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Polaris Polaris Leadership Summit

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The Polaris Leadership Summit brings together young adult Christian leaders from a variety of fields—tech and AI, consulting, the creative arts, finance, publishing, nonprofit, ministry, and more. Though leaders serve in diverse spheres of influence, their leadership is shaped and motivated by their Christian faith. Those who attend will deeply explore their own stories of faith and leadership, reflecting on how their personal stories intersect with God’s story. Compelling stories of faith and leadership will be celebrated during a storytelling festival.

Participant Bios

Ray'Chel
Wilson
Financial Technology

Ray'Chel Wilson

Ray'Chel is a bi-vocational leader who blends Christian faith with financial expertise. The 2024 U.S. SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Oklahoma, she channels her experience as a Teacher for America alumna and Certified Financial Education Instructor into creating pathways for financial empowerment. Through her internationally successful "Black Wealth Freedom" workbook series and upcoming "ForOurLastNames" app, she provides financial-trauma informed solutions for first-generation wealth builders. As a seminary student and development consultant, Ray'Chel researches stewardship's impact on personal finance and philanthropic giving, while helping organizations build institutional resilience.

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Loreal
Ivory
Education and Writing

Loreal Ivory

Loreal is an educator and author from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is passionate about early childhood education and providing access to resources that support student learning and growth. She has taught in both elementary and postsecondary sectors of education and currently is a success coach for recent high school graduates. Through her writing and “mini book lessons,” she wants to equip students and educators with creative tools to develop self-awareness, self-control, and executive function skills that are essential for school, work, and life success.

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Lillian
Gillespie
Consultant

Lillian Gillespie

Lilly, a senior research analyst at The RXN Group, conducts qualitative and quantitative research primarily focused on tech disruptors, artificial intelligence, antitrust law, and small business advocacy for clients in the private sector. She also contributes to independent projects for RXN and their associated think tank, The Data Catalyst Institute. Lilly previously worked at Public Opinion Strategies, where she analyzed political and private sector polling data, and interned with the Religious Freedom Institute. In her time outside of work, she loves going to art museums, writing, playing tennis, reading, and making friends.

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Kennedy
Maye
Psychology

Kennedy Maye

Kennedy, an undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky studying psychology with a minor in community and leadership development, is passionate about servant leadership and fostering meaningful connections within her community. After graduation, she plans to receive a master's in forensic psychology and a JD. Ultimately, she plans to become a Pediatric Psychologist and Child Witness Expert and own a private practice. Kennedy is committed to living out God’s purpose for her life through every opportunity.

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Israel
Carranza
Missionary

Israel Carranza

Israel is a missionary for Iskali, a nonprofit created to empower and equip young Latinos to become transformative leaders. Although originally from Chicago, he has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, and Zona 3, Guatemala. He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others through evangelization, community, and service. He dropped out of college in 2019, but with an Iskali scholarship he is back in school pursuing a degree. As a missionary he works closely with his pastor to coordinate outreach efforts and establish programs that help young adults spiritually and professionally.

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Andrew
Laramore
Marketing

Andrew Laramore

Andrew is a global commerce major at Denison University, with a diverse range of experiences blending leadership, creativity, and service. As a freelance photographer, he has captured moments for a variety of clients including the NHL. He also curates content and organizes events to foster community and dialogue with the Denison Black Student Union. As a Posse Project Peer Counselor at Marquette University, Andrew mentored students facing the challenges of sickle cell disease. With a wide range of expertise, Andrew is dedicated to using his skills to make a meaningful impact.

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Jessica
Eskew
Physics

Jessica Eskew

Jessica, a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University, studies plasma physics with a focus on energetic particle transport in magnetized plasma. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she earned a B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Jess also contributes to the development of APS PhysicsQuest and serves on the APS Committee of Women in Physics and Advisory Board for the APS Gender Inclusive Physics Community. Jess attends First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and enjoys learning and growing her faith through the 20s/30s small group.

