

DAY 1
2:00 Doors Open
3:30 Main Session #1
5:15 Masterclass Session
6:15 Check In To the Hotel
7:30 City Excursion
Day 2
8:30 Mentoring Session #1
9:20 Main Session #2
11:15 Masterclass Session
12:30 Mentoring Session #2 & Lunch
1:15 Experience Time: Meet with a Mentor. Pitch Room Open. Photo Shoot. Merch Store Open. Podcast Studio Open.
3:30 Creative Expression Session
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Session #3
8:30 After Party
Day 3
8:30 Masterclass Session
9:35 Main Session #4
11:15 Experience Time: Meet with a Mentor. Pitch Room Open. Photo Shoot. Merch Store Open. Podcast Studio Open.
11:45 Cohort Lunch or Coalition Lunch
12:45 Creative Expression Session
1:45 Experience Time: Meet with a Mentor. Pitch Room Open. Photo Shoot. Merch Store Open. Podcast Studio Open.
2:15 Main Session #5
4:00 Event Ends
meet the mentors
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Daniel Yang, PhD
I grew up in Detroit in a neighbourhood dominated by gangs, violence, and failing schools. I graduated from the University of Michigan and had an eight-year career in software before becoming a pastor. At the age of twenty-four, I began having doubts about God, church, and Christianity. This began a secret two-year journey of struggle which eventually led me to enroll in seminary to learn more about the Bible, theology, and philosophy.
I currently serve as the Director of the Send Institute at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College where I lead and oversee all of its initiatives. Prior to directing the institute, I planted a church in Toronto where I also helped recruit, assess, and train church planters through the Send Network and the Release Initiative. I served on various church staffs including Northwood Church, led by Bob Roberts Jr., where I was mentored as a church planter and was involved in global and multi-faith engagement.
I earned an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, and am currently a Ph.D. Intercultural Studies student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
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Gloriah Umanah
Gloria Umanah is the founder and executive director of The Ex-Nihilo Collective, visionary of Hope Booth and an internationally known and sought after communicator and spoken word artist based out of Atlanta, Georgia! In 2016 Gloria turned down a dream opportunity of working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and instead surrendered to the calling of God upon her life, which led to a life of purpose. Gloria now uses her creativity and unique voice to bring to light the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to students, young adults, men, and women across the world. Through sharing her powerful story of overcoming suicide, anxiety, and a life of fatherlessness Gloria’s impactful messages and Spirit filled spoken word poems of hope have reached over 3 million people across the globe. Gloria is a powerful voice rising up in her generation. She is bold. She is Spirit-filled. And she is willing to be the one who stands in the gap for those searching for true freedom. She carries the flame of revival wherever her feet travel as she seeks to see a generation liberated and propelled in the freedom found in Christ, and in Christ alone.
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Tim Stevens
After spending 20 years as the Executive Pastor at Granger Community Church, and six years as the Vice President of Consulting at Vanderbloemen Search Group, Tim joined the team at Willow Creek Community Church in 2020 as Executive Pastor. Tim has been a thought leader in the world of church, ministry and leadership for more than thirty years. He has a passion for helping churches and organizations solve problems, put together great teams, build irresistible cultures and lead with excellence. Stevens has written seven books, the most recent titled "Marked by Love -- A Dare to Walk Away from Judgment and Hypocrisy" was released by Barbour Publishing in 2018.
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Lieutenant Jermaine Harris
Jermaine Harris is a 21-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. He currently serves as a Lieutenant where he develops community-based solutions to violence prevention by collaborating with law enforcement and nonprofit partners. Jermaine is a Chicago native who was born on the city’s West Side in the Austin community and is now a resident of North Lawndale. He is a graduate of Whitney Young High School and a United States Marine Corps veteran.
