OUR SPEAKERS

Debra Burns has over thirty years’ experience leading people of all ages to hope and healing through a relationship with Jesus Christ. ​Debra and her husband, Steve, have been married 20 years and moved to Jacksonville in 2009. 

​She worked at Christ’s Church in a variety of leadership roles for ten years. ​Debra has written four books to help people facing challenges in life. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2021. 

​Last year she hosted a new podcast called “Living with Cancer” offering comfort, compassion, and community through her online support groups for cancer patients. ​She currently mentors young women through her ministry called “Bloom: Biblically Living Out Our Mission.”

Vera Jones is an inspiring, funny, and relatable Motivational Speaker, Author, Life & Leadership Coach. A Syracuse University Hall of Fame scholar-athlete and retired ESPN, Fox Sports, WNBA, and Big Ten Network Basketball Analyst, Vera is also commonly recognized from a viral Goalcast video called “Trust Your Vision,” that has globally commanded over 50-million views. No stranger to the stage, Vera has performed as an actress with the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company and has even entertained “inebriated hecklers” as a stand-up comedian! “Professor Jones” at the University of North Florida is also the Founder of the Perseverance Speakers Academy where she helps students and professionals confidently polish their public speaking skills, by sharing their unique stories to inspire, educate, and uplift the world. Today, she is here to share hers! From sunny Jacksonville, Florida, please welcome Vera Jones!

Cathy Pipkin graduated with a Master’s degree from Valdosta State and she taught in public school for over 31 years. When Cathy was 44 years old she began to feel that God had a purpose for her, not realizing she was created with a purpose as we all are. Although Cathy couldn’t imagine what it would be, seeking God became her priority. A love for the Word of God was so embedded in her that her goal was to become a licensed minister. This was achieved and she is now an Ordained Minister in her denomination.  Cathy founded Living Hope Ministry and Women of Destiny. Her ministry began carrying her into the jails and into five prison facilities. Cathy was our first conference speaker in 2014.