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Marina
Hanna
Digital Marketing Services and Consulting

Marina Hanna

Marina, a marketing and innovation professional passionate about creating products and systems to improve your everyday routines, founded C’EST LA Beauty Company in 2020 where she formulated skincare products until 2023. Marina holds a BA in Philosophy (Christian Apologetics concentration) from Tyndale University. Currently, she works as a marketing consultant with a biopharma clinical research network creating a digital community outreach strategy. Marina is passionate about social justice, mental health, theology and political philosophy. Her hobbies include songwriting, cake decorating, makeup artistry, and listening to podcasts.

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Kendall
Leigh
Investment Banking and Law

Kendall Leigh

Kendall is a Morehead Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying media and journalism, with minors in Arabic and history. At UNC, Kendall researched the spread of early Christianity in the Middle East and North Africa, sparking an interest in the intersection of faith and culture. This interest has led her opportunities including creating a podcast in collaboration with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco. She is a member of First African Baptist Church of Goldsboro, NC, and the Team Director for Delight Ministries at UNC. Upon graduation, Kendall plans to work in investment banking while preparing for law school.

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Alexa
Queenan
Nonprofit

Alexa Queenan

Alexa, an advocate for peace, equity, and community growth, serves as a Program Coordinator for the Center for Community Transformation in Fresno, California where she helps to equip leaders in underserved communities to drive sustainable economic and spiritual change. A graduate of Fresno Pacific University with a BA in International Relations, Alexa is preparing to begin her Master’s in Conflict Resolution at Georgetown University. With a deep commitment to learning and fostering understanding across differences, she has assisted in training programs emphasizing self-reflection, empathy, and meaningful connection.

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Joshua
House
Publishing and Consulting

Joshua House

Joshua is the founder of Josue Casa LLC and is also involved in data strategy change management consulting work at EY. Joshua does his best to exude a heightened level of compassion, Christian groundings, design thinking orientations, and holistic empowerment throughout every approach he yields. Servitude to marginalized communities, the implementation of high-tech / high-touch solutions, entrepreneurship, social impact marketing & programming, social justice oriented political activism, and civic engagement are imperative to him.

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Jaison
Williams
Consulting

Jaison Williams

Jaison is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a degree in business administration with a focus on consulting and finance. At UNC, Jaison has cultivated a deep interest in social impact, engaging in pro-bono consulting projects that emphasize community transformation. Jaison has served as a student leader with the Summit College Ministry, founded a Christian Affinity Group within UNC’s prestigious Morehead-Cain scholarship program, and initiated intern-led Bible studies during his internship with PwC.

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Thomas
Benton
Hospitality

Thomas Benton

Thomas is Executive Director of Chick-fil-A’s Leader Launch Program in Washington, D.C., where he builds relationships grounded in his Christian faith. Passionate about supporting others, especially the wounded, he seeks to reflect God's love through service and vulnerability. Previously, he managed a $500,000 budget as Financial Director and oversaw recruitment and training as Talent Director. Thomas holds a B.S. in Finance from Berry College, where he participated in the WinShape College Program. Thomas currently serves as a Polaris Advisor

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Raygen
Samone Brown
Storytelling and Creative Arts

Raygen Samone Brown

Raygen, a creative storyteller and passionate follower of Jesus, is based in Atlanta, Georgia. A Bethel University graduate with a BA in Missional Ministries, she travels as a photographer and videographer, fostering connections through her work. Committed to the flourishing of Black families, she serves as a teaching artist and summer camp director with Heritage Homeschoolers. Raygen is also the creator of I AM: The Board Game, celebrating the dignity and beauty of the Black soul. Raygen currently serves as a Polaris Advisor.

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Eyram
G Klu
Data and Artificial Intelligence

Eyram G Klu

Eyram is a Security Consulting Senior Analyst at Accenture in Data & AI Security and a part-time MA candidate at Duke, studying Responsible Technology and Ethics through Catholic Social Teaching. A parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, NC, he is also a Candidate in the Secular Franciscan Order and helps other young adults explore faith. With a BA from Duke in International Comparative Studies, Eyram aims to integrate Christian anthropology into moral and ethical frameworks for emerging technologies. Eyram currently serves as a Polaris Advisor.

