Speakers + Schedule
Meet the 2025 Fresh Encounter Voices
Introducing the messengers of the moment. Prepare your heart for a sacred experience. These chosen vessels carry a timely word, fresh fire, and divine insight for such a time as this. From healing and deliverance to wisdom and breakthrough, our 2025 speaker lineup is being revealed — and it’s nothing short of transformational.
Our Wellness Champions
Dr. Peggy Clemons
Speaker, author, prayer strategist, and licensed certified counselor, Peggy Clemons brings over four decades of multi-faceted experience to every platform she graces. As a recipient of the Barack Obama Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Peggy has been nationally recognized for her commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteerism and community outreach.
From pulpits to podiums, Peggy has shared her voice across the United States, motivating and empowering audiences with her signature blend of spiritual insight and practical wisdom. An ordained minister, licensed trauma therapist, and retired educator of 40 years, she is revered for her ability to connect, uplift, and inspire. Her work has made her a highly sought-after speaker, counselor, and thought leader.
Peggy shares,
"My life's work has shown me that spiritual transformation is foundational, and a healthy mind is fertile ground for that transformation to take root and flourish. Fresh Encounter is designed to provide both the spiritual nourishment and the practical mental health tools you need to live a life of purpose and peace. "Outside of her professional work, Peggy is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and proud daughter who cherishes quiet moments of travel, prayer, and a classic Perry Mason episode.
William Jackson is an accomplished author, speaker, global ministry leader. Williams’s gift for personal and spiritual development while helping others find their purpose in life has him deemed by many one of the most passionate visionary leaders of our time. Hs ministry is marked by profound revelation and practical application of God’s word prompting transformative encounters for countless individuals all over the world. When a sinus infection led to a stroke and paralysis, doctors gave him little to no chance of survival. Following brain surgery and learning how
to perform every bodily function over again, he dedicated his life to ensure people overcome what he describes as "purpose paralysis", and discover the freedom of living a fulfilled life. Over the last decade William has impacted hundreds of thousands of people through his ministry, books, podcasts, seminars, messages, and media appearances. He has been a major contributor on several national shows to share his strategies for effective prayer and living a life of purpose.
www.theofficialwilliamjackson.com/
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William Jackson
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jazmin L. Georges has been happily married for 19 years to her college sweetheart, Rev. Rowan O. Georges AlA, and is a fiercely devoted mother to their 12 year old son Ethan Lewis Georges. She serves as Associate Pastor of Community Christian Center on Staten Island, NY.
Jazmin obtained a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in History from the State University of NY at Stony Brook. She was then accepted into the dual degree graduate program at Columbia University where she received a Master of Science in Social Work and a Master of Science in Education, going on to obtain her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology during which she was the recipient of the prestigious Diamond Fellow. A New York state licensed social worker and educator, she is a practicing psychotherapist, also serving intermittently as an adjunct professor teaching graduate level courses in both developmental and educational psychology.
A broken vessel who has experienced the Master's mercy, grace and restoration - Jazmin is a testimony to the fact that we can "... experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Lamentations 3:21) As a prophetess, Jazmin has been called to minister a healing message, declaring to others that there IS a Balm in Gilead (Jeremiah 8:22). Her desire is to help make others aware of the power of God and His plan and purpose for each of their lives through discipleship and mentoring, ultimately resulting in greater authenticity in God.
Dr. Jazmin Georges
Willie Moore Jr.
Nationally syndicated radio personality, actor, social media influencer, activist, musician, and father of four awesome children, Willie Moore Jr. has proven that innate charisma, abundant creativity, and a passion for empowerment can translate in the faith-based community and the general market. Whether you know him as the Grammy recognized R&B artist “Pretty Willie” or the Stellar Nominated Inspirational artist Willie Mo. Jr., he is, hands down, a fan-favorite amongst today’s generation.
As the host of the top rated “Willie Moore Jr. Show,” Willie reaches over 1.7 million people weekly. The ground-breaking inspirational show has featured top entertainers and celebrities, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Tyler Perry, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Hilary Clinton and many more. Willie can also be seen on BET’s Joyful Noise and TBN’s Juice TV’s The Crew, which currently airs in over 60 million households world-wide.
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Outside of entertainment, Willie Moore Jr. is an advocate for adoption and foster care. As the President of the WILFLO Foundation Inc. (named after his forever family Willie and Flora Moore,) Willie brings awareness to the adoption and foster care system through school programs, scholarships for foster children, faith based multi-media films and television shows, and his signature event, “THE DAY OF THE A (Adoption)”. Each year, thousands of African American families sign up to be foster parents and/or adoptive parents, through these efforts. Through his online ministry, entertainment, and comedy, Willie Moore Jr. has garnered a huge following: including over 700,000 Facebook fans, 325,000 Instagram followers, 70k Twitter followers, and 10 million views on YouTube. Willie continues to tour the world, bringing inspiration through his innovative storytelling and comedic approach to speaking and music, that’s transforming lives throughout all generations.
