2023 Theme
For such a time as this
-Esther 4:14
As the experience of Esther shows, God uses people in fulfilling His purpose. No matter what the situation, God has His instruments of deliverance and victory. “For such a time as this,” God has at the ready brave, committed, obedient individuals who will step out in faith and accomplish His work.
We, like Esther, have meaningful choices to make. We may not have as much power and influence as Esther had, but God has still placed us where He wants us to be “for such a time as this.” We are not here by accident. We have a God-given circle of influence. We cannot stand idly by while injustice occurs. We must pay attention to what’s happening around us and seek God’s direction in how He wants to use us. He has placed us in the time, the position, and the place He wants us to be. And He invites us to confidently join in His work. In Esther’s day, the duty to save a nation fell to her, and God had given her all she needed to accomplish the task. God has done the same for us, whatever the task He assigns, and He will use us in “such a time as this.
2023 Featured Speakers
Christina is the mother of 8 children and a wife of 22 years. She is the host of “Embracing Your Greatness” on Radio Maria, the largest Catholic Radio Affiliate in the World broadcasting to over 162 countries. This weekly program helps people to see the world through the lens of Divine Mercy and Theology of The Body. She has been featured on “Women of Grace'' on EWTN, Relevant Radio, Ave Maria Radio, St. Joseph's Communications, and Parousia Media.
Stacy is a Catholic convert with advanced degrees in chemistry and dogmatic theology, as well as one in philosophy in the works. She is a mother to seven and is passionate about evangelizing through science. A published author of five books on the integration of science and theology, Stacy and her husband, Jose, operate Children of God for Life, an organization that fights to end the use of aborted children in research. In addition, Stacy teaches online science and theology courses for Seton Hall University and Holy Apostles College and Seminary, is a Fellow of the Word on Fire Institute, and frequently appears on Catholic radio, podcasts, and television.
Paula Umana is a former professional tennis player, a Catholic mother of five children, and wife to Dr. Serge Sautré, French Chiropractor. After her 5th childbirth, she suddenly became sick due to a nervous system disorder called CIDP which left her quadriplegic. After hundreds of prayers and pilgrimages from friends and family and extreme treatments, Paula was able to start moving thanks to her faith, joy from the Holy Spirit, and courage. Today, Paula is a motivational speaker using her story and all of her experience to inspire. Her book, ”40 Gifts of Hope" or "40 Regalos de Esperanza,” is filled with faith and touching stories of the ill who found a way out of their darkness.
2023 Conference Emcee
Sr. Roberta has been a member of the Sisters of St. Mary, Eastern Province Buffalo, NY since 1996. She serves as the Director of the Diocese of Buffalo Office of Cultural Diversity and Social Justice and is on the Board of Directors for the National Black Sisters' Conference.
Sister Roberta has made profound impacts on the communities she has ministered in through her comprehensive background in Catholic education and school administration. She holds NYS teaching certification and has taught at local Catholic schools including Our Lady of Lourdes and St. John the Baptist. Additionally, Sr. Roberta has blessed schools with her presence as school administrator. She served in principal roles at Catholic schools in South Carolina, Alabama and Texas. She has also worked in higher education as an Adjunct Professor at Niagara University and Alabama State University.
Sr. Roberta's influence in communities she has served in has earned her numerous accolades including the Knights of Peter Claver/Ladies Auxiliary Gold Medal Award and National Black Sisters' Conference Harriet Tubman Award. In 2012, She received the Servus Pro Christo Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Catholic Church in the African American Community. She is also recognized as Immediate Past President of the National Black Sisters' Conference and Grand Lady of Knights of Peter Claver. Her background in education has afforded her an opportunity to co-edit a profile on Catholic schools; "Sustaining Catholic Education in and for the Black Community".