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Baird
James Linke
Pastor

Baird James Linke

Baird is a pastor serving Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bonner, Montana, tucked alongside the Blackfoot River on Salish and Kootenai lands. He works with Lutherans Restoring Creation, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, and ELCA Young Adults. Baird is passionate about ecotheology and ecojustice, faith formation, community building, and strong black coffee. When he’s not working, you can find him running or mountain biking on the trails with his dog Kintla, trying to cook a new recipe, or thinking about Dungeons and Dragons. Baird currently serves as a Polaris Advisor.

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Ben
Fletcher
Parish Ministry

Ben Fletcher

Ben currently serves as the Director of Youth, College, and Young Adults at FPC Atlanta where he cultivates meaningful spaces for spiritual growth across all ages. He earned a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Georgia and a MDiv from Candler School of Theology. Now a candidate for ordination in the PC(USA), Ben is passionate about cultivating authentic faith and meaningful community among young people. In his free time, Ben enjoys outdoor adventure travel, triathlon training, watching Survivor, and spending time with his husband, Matt.

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Natalie
Corrin Murdock
Public Health Consulting

Natalie Corrin Murdock

Natalie Corrin is passionate about encouraging young adults in their faith. She founded Notes from Corrin, hosts the Another Day, Another Chance podcast. She holds a Master of Public Health from Purdue and is completing her Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology. Natalie was ordained at Historic Hill First Baptist Church in April 2024 where she leads young adult ministry. She serves as a Public Health Program Associate at the Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance supporting public health organizations across the country. Natalie currently serves as a Polaris Advisor.

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Allen
Madriaga Wong
Video Production

Allen Madriaga Wong

In 2016, Allen picked up a camera and never looked back. He is the founder of Allen Wong Creative Space, a full-service video production company specializing in producing podcasts, curricula, and documentaries with a marketing-forward approach. Allen also serves as the Production Coordinator at A Seattle Church, overseeing audio, video, and media for Sunday services. Outside of work, Allen loves spending time with his wife, their mini poodle, and their newborn son. Allen currently serves as a Polaris Advisor.

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Mark
Yaconelli
Nonprofit and Writing

Mark Yaconelli

As founder and director of The Hearth nonprofit, Mark has worked with numerous organizations such as The Ford Family Foundation, Compassion International, The Greenbelt Arts Festival, The Eli Lilly Foundation, The American Burn Association, and The Mexican-American Center of Austin. Mark holds an MA in Spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union and a spiritual direction diploma from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Interviews and profiles of Mark’s work have appeared in many well-known media sources, such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, BBC Radio, and ABC World News Tonight. He and his wife have three grown children and live in Ashland, Oregon.

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Raymond
Sawyer
Technology

Raymond Sawyer

Ray is a storyteller, culture builder, and strategist focused on cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships. Ray previously worked for Google in Mountain View, California, where he led cross-functional change in strategy and external engagement. Originally from Camden, N.C., Ray was a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina and now serves on the scholarship Fund Board of Directors and the University’s Board of Visitors. He’s currently pursuing an executive MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with the goal of advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural America and beyond.

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Ebonie
Johnson Cooper
Nonprofit and Academia

Ebonie Johnson Cooper

Rev. Ebonie Johnson Cooper is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the AME Church serving at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church. Rev. Ebonie is an associate clinical professor and faculty director for nonprofit executive education at the University of Maryland’s Do-Good Institute and is the founding executive director of the Young, Black & Giving Back Institute. Her nonprofit leadership has earned national recognition, including features in ESSENCE Magazine. She holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University (BS), New York University (MS), and Wesley Theological Seminary (MDiv). Her greatest calling and joy is being the devoted mom to her loving toddler son.