Jermaine holds pride in his ability to explore nontraditional policing roles. At the heart of his philosophy to positively impact the lives of Chicagoans is a goal to employ social justice as a violence prevention strategy. Addressing issues of access and equity has yielded positive results in both reducing violence and improving the quality of life for residents in some of the city’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.
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Dr. Lindsey Blodgett
Dr. Blodgett completed her Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University in 2022. She holds licensure as a professional counselor and supervisor in the State of Michigan. She is the owner and executive clinical director of Leadlight Counseling as well as the current president of the Michigan Counseling Association.
Dr. Blodgett specializes in working with adolescents and women. She has experience working with a range of issues including anxiety, self-harm, adjustment issues, depression, sexual trauma, grief, and perinatal mood disorders. She believes in taking a holistic, relational, and collaborative approach to the counseling process.
Her research interests include attachment theory, religious coping, and religious struggle amidst life change and catastrophic loss.
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Raoul Adwan
Raoul launched Thrd Coffee Company as a pop-up mobile coffee bar in the summer of 2020. He partnered with local brick-and-mortar businesses to serve coffee on patios, on rooftops, at outdoor events, and more. As Thrd Coffee Company gained recognition in the community and as offices began to reopen, the business started pop-ups in office spaces and at corporate events. In the summer of 2023, Raoul opened a brick-and-mortar in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.
Today Raoul employs a team of ten to manage the shop and the mobile coffee bar. Looking forward, Raoul hopes to continue growing his business, and he wants to help other coffee businesses get off the ground by sharing resources and equipment within the coffee community.
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Michael Wear
Michael Wear serves as Chief Strategist and a member of the executive team for The And Campaign. He is a leading expert, speaker and strategist at the intersection of faith, politics and American public life. As one of President Obama’s “ambassadors to America’s believers” (Buzzfeed), Michael directed faith outreach for President Obama’s historic 2012 re-election campaign. Michael was also one of the youngest White House staffers in modern American history: he served in the White House faith-based initiative during President Obama’s first term, where he led evangelical outreach and helped manage The White House’s engagement on religious and values issues, including adoption and anti-human trafficking efforts.Michael is also the founder of Public Square Strategies LLC, a sought-after firm that helps religious organizations, political organizations, businesses and others effectively navigate the rapidly changing American religious and political landscape. Michael is the author of Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America. He also writes for The Atlantic, Christianity Today, USA Today, Relevant Magazine and other publications on faith, politics and culture. Michael is a Senior Fellow at The Trinity Forum, and he holds an honorary position at the University of Birmingham’s Cadbury Center for the Public Understanding of Religion.
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Camilo Buchanan
Camilo Buchanan is a local church pastor, speaker, leader, podcaster and writer. For the last decade Camilo has walked in numerous roles in ministry, including as a sought after preacher with a unique ability to connect the eternal truths of God’s Word with the hearts of a diverse demographic. Camilo’s journey in ministry began by pioneering a multi-campus college ministry non-profit known as The Real Movement, which sought to introduce nonbelievers to the reality of the person of Jesus. He served as Executive Director and on the Board of Directors for a number of years.
Today, Camilo serves as the Young Adult Ministry Leader at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA where he's walked alongside of and directly learned from Louie Giglio. In his role, Camilo continues to develop and empower young adults in leadership and discipleship.
He holds a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and also hosted and executive produced The Pass Down podcast.
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Valerie Hogan
VALERIE NEFF HOGAN holds a law degree and the Certified Financial Planner designation. She works with National Christian Foundation, Orchard Ministry Development, and Widow Connection. Since 2000 Valerie has served at church leading groups and individuals toward good stewardship with Christian Financial Concepts, Crown Financial, and Financial Peace University. She loves to help people overcome financial obstacles to achieve freedom, become more generous, and do more ministry. She is married, has three adopted children, and one fabulous rescue dog.
