Keynote Speakers
Ruth Chou Simons
Ruth Chou Simons is an entrepreneur, and speaker, and bestselling author of Beholding and Becoming and GraceLaced. She shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and paintbrush through an online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her Instagram community of more than a hundred thousand. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. Find Ruth—her art and heart—at gracelaced.com, at @ruthchousimons on Instagram, and @gracelaced on Facebook, and Twitter.
Jill Palmer
Jill has been serving alongside her husband, Mark, in various ministries at the River Church since 1998. Together they have done youth and children’s ministry with Jill always serving in women’s ministry in one way or another. In 2012 she took over the role of director of Women’s Ministry and loves to see women make connections and experience His true freedom.
She came to Durango in 1994 for college (has a degree in Biology) and never left. This is where she dedicated her life to Christ, met Mark and discovered her God-given dreams and passions. When she is not working with the women of the River church she is busy taking care of, and homeschooling, their 3 children, reading, writing and occasionally binging on a series on Netflix.
She came to Durango in 1994 for college (has a degree in Biology) and never left. This is where she dedicated her life to Christ, met Mark and discovered her God-given dreams and passions. When she is not working with the women of the River church she is busy taking care of, and homeschooling, their 3 children, reading, writing and occasionally binging on a series on Netflix.
Laura Krokos
Laura, the founder of Missional Women is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Laura and her husband have been missionaries to college students for 14 years serving with Master Plan Ministries where she is the Women's Development Coordinator. Laura has authored 5 books, including an award winning 12 week Bible Study on First Samuel, Beholding Him, Becoming Missional, Reach; How to Use Your Social Media Influence for the Glory of God, A Devotional Journey through Judges, and Discover God's Calling for Your Life. Most recently her resource for Bible studies, The Connect Cards was released by Cru Press. You can find her on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, instagram, periscope, blab and her author site.
Leah Hillewaert
Leah works with Master Plan Ministries at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Other than watching college students' lives change, she enjoys getting her mind blown by God and His Word, watching sci fi, baking cupcakes, and spending time with her hunky husband.