Toni Collier is the founder of a global women’s organization called Broken Crayons Still Color and helps women process through brokenness and get to healing and hope. Toni is a speaker, host of the Still Coloring podcast, and author of several books: Don't Try This Alone (releasing August 19, 2025), Brave Enough to be Broken, and a children's book, Broken Crayons Still Color. Toni has had the opportunity to proudly stand on stages for North Point Community Church, Chick-fil-A, IF:Gathering, Orange Conference, There{4} Teen Gathering, and MomCon, and she is a regular guest on TBN’s TV program for women, “Better Together.” She also serves on the board of Africa New Life and is a teaching pastor at Renovation Church.
Toni kills illusions. She confronts the hard things. She believes the best way to meet life’s challenges is head-on. And, in this digital age of anxiety, Toni is teaching people all over the globe that you can be broken and still worthy, or feel unqualified and still be called to do great things. Toni wants to help you find a way through the brokenness in your life so that you can live the most colorful life possible.
Toni Collier
Born into a family where his father, a pastor, and his mother faced their own marital challenges, Jay’s early life was steeped in complexities. The divorce of his parents and the subsequent move from Mississippi to Texas introduced him to a world of racial tensions and personal struggles. “My adolescent years were, were played with a lot of pain,” Jay reflects on the tumultuous time, marked by the heavy burden of being the “man of the house” at a tender age. Football became Jay’s sanctuary, a place to channel his anger and frustrations in a constructive manner. Yet, the physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather and the emotional turmoil of his family’s dynamics left deep scars. It was in these moments of despair that the seeds of his future calling were unwittingly sown.
Dr. Jay Barnett
Dr. Denice Colson, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, CPCS, CCS, DAAETS
Executive Director - Eagle's Landing Christian Counseling Center, Inc.
Dr. Colson is trained as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor, who has contributed to the counseling field since 1982. She is the author of Stop Treating Symptoms and Start Resolving Trauma! Inside-Out Healing for Survivors of ALL Types and “Break EVERY Stinking Chain! Healing for Hidden Wounds”. She is a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor through the LPCA of Georgia. She takes a limited number of clients and speaks at luncheons, seminars and other group functions. Visit her training, speaking and supervision site at www.TraumaEducation.com . She is a State Approved DUI Evaluator and Treatment Provider. Also, a Prime Solutions provider, and Certified BrainTek Practitioner.​
Dr. Denice Colson
Dr. Amanda Lewis-Yarbrough, an Alabama native and board-certified clinical psychologist, is a dedicated mental health professional in the River Region with a compelling passion for helping people. As one of the few African-American female psychologists licensed in the state of Alabama, she uses her platform to challenge the stigma of mental health both locally and nationally, particularly among veterans, women of color, and the broader BIPOC community. Dr. Lewis-Yarbrough is deeply committed to suicide prevention and to eliminating barriers to care for underserved populations, ensuring that all individuals have access to quality, affordable mental health services.
Dr. Lewis-Yarbrough founded Avondale and Associates Psychological Services, LLC after recognizing the need for more accessible care and a safe, nontraditional space where individuals could normalize life’s stressors and prioritize their mental well-being. She witnessed significant disparities in her community regarding affordable mental health access and sought to create an environment where clients can find balance and peace in their lives.
To achieve these goals, Dr. Lewis-Yarbrough primarily uses a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, helping clients manage their concerns by shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, teaching clients to recognize and distinguish healthy from unhealthy emotions and thought patterns. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), insomnia, tobacco cessation, substance use disorders, and chronic pain.
Dr. Lewis-Yarbrough earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University, an APA-accredited institution, in July 2020. She has worked extensively with the Veterans Administration, providing behavioral health consultations in primary care settings for veterans in need. In addition to her role as owner and provider at Avondale and Associates, she also serves with Auburn University’s Accountability-Based Sexual Offense Program, where she conducts psychological evaluations for juveniles in the Department of Youth Services and supervises assessment interns from local universities. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Lewis-Yarbrough co-founded I Am Purposed, a nonprofit organization devoted to uplifting and empowering veteran women and women of color. Through this initiative, she has spearheaded programs such as feeding the homeless, awarding grants to women-led small businesses, and collaborating with partner organizations to support survivors of domestic violence.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Lewis-Yarbrough enjoys playing golf, traveling, volunteering, and being active as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She values spending time with her family and friends and remains devoted to serving her community while advancing mental health equity.
