FaithWorks Conference 2026

Speakers & Bios

Meet the speakers joining this year’s conference.

Susana Barros
Deacon Susanna
Barros
Morning Keynote Speaker

Susanna is an Associate Relationship Manager at Wellington Management, one of the world's leading independent investment management firms. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Susanna is a passionate and driven asset management professional who strives to deliver exceptional results for her clients and firm. She has a strong background in portfolio analysis, risk mitigation, and client servicing. Susanna is married for 15 years and a mother of two. She serves as a Deacon at Impact Church in Medford, MA.

Virginia Ward
Rev. Dr. Virginia
Ward
Afternoon Keynote Speaker

Virginia Ward, a leader, motivator, and inter-generational minister, plays a vital role in equipping future leaders. Dr. Ward held the position of Dean and Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry and Leadership at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s urban ministry program. Her expertise has been recognized through her contributions to the Every Woman’s Bible by Tyndall House Publishers and her co-authorship of the book “5 Views on the Future of Youth Ministry: Perspectives on What Could or Should Be.” In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Ward and her husband, Bishop Lawrence Ward, have established a consulting company called Wards of Wisdom Associates. This company provides support to urban ministries seeking transformative change. Currently, she serves as an Associate Pastor at the Abundant Life Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where her husband is the Pastor Emeritus. They reside in Boston, Massachusetts, and are blessed with two adult sons.

Ababa Abiem and Elaina DeStefano
Ababa Abiem and Elaina DeStefano

Ababa and Elaina are both social workers from the New England area. They have been best friends since the age of 16 when they both traveled to the Dominican Republic on their first mission trip. It was then that they both felt a deep calling and connection to the work of social justice and being hands and feet for those that are unseen and unheard. They They launched Resilience Consulting out of a need for businesses and organizations to create a safe space for employees to thrive.

Hakeem Barge
Hakeem Barge

Hakeem is a faith based entrepreneur, coach and worshipper who aims to promote the benefits of health and wellness in the body of Christ. Led by the spirit and filled with purpose, his aim is to be a role model for the youth, a leader in the wellness space and one who walks in Gods plan for his life. Always growing, always learning, and remaining a student to the best teacher.

Laura Chaboya
Laura Chaboya

Laura Chaboya serves as the Director of Community Engagement and Development at Boston Pregnancy Center, where she works to build partnerships, strengthen community support, and advance the organization’s mission to provide hope, help, and healing to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. She is passionate about connecting churches, donors, and community leaders to life-affirming ministry that serves women with compassion and practical support. Laura brings a heart for service shaped by her own experience with an unplanned pregnancy and is deeply committed to walking alongside women without judgment while pointing them to hope and abundant life in Christ. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son.

Wendy Edouard
Wendy Edouard

Wendy is a human resources and communications professional in the energy industry who thrives in high-impact environments. Her work sits at the intersection of HR, workforce development, and business operations, where she helps navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable change. She's passionate about using innovation and technology to unlock smarter, more effective ways of working. She also cares deeply about creating spaces where young professionals feel empowered to grow, lead, and build meaningful careers.

Joane Etienne
Joane Etienne

Committed to the Christian faith, her family and community, Joane Etienne is a wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, and a first-generation Haitian Bostonian. She is the owner of Refined Sisterhood, a Christian lifestyle brand, and a K-12 district leader, as the Director of Boston Community Hub Schools. Her professional background includes higher education administration, student leadership and community engagement, project management, and trauma-informed human services. Grounded in Biblical truths, she is driven by the call to love God and people. In leadership and service, Joane aims to be like Christ with a sacrificial, equitable, and human-centered approach, rooted in Truth and seeking the Father's will.

Tommy Fisher
Tommy Fisher

Tommy Fisher is the Co-Founder of X-Factor Group, a consulting firm built around the belief that the right connection changes everything. Through strategic introductions, partnership development, and relationship-driven problem solving, X-Factor helps people and businesses unlock opportunities they could not find on their own. Tommy also leads the X-Factor Community, bringing together ambitious business builders in a space designed for real collaboration, accountability, and growth.

Barbara Francois
Barbara Francois

Barbara Francois, a strength coach, gym owner, and founder of B. Formed Studio. Known for her holistic, faith-centered approach to fitness, helping women build strength not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Her work blends evidence-based strength training, habit formation, and mindset coaching, with a deep belief that caring for the body is an act of stewardship and purpose. As a mother and entrepreneur, Barbara is passionate about creating spaces where women are challenged, supported, and formed into who they’re called to be.

Rev. Davie Hernandez
Rev. Davie Hernandez

Rev. Davie Hernandez is the Senior Pastor of Restoration City Church (RCC), a multi-campus church with eight campuses serving Boston proper, surrounding communities, and regions nationally and internationally, along with nonprofit initiatives that impact communities holistically. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Rooted in Restoration, which operates Jasmine’s House, a home for women and children overcoming addiction and trauma. Rev. Davie also serves as Operations Director at the Ron Burton Training Village, providing executive oversight in operations and organizational strategy. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and serves on multiple boards locally and nationally.

