Amy Bodenheimer Watson

 After years of letting achievements and survival define her, she now embraces her identity as a beloved daughter of God, a truth that guides her work and life. Raised in a children’s home and a survivor of a dangerous marriage, she has built a successful career as both an entrepreneur and educator, using her story to offer hope to others. As a panelist, she brings a focus on the theme of fear, sharing how facing and overcoming it has shaped her journey and her desire to invest in things that outlast her own life. Learn more about her amazing story: https://wednesdayswithwatson. com.

Brandi  Johnson

Brandi Johnson has never met a stranger—she can strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel instantly connected, no matter the topic. Always seeing the glass as 100% full, Brandi’s unwavering optimism is grounded in her belief that prayer makes all things possible. With expertise in project management, she works with FEMA to care for people in the aftermath of disaster. At the conference, Brandi is serving as our vendor connection, ensuring attendees have meaningful interactions and great experiences throughout the event.

Danielle Gillespie

Danielle Gillespie is serving as our panelist moderator. Known to her friends as “the responsible one,” Danielle is a devoted mom and wife who spent twenty years in the financial industry before stepping away to follow God’s calling. She now works as a mental health counselor in Jacksonville, Florida, where her calming presence makes everyone feel like a friend. Danielle also leads ministries within her church, offering support and guidance to those around her. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to faith, family, and helping others find hope and healing.

Janet Pearson

Janet Pearson, known affectionately as the "Amish Puerto Rican," is our sister on the panel. Her family answered God’s call by leaving the familiar behind to serve as church planters in Baltimore. Janet’s story centers on the power of family—after becoming a teen mom, she experienced redemption and now celebrates a family held together by grace. As a panelist, she focuses on the theme of family, and through her Beautiful Journey Ministries, she advocates for young girls and women, sharing hope and encouragement with those who need it most. Learn more about her and her work through www.beautifuljourney ministries.com.

Joyce Jones

Joyce Jones is an educator, photographer, and a true Jill of many trades. If you meet her, you’ll notice right away how she lights up a room with a positive spirit that radiates the love of Christ. As a single mom, Joyce pioneered the idea of “servcations,” taking trips with her family focused on serving the communities they visited. Joining the panel with a focus on the word Faith, she draws her joy from a deep, unwavering faith—grounded in what she trusts and believes.

Kendra Ford



Kendra Ford is a Master Educator, devoted mom, and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. With a career spent teaching and leading in urban schools, Kendra brings more than just academics—she offers hope where it’s needed most. Serving on the panel with the word “fortitude,” Kendra’s story is one of resilience: she’s faced setbacks, staged comebacks, and battled moments where giving up seemed easier. Yet, she’s broken generational curses and continually rises to meet each new challenge, inspiring those around her to do the same.

Leslie Caple-Granofsky

Leslie Caple-Granofsky is our session worship leader. Though she may be quiet, her heart is unmistakable when she leads worship—she pours it all out at the feet of Jesus. Leslie has overcome deep hurts in both marriage and friendships, yet as a single mom of two girls, she’s been a living example of resilience. Her ability to lead in worship comes from personal experience; worship has been the rock that’s anchored her through life’s storms, shaping her faith and her strength.

Lyntrell Jacobs

Lyntrell Jacobs is an entrepreneur and influencer whose drive and optimism set her apart. Becoming a mom as a teenager didn’t slow her down—instead, it fueled her to chase every opportunity life presents. She’s faced heartache and loss early on, but she’s never let those experiences become excuses. Known for her determination, Lyntrell doesn’t just make lemonade out of lemons—she sells it to anyone willing to buy. Grounded in her faith, she lives out her panel word “fabulous,” knowing that through Him, all things are possible.

Shawanda Sampson

Shawanda Sampson is a Navy veteran, former youth educator and counselor, and now serves as a detective with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. She’s also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. As a panelist, Shawanda brings the word “forgiveness.” Having endured early violations by a trusted family member and betrayal in family, friendships, and romance, she’s learned firsthand that forgiveness is what truly sets her free. Her ability to forgive is rooted in the forgiveness she received from the cross, and she shares her journey to help others find the same freedom.