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Nicole Defalco
I believe learning is a business imperative. Corporate strategies are implemented when people are convinced, committed, and skilled to execute. Organizations innovate and change only as fast as their people can learn. That is why the learning experiences I design and facilitate inspire and equip employees to perform at their best in alignment with organizational priorities. My special gift is combining neuroscience, narratives, and creative nuance into challenging, playful, personalized learning experiences that ignite behavior change. When called upon to facilitate these programs, I do so with a level of energy, humor, and zeal participants find motivating and exhilarating. Through the learning I design and deliver, leaders discover and put into practice what they need to know, believe, and do to make a difference in their role, team, and organization. It is so fulfilling to see people and businesses flourish together.I found my calling at the start of my senior year at Northwestern University. Today, I work with organizations where people are the priority, passion is appreciated, and curiosity is esteemed.
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Carrington Gaines
Carrington is a Husband, an artist, a songwriter, and a lover of all things Buffalo Bills related. He is the worship director at Forest City Church in Rockford & Elgin, Illinois, where they create spaces for anyone and everyone to encounter Jesus in the most authentic way they can!
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Jay Mason
Jay Mason is a “start-up guy” founding and running a half dozen health technology businesses over the last four decades. Along the way he has developed numerous initiatives to foster and support entrepreneurship and philanthropy in the region.
Most recently while at the Kern Family Foundation Mason led the area of Faith, Work and Economics where they promoted the idea that productive work within a free economy is critical to human flourishing as it allows the most people to lead meaningful, satisfying, and sustainable lives.
Now his emphasis is focused on mentoring and “saging” to individuals to help them find their sweet spot for vocation, calling and impact. Whether they are youth or seniors Mason says “My main goal is for my fruit to grow on other people’s trees.”
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Emily Buchanan
Emily Buchanan is a writer, brand consultant, and creator of the #GoodDayNewsletter, a newsletter for faith-filled go-getters. She helps her husband, Camilo, lead the Young Adult ministry at Passion City Church, and loves handwritten cards.
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Cameron Logan
Cameron and Vicky Logan are influencers and YouTube personalities best known for their vlog channel "Life With the Logans" They host candid weekly conversations that dive deeper into topics surrounding their marriage, everyday life, and their spiritual, mental and emotional growth both as a couple and individually.
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Noemi Chavez
Noemi and her husband, Joshua are the Lead Pastors at Revive Church a multi-site church in the greater Los Angeles area. She is an international conference speaker and is the co-founder of Brave Global, a movement which focuses on equipping the local church to connect with the most vulnerable girls, including girls that are on probation and in the foster care system. Noemi is committed to raising leaders and bridging generations to serve the future of the church and their communities.
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Jeanne Stevens
Jeanne Stevens is one of the lead pastors of Soul City Church in Chicago’s dynamic West Loop neighborhood, which she and her husband, Jarrett, started in 2010. Soul City is one of the fastest-growing urban churches in the United States. Jeanne has had the opportunity to lead and speak into the lives of thousands of people across the U.S. and around the world.
She is a sought-after speaker, leader, and writer. Her passion to develop people to live boldly & fully gives her a unique voice of hope and challenge.
Jeanne is the author of multiple devotionals including the newly released “Less is More” as well as “Everyday Brave”, “Grit & Grace”, and “You Are Enough”. Her newest book “What’s Here Now?” is scheduled to release in Spring 2022 and is available now for pre-orders at Amazon.com.
She wrote Soul School for Youth Workers and is a contributor to the Bible Study and Video Series “Twelve Women of the Bible” as well as “Real Women, Real Faith.” In addition to pastoring Soul City Church, Jeanne finds great joy in being a wife to Jarrett, and a mom to her son, Elijah, and daughter, Gigi.
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Jarrett Stevens
I’m a pastor, writer, and speaker. My wife Jeanne and I live in downtown Chicago where we have planted a thriving church, Soul City. Together we do life with our two children, Elijah and Gigi, and our endlessly energetic puppies — Moses & Louie.I’m the author of several books including Four Small Words, The Deity Formerly Known As God and Creative Matters.
