2024 Speakers

Bio Among the most defining artists in Christian music history, GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter, best-selling author, speaker and actress Rebecca St. James rocketed into the global spotlight following the release of her self-titled ForeFront Records debut in 1994. The Australian native’s modern pop sensibilities and uncompromising lyrics set a benchmark in Christian music, leading a new generation of artistry in the genre.

St. James has earned multiple Dove Awards, nine #1 Christian radio singles and two GOLD®-certified recordings, and her discography includes such iconic albums as Pray, God and Transform. Author of the best-selling titles Wait For Me (Thomas Nelson) and Pure (Hachette/Faithwords), among others, she starred in the 2009 film Sarah’s Choice; portrayed Mary Magdalene in the groundbreaking rock opera !Hero; and voiced “Hope, The Angel” in VeggieTales’ best-selling DVD The Easter Carol, in addition to other diverse roles. An award-winning songwriter, St. James co-penned multiple selections on for KING & COUNTRY’s blockbuster 2019 recording, Burn the Ships, and she is also the host of Rebecca St. James Friends & Family, a new weekly podcast on marriage and parenting available on K-LOVE Radio’s Accessmore platform.

Bio

BIO: Tera stepped into full-time ministry ten years ago after working professionally in the Marketing and Business field. She continued her education by earning her master’s degree at Moody Theological Seminary in 2016. Tera is relatable and is known for her ability to warm up a crowd and make them feel welcome and encouraged along with making them laugh. Because of her broken past, she has a heart of empathy and grace for people in all different seasons of life. She believes that being authentic and vulnerable are key to building relationships of trust, especially in hard topics within the church. When it’s warm outside, you will find Tera sneaking away from her office or trying to convince co-workers to meet outside. She is married to Trevor, her red-bearded husband. The two are foster parents who do respite care for kids in crisis. Together they enjoy acting like big kids and differing on what is the right temperature to set their home thermostat.  

BIO: Joyel Vandenboogart is the owner of the Known Women’s Conference. She was the previous director of the Dignity Revolution. Prior to joining the Dignity Revolution, Joyel was a second grade teacher. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in pre-primary education.

Joyel joined the Navigate team fifteen years ago and loves facilitating small group discussion, coaching, and finding individual’s gifts in order for them to understand how God created them and how to use their gift in the Kingdom.

She enjoys volunteering with youth and staying relevant to the issues they face. Joyel and her husband, Levi, have two beautiful girls.

BIO:
Brenda Amour is a wife, mother to six, and a preschool teacher who exchanged the rain of her native Washington State for the snow of her adopted Minnesota.

Brenda recharges by being outside in the sunshine, going on walks, creating nourishing meals, being with her family, working out, and reading historical fiction with a bag of Dove chocolate.

Through the dark seasons of divorce, death and depression, Brenda has experienced the grace and faithfulness of God.  She is an encourager, your hype girl, and loves to see women live out who they are in Jesus Christ.

Weaving stories and strategies rooted in scripture to nurture greater
resilience and less regret is at the heart of Sandy’s calling when she facilitates
trainings, coaches individuals and teams, speaks and writes.
Four, now adult children, seven grands, seven homes renovated while living
in them, and thirty-nine years of marriage has transformed Sandy. These key
relationships, caring for parents through cancer, then experiencing her own
journey, has offered opportunity to see God’s hand of provision, protection,
and possibilities, even during challenges.
Sandy invites us to process challenges with genuineness and grace. She
nudges women to do the soul-work that impacts our stories, for our good and
God’s glory!

Michele Batz is a 37 years physical educator with a masters and PhD in holistic nutrition and masters in Administration. In the fall of October, 2023-she tackled the Rim to Rim -Grand Canyon-hiking 27 miles in one day.

She’s a fitness writer and enjoys motivating others physically and creatively. The arts with movement is an element she is working on in her classes and with the help of CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Children’s Health) to combine all elements of leading a healthy, active life. CATCH involves the whole school community, physical education teachers, classroom teachers, cafeteria, parents and the community. This is a wonderful way to educate our youth to fight children’s obesity.

Michele enjoys life with her husband in Northern Illinois. After losing her son Cory to cancer in 2012, they started Cory’s Project, a public charity organization that supports the children in the HOT unit at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Elizabeth Bruick is a national speaker and author of children’s books and devotionals. For 35 years, she and her husband George have led Bible studies, hosted retreats, and opened their home to their community in the 7 states they’ve called home–from Indiana to California and back. Elizabeth is a mom of three adult children and lives in Indianapolis. She is thrilled to be a part of the  Known community and welcome others to the family of Jesus.

Since graduating high school in 2019, Courtney has worked for Christian organizations doing publicity, graphic design, and relational ministry. She is currently pursuing two undergraduate degrees in Strategic Communications and NextGen Ministry. She also serves as a Children’s Ministry Intern at a church in rural Minnesota and is actively discerning where God is calling her next.

In her free time, Courtney enjoys reading, writing, talking to friends, and listening to worship music (and usually prefers doing all these activities at a coffee shop!). Though presently residing in Minnesota, she loves and appreciates her Wisconsin-roots, where she was raised by her two supportive parents and grew up alongside her two amazing siblings.