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Ray
Owens
Parish Ministry

Ray Owens

Rev. Dr. Ray Owens is the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Tulsa, OK, and serves as the Affiliate Assistant Professor of Ethics and Black Church Studies at the Phillips Theological Seminary. He is the Founder and board member of the Met Cares Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to facilitate the development of high-performing schools in the north Tulsa community. He holds a BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2005, he earned his doctoral degree in religion and society from Princeton Theological Seminary.

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Aimée
Laramore
Philanthropy and Higher Education

Aimée Laramore

Aimée is passionate about the intersection of faith, giving, and culture. Throughout her career, she has partnered with organizations across denominations and socio-economic differences, through mission-driven institutions, churches, and foundations. In this season, she serves as Senior Director of Development of the Purdue for Life Foundation and a Professor in the Masters of Nonprofit Administration at the University of Notre Dame. Aimée serves on the Board of Directors for Dayspring Emergency Shelter and leads care package drives for young adults across the country. Aimée’s greatest love is mothering three hybrid adults, Lydia, Noah, and Andrew.

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Tony
Sundermeier
Congregational Ministry

Tony Sundermeier

Tony, a native Philadelphian, has served as the senior pastor of First Presbyterian since August 2014. He holds a BA in Theology and Youth Ministry from Eastern University, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Missional Leadership from Missio Seminary. Tony currently serves on the boards of Princeton Theological Seminary and Eastern University. He enjoys traveling with his family, spending time in the mountains of Western North Carolina, cooking, golf, and rooting for Philadelphia’s sports teams.

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Michael
Ford
Congregational Ministry

Michael Ford

Rev. Dr. Michael Ford is the Senior Minister of Lake Avenue Memorial Baptist Church (LABC) in Rochester NY. In addition to his responsibilities at LABC, Michael has served as Chair of the Board at Cameron Community Ministries, and is a recent member and former Chair of the Board of Trustees for Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Michael holds a BA in Religious Studies from Concordia University College, an MDiv from McMaster Divinity College, an MA in Religion and Culture from Wilfred Laurier University, and a DMin in Transformative Leadership in Prophetic Preaching from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.

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Laura
Bardolph
Publishing

Laura Bardolph

Laura co-founded BBH Literary in 2021, where she works as a literary agent, an editor, and a book publicist. Previously Laura was the director of marketing and publicity at Eerdmans Publishing Company. She is the editor of Means of Grace: A Year of Weekly Devotions, by Fleming Rutledge. Laura is passionate about books and publishing, good preaching, the Oxford comma, and the Chicago Cubs.

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David
Bratt
Publishing

David Bratt

David co-founded BBH Literary in 2021 after serving as executive editor at Eerdmans Publishing. At Eerdmans he developed, edited, and helped bring to market over a hundred books, including books in history, theology, youth ministry, and current events. Now, at BBH Literary, David serves as a literary agent, editor, ghostwriter, and writing coach. Before entering the publishing world, he earned a PhD in American Religion from Yale University.

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Carlos
Huerta
Higher Education

Carlos Huerta

Carlos has a passion for social enterprise and social innovation and seeks to help people and institutions unlock their dormant assets to create positive community impact. Carlos is a social worker by training, turned non-profit leader, and eventually entrepreneur who creates value in over 330 school districts across 38 states. He currently is the Executive Director of the FPU Center for Community Transformation in Fresno, CA. Carlos spends most of his time in Fresno serving the needs and building on the assets of his beloved community, the Central Valley of California.

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Isaiah
McKenna
Marketing, Health & Wellness

Isaiah McKenna

Isaiah was born and raised in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He holds a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Elizabeth City State University. He hopes to one day belong to a vibrant city where he can inspire others. His dream is to be a traveling fitness trainer and motivational speaker to influence people to be the best versions of themselves while living a godly lifestyle. 