I was previously a Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Church in Chicago, as well as pastoring at North Point Church in Atlanta. I’ve had the privilege of writing for magazines like Christianity Today and Relevant as well as traveling the world speaking at amazing churches and conferences.
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Lauren scott
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Chaz Black
Financial Associate.
I love working with people who want help – they want to do better for themselves. Because of my work history, I’m usually helping business or gym owners, self-starters and young families.
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Breanna LaShell
At just 16, I let my pain and passion drive my dreams. Not just my dreams, but the dream I know God has for His kids—one of wholeness, safety, and purpose.
My entrepreneurial heart (and college degree) guided me not just running my own non-profit, but helping women all over the country launch their nonprofits into the world. I became a certified coach in 2020 with Go+Tell Gals.
I’m thrilled to bring my coaching, education, and lived experience to you.
Just as I felt called, I’m now daring women to leave a legacy of restoration where there once was only ashes and heartache. Are you ready?
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Melissa wear
I currently lead a sought-after consulting firm, Public Square Strategies, and provide consultancy services to a diverse array of philanthropic, non-profit, advocacy, religious, and think tank organizations on issues related to politics, policy, and the public square both in the United States and abroad.
I co-host a popular news & politics podcast called Wear We Are on the That Sounds Fun Network and a 5000+ subscriber Substack under the same name. https://tinyurl.com/yd2r77f2
I'm a European affairs specialist, particularly on the following issues: UK-US relations, US foreign policy, cultural relations, soft power, the European Union, religion and politics, conflict resolution, migration and xenophobia.
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Ray Chang
astor Raymond Chang is the Executive Director of the TENx10 Collaboration (out of Fuller Seminary), which is a collaborative movement that is geared towards reaching 10 million young people over 10 years with the gospel). He is also the president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, a pastor, and writer. Prior to his role at Fuller, Raymond served for 7+ years as the Associate Chaplain for Discipleship at Wheaton College. He also worked in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and served in the Peace Corps in Panama. He has contributed chapters to several books including “Ministers of Reconciliation: Preaching on Race and the Gospel” (Lexham), “Confronting Racial Injustice: Theory and Praxis for the Church” (Cascade), “Preaching Romans from Here” (Wipf and Stock), with other books forthcoming. He is currently pursuing his PhD on the intersection of Spirituality and Campus/Organizational Racial Climates. He is married to Jessica Chang.
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Vicky Logan
Cameron and Vicky Logani are nfluencers and YouTube personalities best known for their vlog channel "Life With the Logans" They host candid weekly conversations that dive deeper into topics surrounding their marriage, everyday life, and their spiritual, mental and emotional growth both as a couple and individually.
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Kathryn Tack
Kathryn began her career as a speaker and facilitator, focusing on women’s conferences and retreats. She launched a major entrepreneurial effort in 1983 when she purchased, franchised and developed a 12 restaurant and management services company in the hospitality industry. For 15 years Kathryn was president and CEO of Good Times Concepts Ltd., a multi-million dollar enterprise that employed a staff of 350. Drawing on her experience as a business owner Kathryn has a natural affinity for the development and training of peak performers and loves to see others use their God-given talents to achieve their greatest potential.
Kathryn is a graduate of Coach University, the largest coach training company in the world, and the Executive Coaching Institute, designed to train coaching professionals to create outstanding productivity, profitability and fulfillment for themselves and everyone they coach. She has served as Chair of Visage, an international organization dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of CEO’s everywhere. She also served as Chair of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), committed to helping women gain financial equity and to access support.
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Jim Stollberg
Jim spent 30 years in business, holding leadership roles in the supply chain automation and management consulting industries. In 2018, Jim founded Gemini Global Advisors to assist his clients in achieving similar results to what he has delivered throughout his career. His clients include venture capital, private equity and supply chain technology companies. He has served in several board and advisory roles with privately held market leaders, including Shipmonk, Autostore and Covariant.ai. Jim has a passion for social enterprise and impact investing. He currently serves as the Co-CEO of Halftime.