Christi Frazer loves Jesus, coffee (or maybe just creamer) and to encourage women. She is divorced, has lived through shattered dreams, and is breaking away from legalism to true freedom in Christ. Christi blinked and her kids are now 19, 17 and 13 and make life entertaining and yes, she dyes her hair!

Lisa grew up as a preacher’s kid and felt her own calling into ministry while in college. She earned an
M.Div. and began serving the Lord alongside her husband of 36 years. Currently Lisa is the worship
leader at their church, and is an online Bible study leader for DiggingDeeperMinistries.com which her
husband founded. She has a passion for women’s ministries and creative ministries to tell God’s story in
new ways. Lisa and her husband have 5 kids and she loves to host family gatherings, play games and
take her greyhound, Shadow, to the dog park to watch him run (which definitely puts a smile on her
face.)

BIO: With her love for God’s Word and the wit she’s known for, Gaye helps you connect the dots between God’s faithfulness and your everyday living. She served as the Midwest Regional Director for Christian Women in Media, is Past-President of the National Speakers Association/Minnesota chapter, and led a human resources team that supported 11,000 airline employees. Not afraid to poke fun at her own mishaps, she feeds your soul, refreshes your faith, and encourages your heart.  Her books include God, Girlfriends, & Chocolate, and Getting My Ducks in a Row and Other Stories of Faith.

Hello! It is a honor and joy to be a part the Known Women’s Conference this year. I have been following the Lord for 38 years. I have been blessed by various mentors through the years that have encouraged and fostered my relationship with Christ. I have been serving my church family in West Bend, alongside my Husband Alan, for 22 years. I have had the joy of raising two children, Hannah and David,  who are both now both adults. We had the blessing of witnessing our daughter Hannah marry Christian 2 years ago. 

Rachael Nitz is a Christian, mom, wife, therapist, veteran, and health enthusiast. She believes in the interconnection between faith, fitness, and mental health and is passionate about bringing that knowledge to those around her. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2015 from Old Dominion University and her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from UW-Stout in 2022. She has a background in physical training and nutrition earning a certification in both and is an active CrossFit Level 2 coach. Rachael’s goal is to see health accepted as a multi-dimensional unit that requires attention on each front and not just a select few.

Amanda is a lover of Jesus and her high school sweetheart that she’s been married to for 20 years. Those two sweethearts have 7 alphabetically named kids earthside and they anxiously await the day to be reunited their 3 babies heavenside. Amanda also loves Haiti, all things pink, true crime, palm trees by the beach and office supplies. Her heart is to share vulnerably and prays it encourages others to find a safe space to do the same.

Amelya is a homeschool graduate and is pursuing her legal studies degree. Amelya is often found with her nose in a book or she is probably at Kwik Trip. She loves dance, lotus drinks and Jesus. Amelya is passionate about the truth of what God’s word has to say and isn’t afraid to speak that truth to anyone willing to listen.

Hey there! I’m Jessica Tibben, a proud mom of 2 adorable kids and wife to Logan. I am a huge fan of ballroom dancing. When I’m not on the dance floor, you can find me enjoying some chips and queso or exploring the great outdoors. But above all, I’m passionate about sharing the love of Jesus.

Elizabeth Van Abel is a Kingdom minded woman who thrives to serve God out of thanks for His amazing love. She has been married to Gary for 42 years, has 3 children, and 9 grandchildren. Elizabeth is a teacher and a counselor with a heart for striving families and relationships.

Ellen is a wife and mother of three. Her husband, children, parents and extended family are her nearest and dearest. Spending time with the people closest to her is what she cherishes the most. Although, a book in hand and peace and quiet sounds heavenly too. Ellen also enjoys boating, writing and thrifting. Ellen has always had a passion for style and is a natural “sharer” which has lead her to start a style meets faith filled blog, Madenewstyle.com. She also continues to encourage women on a daily basis as a sister does a sister through her instgram account, you can find her @made.new.style. 

BIO: She believes in the good, thrives on learning from others through simple recognition, challenges herself to “make right cool” and strives to live within the pace of grace. Her dedication to family is a strength and the love she has for Jesus cannot be denied. She’s proud of where she came from, values the life she has been given and recognizes the experiences that have shaped who she is. She is a sister and friend who is loyal and fierce.  She lives big, loves words, cries through competition, is passionate to extreme, wears her emotions on her sleeve and greets the challenge of embracing T.O.D.A.Y.

Heather Voss is a daughter first, wife and mother to 3, all of which fill her soul.  She lives in Menasha, WI with her feet on the ground, heart in her home, hands in the community, head in the clouds and soul preparing for heaven.

Ayiesha Woods-Hillery is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, musician and now wife and mother. Ayiesha is a multi-talented artist who has certainly made her mark in Christian music and ministry.

Ayiesha and her husband, Joseph Sr. currently live in Central Florida with their 4 boys: Joseph II, Benjamin & Asher, and Gad born July 2020. Their family motto is “Love God, Love People. Serve God, Serve People.”