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Khual
Mung
Youth Ministry

Khual Mung

Khual loves working with young people and helping them grow closer to God through worship. He is committed to helping young people with their mental and spiritual development and uses music as a source of inspiration. Khual has a strong connection to his hometown and hopes to one day return. He also wants to act as a link between the American and Burmese communities, assisting American-born children in understanding the stories of their ancestors, connecting with their history, and appreciating the sacrifices made by their parents.

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Jacob
Ivey
Religious Nonprofit

Jacob Ivey

Jacob is passionate about blending faith, technology, and nonprofit business strategy to maximize the impact of any ministry or outreach. An alumnus of Berry College, he has worked in various settings, including education, volunteerism, antihunger initiatives, and youth advocacy. Jacob currently serves as the Director of Operations for Community Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta (FPC) which is an in-house ministry of FPC dedicated to serving the unhoused and working poor of Atlanta, assisting over 1,600 unique individuals annually. In his free time, Jacob is an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman.

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Garrett
Bland
Ministry

Garrett Bland

Garrett is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and a recent graduate of Tennessee State University where he earned a BS in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. Garrett served as a lead student mentor to first year students, is an NBC Academy Scholar, was Program Director for TSU Campus Radio, and a student producer for Tiger Television. He also served as the President of Every Nation Campus Ministry, growing the organization to spread the Gospel on campus. Listening to his call from God, Garrett seeks to pursue a life of service in ministry.

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Aye Wathy
Myat
Higher Education

Aye Wathy Myat

Aye Wathy is an academic advisor for first-generation and low-income students in Rochester, NY. His main goal is to help high school students graduate and attend college. He also serves as an assistant Chair for the Rochester Karen Baptist Church and as the Sports Manager for the East-Coast-North Karen Baptist Churches, where he coordinates sports tournaments that are affiliated with that region. Aye Wathy loves sports, music, adventure, hiking, and camping. He is also a current student at a seminary in Rochester, NY.

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Shelomi
Miner
Education

Shelomi Miner

Shelomi is passionate about seeing students grow in the awareness of the importance of their stories and the power of living in one’s God given identity. He will soon graduate from the College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri with a double major in Exercise Science and Biblical & Theological Studies with a minor in Business Management. Shelomi has served as the Intramural Sports Director, Camp Lookout Student Director, and was the Student Body President of the College. After graduation, he will serve as an Ambassador with the Herzog Foundation, which seeks to promote and catalyze Christian formative education.

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Lance
Sarquilla
College Ministry

Lance Sarquilla

Lance is a first-generation Filipino American graduate student at Seattle Pacific Seminary, pursuing a Master of Arts in Reconciliation & Intercultural Studies. Lance is deeply fascinated by the ways we interact with “story.” He believes it’s the primal way we interact with the world, one another, and ourselves. Looking towards the future, Lance plans to creatively compose a multimedia platform named FreeLance, rooted in one crucial question: “Where do you find your freedom?”

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Jewel
Koshy
Healthcare

Jewel Koshy

Jewel is an aspiring physician assistant and public health professional with a background in biology, holding a BS from Southeastern University. She is dedicated to empowering individuals through her digital platform, Our Health Advocate, where she educates others to help them navigate the healthcare system and foster self-advocacy. With over a decade of ministry experience, she is passionate about creating and nurturing spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and thrive. A devoted coffee lover and faith-driven advocate, Jewel is committed to bridging the gap between healthcare and diverse communities.

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Beatriz E
Freymann
Tech Consulting

Beatriz E Freyman

Beatriz is a senior consultant in Organizational Change Management, specializing in guiding companies through the journey from awareness to adoption of change. She focuses on the people side of technological change, working with organizations ranging from 250 employees to thousands. With a background in engineering and a neuroscience major, Beatriz has a deep passion for understanding and learning about people. In her free time, Beatriz volunteers with her parish working with youth, children, and young professionals.