Franklin Hobbs
Pastor Franklin Hobbs

Aspiring servant son of the Most High GOD, Boston based faith leader, broadcaster, and community advocate committed to empowering returning citizens and communities impacted by incarceration. Founder/Director of Healing Our Land Inc Ministry and Assistant Manager of Boston Praise Radio & TV Network, where he amplifies voices often overlooked in traditional civic and faith spaces.Pastor Hobbs is widely recognized for his work in voting rights, re-entry support, and faith rooted social justice, building bridges between churches, policy makers and the communities they serve.

Jason Hooper
Jason Hooper

Jason Hooper is an educator, author, and speaker committed to helping individuals unlock their highest level of preparation and performance. With teaching experience spanning from early childhood through college, and two master’s degrees—including one from New York University—Jason empowers audiences to move from intention to disciplined action. Through his Prepare with Purpose framework, he inspires others to teach, learn, grow—and execute with purpose.

Raina Jacques
Raïna Jacques

Raïna Jacques is a prosecutor in the Juvenile Unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, a fierce advocate for justice, and a woman whose faith is the foundation of everything she does. In her role in the Juvenile Unit, Raïna focuses on community prosecution and the use of juvenile diversion programs to intervene early — often at a young person’s very first point of contact with the criminal justice system. She firmly believes that rehabilitation begins with a second chance, and works alongside community partners to foster both public safety and meaningful transformation in the lives of young people. Raïna also reviews youthful offender cases, bringing the same commitment to equity and restoration to every matter before her. Raïna’s roots run deep in both music and service. Raïna is honored to be part of the Faithworks community.

Jenny Jean-Baptiste
Jenny Jean-Baptiste

Jenny Jean-Baptiste founded Surplus Financial, a personal finance and credit education company that helps first-generation professionals & couples ditch debt, increase their savings, improve their credit, and secure generational wealth through culturally sensitive and psychology-focused financial education & coaching. Her vision is for black and brown families to engage in healthy money conversations around the dinner table that support holistic intergenerational wealth building. She believes no one should be experiencing significant life transitions financially alone. Jenny JB is a Behavioral Financial Advisor trained through the National Financial Educators Council and Credit Consultants Association and is pursuing schooling and licensing as a Financial Therapist.

William (Bill) Lero
Pastor William (Bill) Lero

Dr. William (Bill) Lero currently serves as an ordained Freedom Pastor at Impact Church (Medford). After attending Harvard College, he obtained his MD from the University of Vermont and later received his MDiv from The King's Seminary. Several years ago, he sensed the Lord calling him to retire from practicing pediatrics early to pursue his passion--to minister spiritual healing to young adults. To that end, he helped to establish the Freedom Ministry at Impact and has written a trilogy of books entitled Deep Calling to Deep, Overcoming the Struggles to Trust God (Book 1 is available online; Book 2 is about to be published; Book 3 is in process). When he's not with his wife or enjoying the outdoors, you can probably find him somewhere munching on Twizzlers.

Jullie Love
Jullie Love

Jullie and her husband Matt co-founded The Well Coffee House with another couple in 2014. The Well is a faith based nonprofit serving the Boston area and beyond with 4 locations. Jullie has been married 32 years, has 4 adult children, one grandbaby and another on the way. All of her kids have worked for The Well and all remain close. Jullie and Matt moved from California 14 years ago. They are both former high school teachers and coachs and both played college sports. In her rare free time, Jullie loves photography, arts and crafts, travel of course family time.

Kelly Madden
Father Kelly Madden

Prior to founding the Boston Fellows, Executive Director Kelly Madden was Director of Graduate Studies at the International Leadership Foundation. He taught Social Ethics and Personal Leadership Development and deepened the academic standards of the International Leadership University's six graduate schools in Africa. Working under African directors, he helped build in political and community leaders the integrity necessary to spearhead continental transformation. He has worked in 45 countries on five continents. Kelly has a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD in Political Theory from the University of York, England. He writes the Substack “Seeing the Keystone” on symbolism in the Bible.

Vanessa Masse
Vanessa Masse

Vanessa is a wife, mom, author, nurse practitioner, worship leader, prophetic voice and devoted student of the Bible. She is the founder of Convos with God, an online ministry dedicated to helping people discover their God-given identity, the power of prayer and overcoming spiritual warfare. Through her business, The “She Is…” Experience, she hosts transformative in-person events that empower women to align their lives with God’s purpose. She has authored books about health & wellness including “Toss The Toxins” and “How To Strengthen Your Immune System”, as well as a children’s book on autism called “Isaiah and the Flipped Over Spaghetti”. Passionate about faith, wellness, and personal growth, Vanessa uses her voice to encourage others to stand firm in their faith and live boldly in their calling.