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Jenn Jett
I am a dreamer, a doer, a risk taker and wanna be secret agent. I want to hear what your dream is, that thing that fires you up and keeps you up at night. I want to help you figure out how to take it from great to awesome. I want to cheer you on and convince you to take a risk and believe you can do this because well, I am an enneagram 7 and that’s just what I do.
I live an incredibly abundant life in Northwest Arkansas married to my best friend. My journey to get here has been a story I never would have chosen, but one I would never trade. My faith has been tested time and again and proves the incredible power of the resurrection and the freedom that comes through it. I want to spend my life helping men and women find the same freedom and hope that is ready and waiting.
Room assignments
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Humanitarian & Justice Work Masterclass
Couch Corner (Floor #2)
The Corporate Leaders Masterclass
Prayer Room (Floor #2)
The Speaking, Writing, Podcast & Youtube Masterclass
Third Floor Lobby (Floor #3)
Start A Business, Non-Profit or Brand Masterclass
The Gallery (Glass Room - Floor #2)
The Music Industry Masterclas
The Auditorium (Floor #2)
Church Planting & Ministry Masterclas
The Volunteer Room ( Floor #2)
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These mentoring sessions are designed to be our most conversational spaces.
Simply go to the First Floor Lobby 10 minutes before the start of the Mentor Session and find the Mentor who you have registered to meet with. You can find the picture of your Mentor below. At the start time, you will go find a spot in the building to sit. We want these mentorship sessions to be very interactive. This is a space for you to ask questions, pick your Mentor's brain and learn from their experience on the topic of your Session.
We encourage you to bring your questions to receive specific coaching and feedback from the Mentor on the topic in the title.
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The Podcast Studio is located in the Volunteer Room on Floor #3. Please note this is only available to those who pre-registered.
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The Pitch Room will be located in the Auditorium. Please note the Pitch Room is only available to those who pre-registered.
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Meet Lilly in the Lobby at your scheduled time slot. *Please note this is only available to those who have pre-registered.
Thank you to our partners
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convoy of hope
Resources For You:
Get involved in the work they are doing around the globe.
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Barna Research
Resources for you:
-Explore the latest research on important cultural topics that will help inform you in the work you are doing.
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Thrivent Financial
Resources For You:
Free money coaching (yep, free). Money Canvas offers a series of free one-on-one meetings with a financial coach to help you see where your money is going and build healthier financial habits.
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national christian foundation
Resources for you:
Learn more about fundraising through their fantastic resources.
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vanderbloemen staffing
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Blink Tees
Resources for you:
-Schedule a meeting with Blink Tees to share your vision for a Merch or Fashion Line and make your vision come to life. This is the company we use to print all of the Generation Distinct merch and we highly reccommend working with them for your future Merch.
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Tenx10
Resources for you:
Find resources to help you disciple teenagers in your community.
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Exponential Church Planting
Resources for you:
Find fresh resources to equip you in your journey of Church Planting and Ministry Leadership
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Thrd Coffee company
Resources for you:
Support a Local Coffee shop in Chicago and use their Coffee for your next event.
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Bright Cap Entertainment
Resources for you:
Hire Bright Cap Entertainment to shoot your next video to share your vision with the world.
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ARC Church Planting
Resources for you:
If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey.
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Upsurge Advisors
Resources for you:
Learn more about their services they offer to create the perfect learning solution for your organization to prioritize people over production.
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Go Promoters
Resources for you:
Find local Christian concerts to attend across the midwest
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Save a life international
Resources for you:
Learn about the work they are doing across the Ukraine and discover how to get involved.
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Breanna Lashalle non-profit coaching
Resources for you:
Learn how to start your non-profit through individual coaching