by Angela Donadio
Kathleen Cooke stands at the intersection of marketplace and ministry, focused on redefining and effectively using Christian media strategies in the digital age. She survived a terrorist attack while in London filming a documentary in 2005. That experience, and an encounter that followed, served as a wakeup call for the way she viewed the Bible and lived her life. A media executive, producer/actress, writer, and global speaker, Kathleen Cooke is a founding partner at Cooke Media Group, and leads and inspires women involved in media and entertainment through her nonprofit, The Influence Lab. Her devotional, Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected To God In A Distracted Culture, challenges readers to engage with the Bible four or more times a week. Follow Kathleen on: Twitter: @KathleenCookeLA, Instagram: @KathleenCookeOfficial, and FB: Kathleen Cooke Official, website/blog: kathleencooke.com. or sign up for her monthly Influence Women’s Journal at: Influencelab.com/women
Manouchka Charles is a speaker, worship leader and Pastor who is passionate to share the word of God with people of all ages and backgrounds. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Manouchka is now a part of the Pastoral Staff at VOUS Church in Miami, FL, reaching the culture by “valuing what God values.” Thriving as a single woman in ministry, this community has made her faith and leadership grow as well as push her to who God has called her to be. In 2018, Manouchka was involved in a horrific car accident that put her life at risk. Faith, and those around her, helped Manouchka get through this difficult season of her life. Through her testimony, she is an encouragement and a great impact to the lives of people around the world.
We often wonder where God is in the middle of bad situations. Theresa Mills can answer that from first-hand experience. A dynamic On-Air Radio Personality, Theresa leaned into the goodness of God and the power of praise during seasons of nearly losing her young daughter in a car accident, and the unexpected loss of her husband early in their marriage. Her journey through tragedy and brokenness led her to discover that God has a bigger purpose for our pain. Her steady resilience will inspire you to dare to believe God for your miracle.
Kim Bohn, brain tumor “thriver” and Founder & Designer of Beaded Miracles, started stringing beads as a form of occupational therapy after having brain surgery to remove a large tumor that was strangling her carotid artery and optical nerves. As Kim bravely shares her story, you’ll be inspired to invite the miracle into your situation. “He put a new song in my heart and created a ministry using beautiful beads as a reminder of His promises️.”
Everything about her background said she should fail – but God. Entrepreneur and executive Dr. Angela D. Thomas, affectionately known as “Dr. A,” overcame daunting challenges to build a successful career in healthcare. Her story, “Bullets, Babies and Boardrooms,” will unpack the power of choice and propel you to achieve your God-given dreams. A part of Angela’s “Hometown Heroes Series,” Dr. Angela D.Thomas is a Teacher, Author, Speaker, Coach, Academic, and Community Leader. Connect with Dr. Angela Thomas through her podcast, The Balanced Executive.” Find her on social media @DrAngelaDThomas and visit her website at angeladthomas.com.
Pete DeChat is a 21st Century Job. On July 10, 2007, a Nascar plane crashed into his neighbor’s home, killing a young mother and her son, and both pilot and passenger in the plane. The fuel tank broke loose from the plane, crashed into Pete’s home, and exploded. His four-year-old daughter Gabi died, and Pete was burned on 96% of his body trying to rescue her. He was comatose for five months, during which time his then-wife left him for another life partner. Everyone said he would not live. They said he would not see. They said he would not walk. They were wrong. A part of Angela’s “Hometown Heroes Series,” Pete DeChat is the Author of “Through the Fire: The True Story of a 21st century Job." He is married to wife, Judy and the father of Beka, who is a delight. Pete’s story has inspired thousands of people in various countries. For speaking inquiries and to purchase his book, visit Throughthefire.net or email Godbroughtmethroughthefire@gmail.com.
What does it take to influence your culture and shape a nation? Generation Z leader Christian Donadio shares game-changing ways you can position yourself for divine opportunities, affect the atmosphere around you, and become a culture carrier by working in excellence. Christian Donadio is a 20-year-old living in Miami pursuing his Degree in Ministerial Leadership. He’s a part of VOUS Church, involved in everything from creative design, marketing, graphics to styling to stage. Under the leadership of Pastor Rich and Dawn Cherie at VOUS, he’s had the opportunity to work with Kanye West and the Sunday Service Collective. Raised in the ministry, he’s worked as a creative in a church in Toronto, Canada, traveled overseas to help build churches in Ghana, West Africa, and expanded his knowledge of history and the Bible by touring Israel. And last but not least, he’s my son.
Quadruple Amputee Cyndi Wilkens was a successful business manager and a new mom when necrotizing fasciitis (otherwise known as flesh eating disease) entered her life and altered it forever. She awoke after five weeks of battling this disease to find her hands and feet had been amputated in an effort to save her life. If you’ve ever wondered if God is really with you in trials, her incredible story will encourage you to start living in the deep end of faith and move forward into the unknown with supernatural strength. Cyndi Desjardins Wilkens has been interviewed by major television personalities recognizing her strength in adversity. As a wife, mom, author, and speaker, Cyndi has a heart for sharing her story with transparency, bringing tears and laughter in the hopes of shining a light for others facing dark times. Cyndi resides in Ontario and has co-founded Shine On Missions which is dedicated to assisting families in crisis. Shine On, her first book, was the winner of the 2017 Women’s Journey of Faith Contest.
Through five successive miscarriages, the depression that followed, and aggressive cancer, Carol McLeod developed an addiction – to the Bible. Carol profoundly understands the challenges women face. Whether you’re a mom of littles, embracing an empty nest, or struggling with the pain of infertility, Carol’s wealth of wisdom and depth of Scripture reaches into the heart of women in every generation. You’ll be empowered to hold onto dreams during hidden years, develop uncommon courage during battles, and discover a thousand years of impact every day. Carol McLeod is a best-selling prolific author and popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Her YouVersion devotional, “21 Days to Beat Depression” has touched nearly one million people’s lives around the world. Carol also writes a weekly blog, “Joy For the Journey” that has been named in the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women and served as the first Women’s Chaplain at Oral Roberts University. She is a wife, mother and grandmother – and mentor to many!
Author and Apologist Ray Comfort became the lone member of his family to receive salvation at the age of 22. Gratitude for what God had done became the fuel for a high-octane life devoted to Biblical evangelism. Ray’s unapologetic commitment to the Gospel will pull you out of your comfort zone to overcome fear and share your faith when we’re compelled by love for the lost. Ray Comfort is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters and the bestselling author of more than 90 books, including God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, How to Know God Exists, and The Evidence Bible. He cohosts the award-winning television program Way of the Master, airing in every country in the world, and is an Executive Producer of “180,” “Evolution vs. God,” “Audacity,” and other films. He is married to Sue and has three grown children and hasn’t left the house without gospel tracts for decades.