John Njoroge
Pastor John Njoroge

John Njoroge is a Christian faith-driven leader, husband, and father of four. He is passionate about living out his faith through service and leadership. He serves at Impact Church as the Andover Campus Operations Pastor, where he leads multiple teams committed to transforming lives and strengthening communities throughout the region. In the marketplace, John is a healthcare entrepreneur and the CEO of Crossway HomeCare and Crossway Transit, organizations dedicated to delivering compassionate care and critical support to those in need. Through both ministry and business, John believes leadership is a calling—to inspire people, build systems that serve others, and make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families.

John Njoroge
Oluwadamilola (Olu) Ogunyankin

Oluwadamilola (Olu) Ogunyankin is a physician by profession, working in the biotechnology industry as a Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance expert. He has lead and supported teams in some of the top 10 global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. His various skills and experiences have positioned him to assist individuals to identify and maximize their unique skills and abilities to competitively fit in the marketplace. He also serves as a deacon in multiple teams in Impact Church. He is presently an Executive Director in the Early Oncology therapeutic area of AbbVie.

Jua Robinson
Jua Robinson

Jua is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Boston Collaborative, an organization focused on supporting individuals interested in civic engagement through capacity building, corporate generosity, and social philanthropy. The organization partners with entities such as the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office, The Boston Foundation, Made to Flourish, Cerity Partners, and Boston Public Schools. Jua graduated from the General Management Program at Harvard Business School in November 2025. From 2021 to 2024, he served as a Wellness Member and Team Chaplain for the New England Patriots, where he developed a multidisciplinary program for players that addressed identity, purpose, time management, legacy, and family. Previously, Jua was the lead pastor and co-founder of Heart Change Fellowship, a multi-ethnic church in Jamaica Plain, MA, serving families and young adults from twenty-three countries between 2007 and 2018. As an in-demand communicator, Jua’s public platform includes interviews with NPR, The Atlantic, and Slate in addition to speaking engagements within the NFL and NBA, and college campuses including Harvard, MIT, the University of Virginia, University of Southern California, and the University de Cocody (Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa).

Derek Sanchez
Derek Sanchez

Derek brings 20+ years of sales, strategy, and operations experience across start ups and Fortune 500 companies. He's currently the CEO of a Techstars and MIT funded startup as well as founder of a small business consulting agency. He attended Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY and served as a campus pastor in Stamford, CT for two years.

Gabriella Snyder Stelmack
Gabriella Snyder Stelmack

Gabriella Snyder Stelmack is the Executive Director of Bread of Life, a nonprofit, faith-based, nondenominational food security organization that provides 1.3 million pounds of food annually for residents of Malden and surrounding communities. Under her leadership, the BOL Under One Roof project to create a new central home for all BOL programs and 14 units of affordable housing operated by Metro North Housing Corp was realized in 2024. She began her work with BOL as a homeless advocate in 1988 when the Lord called her and provided the position. She still considers that call to be the biggest intervention of God in her life. She counts it an honor and privilege to serve Him and the community.

Roy Studmire
Elle Studmire

Elle Torres Studmire is a faith-led entrepreneur and founder of The Rose Maven, Boston’s ceremonial gifting brand known for its preserved luxury roses. She has built the brand into a recognized name for meaningful, long-lasting gifts that mark life’s most important moments. Over the years, Elle has supported 350+ businesses nationwide, helping bring clarity to messaging, positioning, and backend operations. Today, she works with a select number of clients, offering strategic guidance rooted in both experience and discernment. Her approach blends hands-on entrepreneurship with practical systems thinking, helping businesses grow with intention and structure. Through all of her work, Elle is committed to building with purpose, integrity, and long-term impact.

Roy Studmire
Roy Studmire

Roy Studmire is the visionary behind Sanctuary Social, a faith-centered space created for Christians who want to unwind, connect, and enjoy uplifting vibes in a welcoming environment. Designed to bring people together through fellowship, fun, and meaningful experiences, Sanctuary Social reflects his heart for building real community beyond traditional settings. It connects naturally with Unplugged Worship by creating another pathway for people to encounter peace, presence, and authentic faith-filled connection. Together, both expressions reflect Roy’s commitment to creating spaces where people can gather, grow, and experience God in a genuine way.

Matthew Thompson
Rev. Matthew Thompson Jr.

Matthew Thompson Jr. (Rev) is a dynamic next-generation leader and communicator passionate about awakening revival across all generations. He is a pastor and the leader of thriving youth and young adult movements in the Boston area, called CityWide and Influence at Jubilee Christian Church. With a bold, practical, and Spirit-filled approach, Rev equips youth and young adults to pursue God wholeheartedly and live out their faith with conviction. His message carries both depth and urgency—calling this generation to press into the presence of God and become who they were created to be.

Yasmine Zakhary
Yasmine Zakhary

Yasmine Zakhary is the founder and heart behind Yaz’s Table, a boutique hospitality brand known for its warmth, intentionality, and Egyptian flair. Her faith in God shapes every part of her journey, from how she leads her team to how she welcomes guests at her table. She is a creative visionary who turns ideas into experiences that make people feel loved and seen. Through every season, Yasmine credits her strength, resilience, and success to God’s hand over her life.