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Aqueelah
Ligonde
Coaching

Aqueelah Ligonde

Aqueelah, a certified International Coaching Federation (ICF) professional coach, serves as the Director of Coaching and Consultant for Ministry Architects and the Vice President for Coaching and Training for Ministry Incubators. Both of these organizations are designed to help congregations and leaders to live into their full ministry potential. Aqueelah holds a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry, and a Certificate in Black Church Studies from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is also an ordained clergy person in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Aqueelah will serve as a coach with The Hearth during the Polaris Leadership Summit.

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Laura
Elly Hudson
Storytelling and Coaching

Laura Elly Hudson

Laura is a spiritual director, creative coach, and storytelling facilitator. She is the founder of Resilient Spirit, where she finds joy in supporting creatives, healers, and transformational leaders to explore their sacred stories, cultivate resilience, and courageously embody their soul calling. For 15 years, Laura has served as co-pastor at First Presbyterian Church in La Grande, Oregon, where she dwells with her husband, sons, and a feisty tuxedo cat named Chocolate. She is also an advocate for climate resilience and historical racial justice. Laura will serve as a coach with The Hearth during the Polaris Leadership Summit.

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Samantha
Hernandez
Education

Samantha Hernandez

Samantha is an empathetic and cheerful writer from New York City. She is a double major in English and French at Duke University. After graduation, she hopes to become a high school language arts teacher. With her linguistic background, she aspires to serve migrant communities and help establish dual-language immersion schools in urban cities. Currently, Samantha serves on Duke's Inside Education team as their Vice President and is involved with Bonds of Marian Love, a religious community of lay people.

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Jane
Wolfe
Nonprofit

Jane Wolfe

Jane Wolfe, a graduate of Tulane and Harvard Divinity School, is an adjunct professor at the University of Holy Cross. Her focus is on World Religions and responsible social entrepreneurship. She is also an accomplished veteran entrepreneur, as the former co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Wagners Meat Markets, as co-founder and former marketing executive for Wolfman Construction. She is a founder of Melba’s Po’Boys, a unique gem at the crossroads of the 7th, 8th and Upper 9th Wards of New Orleans, where she directs a literacy project inside the restaurant. In 2018, Melba’s joined the Inc. 500’s Fastest Growing Companies list and was given the title of Fastest Growing Business in Louisiana.

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Tecca
Thompson
Coach and Storyteller

Tecca Thompson

Tecca Thompson is a story coach, somatic practitioner, and collective care facilitator who helps individuals uncover the wisdom in their stories through nervous system regulation, embodied storytelling, and community-centered care. As the founder of Sacred Healing Spaces LLC, she creates spaces of rest, healing, and transformation. With a trauma-informed facilitation and storytelling background, Tecca brings a holistic, embodied approach to storytelling that fosters self-awareness, connection, and healing.

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Jennifer
Freeman
Education

Jennifer Freeman

Dr. Jennifer Freeman serves as Associate Professor and Director of Christian Formation at College of the Ozarks in Southwest Missouri. She has been partnering with the Holy Spirit, to help others come to a greater understanding of God, themselves, and others. In the last ten years, her work has extended to assisting those in liminal spaces such as empty nesting, and retirement. She and her husband enjoy many things together such as hiking, gardening, tasty food, and spending time with their sweet grandchildren.

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Deandrea
Jenkins
Art

Deandrea Jenkins

Deandrea is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. Her creative practice spans multiple fields, including visual art, performance, and film. As the recipient of three fellowships and multiple artist grants, Dea has fused her art practice with a deep love for research. Dea holds a dual master's degree with an emphasis in Theology and the Arts from Fuller Seminary. Her love for creating expands beyond her individual practice to include crafting spaces for others to explore their own creative journeys.

