her tripod.

Learn more: ediemelson.com

Lisa Saruga is a dynamic speaker and author who teaches that healing is possible in this lifetime, even if the world offers no happy ending.

As a survivor of a violent crime whose cold case was reopened thirty-five years later, Lisa is no stranger to trauma. Not only has she survived her own trauma, but she is a licensed Professional Counselor, and EMDR Trauma therapist.

Her book, The Trauma Tree: Going Beyond Survival, Growing Toward Wholeness tells the stories of Lisa and many others who have found healing following difficult circumstances.  

Lisa often speaks on the topic of demolishing walls that stand in the way of healing, justice, and a closer relationship to Jesus. She is known to carry a sledgehammer to most all of her events!

As a legislative advocate, Lisa has helped to write bills at the state and federal level to increase protection for survivors of sexual violence.

Learn more: lisasaruga.com

Sue Schlesman is an international writer, blogger, speaker, literature teacher, and church leader. Sue has published five books, including the award-winners Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places and The Compassion Storybook Bible. Sue writes and podcasts about Christian living, emotional health, and the Church.

Throughout her life, Sue has navigated many heartaches, including the loss of her father and her mother’s final battle with dementia. Sue speaks about resilience, purpose, and hope at conferences, retreats, church services, and Bible studies around the world. She is an avid Bible student and loves to unpack God's word to audiences of all ages. In addition to speaking and writing, Sue travels extensively doing mission work and communicating the message of Jesus. 

Sue and her husband Shane have ministered together for over 35 years. They have three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and a brand-new granddaughter. They all love sports, traveling, games, and hanging out together. Sue's life mission centers around creativity, authenticity, hope, and healing through Jesus Christ. 

Learn more: www.sueschlesman.com