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Amber
Sandall
Higher Education Research and Consulting

Amber Sandall

Amber is a higher education enthusiast, serving the industry for over 10 years in a variety of roles as a communicator, marketer, coach, and consultant. She leads with curiosity and kindness to help intentionally grow the impact of individuals and organizations she works with. At Campus Sonar, a social intelligence research firm, Amber is passionate about the application of data and insights to inform and develop institutional strategies in support of transformational change. Amber holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Brooke
Foster
Polaris Team

Brooke Foster

A young adult herself, Brooke supports catalytic leaders by creating and kindling opportunities for connection and learning. She is enthusiastic about cultivating welcoming, safe, and encouraging spaces of community for folks of all ages and is eager to begin serving alongside and connecting with the many young adults already at work in their own neighborhoods. Brooke holds a BA from Lipscomb University and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary with certificates in Theology, Ecology, and Faith Formation, and Women, Theology, and Gender. In her free time, you can find her curled up on her porch with a good book, a hot cup of coffee, and her corgi, Friday.

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Azucena “Ceni”
De La Torre
Polaris Team

Azucena “Ceni” De La Torre

Ceni works closely to implement the Polaris Fellowship, supporting cohorts through a year-long leadership acceleration program. She has worked in parish and university ministries, directed retreats, and lived as a residential rector. She presented a TEDx Talk, “The Unexpected Gift of Death”, an exploration of the ways grief grants us the blessing of sameness. She holds a BA from DePaul University and earned her MTS at Duke Divinity School. She is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Ceni is a community-builder, steadfast encourager, an advocate for young adults navigating life in ministry, and a Catholic laywoman intentionally dedicated to ecumenical collaboration. She lives and writes in Chicago.

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Cynthia
Gordon
Polaris Team

Cynthia Gordon

A native of upstate New York, Cynthia is onsite support for the Polaris Team and a growing portfolio of events, programs, and initiatives. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rowan University with a BA in Psychology and Education and is pursuing her MA at Rider University in Dance Movement Therapy. She has worked in the public education system in special education in multiple roles, Child Study Team, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Registered Behavioral Therapist for children with Autism. Cynthia is a retired professional ballerina, nationally awarded choreographer, and is passionate about sharing her extensive knowledge as a faculty member at Ballet Central New Jersey. Cynthia is dedicated to the betterment of youth development and empowerment seeing each young mind as a masterpiece in the making. She attends Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, enjoys gardening, Pilates, and cherishing time with her rescue dog Roxy and three daughters, Gabryella, Jyllian, and Alexys.

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Shari
Oosting
Polaris Team

Shari Oosting

Shari leads the Polaris team and develops the network’s research and program offerings. A lifelong Christian, her call was clarified in her early 20s when she was invited to lead in campus ministry. She is insatiably curious about God’s unfolding story and loves hearing how people join God’s work in diverse and imaginative ways. She has experience discerning vocational next steps with seminary students and ministry professionals, leading teams, preaching, teaching, and designing educational programs and resources. She holds a BA from Grand Valley State University and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. As the host of Princeton Seminary’s podcast The Distillery, Shari delights in exploring book and research projects. An intuitive networker, she helps people connect so that they can learn together, form friendships, and generate new ideas. She resides in Holland, Michigan, with her spouse Jason and their four children Asher, Ezra, Elia, and Ada. They worship together at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan.

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Kenda
Creasy Dean
Polaris Team

Kenda Creasy Dean

An ordained United Methodist minister, Kenda teaches practical theology, youth ministry, education and formation, and social innovation at Princeton Theological Seminary, where she serves as the Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church, and Culture. She has extensive experience in new ministry development, grant writing, and nonprofit ministry, especially with young people. Kenda is the author of a dozen books including Delighted: What Teenagers are Teaching the Church About Joy (with Wes Ellis, Abigail Rusert, and Justin Forbes); Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers Is Telling the American Church; and The Godbearing Life (with Ron Foster). She is a frequent speaker and consultant on young people and church innovation and has worked with dozens of seminaries, judicatories, congregations, and other faith-based entities. A graduate of Miami University in Ohio, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Princeton Theological Seminary, Kenda served as a pastor in suburban Washington, DC, and as a campus minister at the University of Maryland before coming to Princeton. She and her husband Kevin live on campus and love hanging out at the beach with their grown children.

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Abigail
Visco Rusert
Polaris Team

Abigail Visco Rusert

Abigail experienced a call to ordained ministry as a young adult, pursuing ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She has served in a variety of ministry roles, including associate pastor, youth director, chaplain, camp counselor, and as Director of Princeton Seminary’s Institute for Youth Ministry. She is passionate about researching and designing programs that serve congregational leaders and transform Christian communities, and she has facilitated more than $8 million in grant funding to foster changemaking in the church. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a current PhD student at the University of Notre Dame Maryland, she is the co-author of the book Delighted: What Teenagers are Teaching the Church About Joy. Abigail and her husband, Thomas, have three kids—Dorothy, Solveig, and Frank—and live in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where Abigail serves as a small group leader at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

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Andrea
Johnson
Pastor-in-Residence

Andrea Johnson

Andrea is the founder of Guiding Light with Andrea, where she works as a certified spiritual director, helping others connect with God and embrace their true selves. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, having previously served medically frail veterans and older adults. Andrea holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Christian Education and Formation from Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. A mother of three young children, she enjoys photography and cooking in her free time.

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Schedule

All times are Eastern Time

Date and TimeSessionLocation

Mon., March 31
2:00-2:30RegistrationWright Library, Front Entrance
2:30-6:00 Gathering Through StoriesWright Library, Theron Room
Welcome and Table Conversations
3:45-4:00Coffee Break
Story Weaving, Dea Jenkins
What Happens in Malta, Kenda Creasy Dean
6:00Dinner (on campus for young adult storytellers | off campus for nominators and other guests)Mackay Campus Center, Main Lounge
7:00-8:00Small group coaching and storytelling, young adult leaders onlyErdman Center and Wright Library

Tue., April 1
7:30-9:00Breakfast BuffetMackay Campus Center
9:00-12:15God’s Story and The Stories of Our LivesWright Library, Theron Room
Centering Prayer
The Healing Power of Stories, Mark Yaconelli
10:45-11:00Coffee Break
Art and Healing, Dea Jenkins
12:15LunchMackay Campus Center, Main Lounge
1:00-2:15Story, Faith, and the Workplace, Mark YaconelliWright Library, Theron Room
2:15-6:00Break, Coffee & SnacksErdman Center, Kiosk
Interactive Art Installation
5:45-6:45Light Dinner Buffet, unstructuredErdman Center, Kiosk
7:00-8:30Storytelling FestivalMackay Campus Center, Dining Room
8:30-10:00ReceptionMackay Campus Center, Main Lounge

Wed., April 2
7:30-9:00Breakfast BuffetMackay Campus Center
9:00-9:30Check out of roomsLocked luggage room available in Erdman Center
9:30-10:20Why Stories? Abigail Visco RusertWright Library, Theron Room
10:20-11:00Living and Growing Your Stories, Polaris Team
11:00-11:15Commissioning
11:30-12:00Closing Worship, Seminary ChapelSeminary Chapel
12:00-12:45Box lunches availableErdman Center Kiosk

Location

The Polaris Leadership Summit is held on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary in the beautiful and historic town of Princeton, New Jersey. Roughly equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia (and their associated airports), the town is home to cultural institutions like Princeton University, the Albert Einstein House, the Institute for Advanced Study, and the Princeton Battlefield. Participants at the Summit can enjoy a variety of restaurants and retail establishments along Nassau Street and Palmer Square, as well as scenic walks through the Seminary and University campuses.

Princeton Theological Seminary is located at 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08542. For those driving, parking is available behind the Theodore Sedgwick Wright Library at 25 Library Place. Accessible parking spaces are situated along the northeast exterior wall of the library.

Located on the campus at 20 Library Place, the Erdman Center has 55 simple guest rooms where most attendees will stay. Check-in is at 3:00 pm, and check-out is at 11:00 am. A locked room to store your luggage is available for your convenience.

View Campus Map.

Travel and Logistics

PTS Travel Reimbursement Policy

Polaris Leadership Summit 2025 Travel Reimbursement Form

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