Dr. Amanda Lewis-Yarbrough
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Slade is founder and president of IntegriVest Wealth Advisors, LLC. an independent financial services firm. She lends over 3 decades of banking and finance experience to provide personalized comprehensive financial planning and advisory services to executives, small business owners, and professionals. She a 2024 graduate of the Goldman Sach’s Black in Business: One Million Black Women Scholars program. She is recognized as the 2024 Investment News Award Recipient for Philanthropy and Community Service. In 2023 she was recognized as one of *Investopedia’s Top 100 Advisors. In 2022, she was recognized as a Visionary for Oasic’s Women Forum. In 2019, she was a nominee for the Ladenburg Institute of Women & Finance. Prior to founding IntegriVest Wealth Advisors, LLC, Slade began her financial services career as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed, where she was recognized as a recipient of Waddell & Reed’s 2015 Pacesetter as well as received her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Designation. In 2017, Slade became an independent financial advisor and emerged as an industry thought leader. A 21-year veteran of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, in this capacity, Slade served as a senior regional community development manager.
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In addition to her role with IntegriVest Wealth Advisors, Sibyl serves as the Vice Chair of the board of Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE); as an advisory board member for ACE’s Women’s Business Center; a member of ACE’s finance committee; a council member of Osaic’s Foundation, and an advisory board member of the One Million Dreams Foundation. She is a mentor for the Osaic Foundation Pathway Program. She previously served as a mentor for the Mack Robinson Business College of Georgia State University, and 2021 advisory board member of Females & Finance. When she is not working, you can find her riding her Harley or camping. A native of Atlanta, Slade resides in Powder Springs, Georgia, with her husband. She is the proud mom of three sons and grandmother of two grandsons and one granddaughter.
Sibyl S. Slade
Dr. Torre is a native of Atlanta Georgia. She is a therapist/ coach for individuals, couples, groups, and executive level communications. She assists clients using CBT/ACT Therapies and Mindfulness techniques. Her clients range from executive C- Suite coaching, financial therapy, individuals/couples struggling with daily life management problems, mood disorders, interpersonal skills, and relational challenges. Her educational background consists of a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Georgia State University, a Master’s degree of Psychology from Argosy University, and a PhD. from Capella University in Behavioral Psychology. She is a published author and a professional speaker.
Dr. Torre has seventeen years’ experience in public health research and counseling as well as managing her own private practice in the Atlanta metro area. Over the past ten years she has served as a public health facilitator for various grants working with: Emory University, University of Chicago, and University of Rhode Island. Her passion is helping others and has recently created her 1st therapeutic tool Mindfully Me, a card game to educate and inform individuals regarding mental health issues such as mood disorders, interpersonal skills, and relational competencies. Her objective is to educate, empower, and assist her clients during their mental health journey.
“I believe anyone can achieve anything once they are equipped with the right tools to assist their dreams!”
-Torre Prothro-Wiley PhD, LPC
For additional information go to drtorre.org
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Dr. Torre Prothro-Wiley
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Gospel recording artist and industry veteran bringing corporate transformation to the Sunday Morning Worship Experience. Darwin Hobbs is an American gospel artist known for his powerful, soulful voice and worship-driven music. Born on November 30, 1968, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he gained prominence in the late 1990s with his debut album, Mercy (1999). His music blends contemporary gospel with worship and R&B influences, drawing comparisons to Luther Vandross due to his rich vocal tone. Hobbs has released multiple albums, including Vertical (2000), Broken (2003), and Champion (2010), featuring hits like “Glorify Him”, “He’s Able”, and “Champion”.
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Beyond his solo career, he has worked as a vocal arranger and background singer for artists such as CeCe Winans, Michael McDonald, and BeBe & CeCe Winans.In addition to his music, Hobbs is a worship leader and speaker, using his platform to inspire others through faith. He and his wife, Traci, founded the HEARTART Ideas, a ministry focused on worship and mentorship within the creative arts.
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Darwin Hobbs
Gospel Recording Artist
Frontier Music
Ryan & Chasity Taylor
Based out of Atlanta, GA, FRONTIER is a community of disciples who desire to walk closely with Jesus. With a unique sound and approach that represents the diversity of the local church, FRONTIER uses their community and creative process as a launch pad to further advance God's kingdom, bringing the truth of the gospel from the top of the head and down into the heart.
FRONTIER was launched in the Spring of 2016 when the founder, Ryan Taylor, began to write personal songs as a response to his prayer time with the Lord. As Ryan gathered a host of close friends together from all over the city to assist in bringing the songs to life, they begin to notice that their partnership was less about the songs and more about the community they were creating that was molding their hearts to look more and more like Jesus. From that place, FRONTIER was born.
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From conception, their team has gathered communities together around life-on-life discipleship, creativity, music, outreach, and the marketplace to encounter the presence of God. Out of this, Frontier Music and the Frontier Market work together to further amplify the importance of the gospel and disciple making across the globe. Frontier Music has recorded and released a host of songs all over the world to equip the global church in building ‘on the go’ altars to the glory of God. Frontier Market is a home-based creative, online shop that offers apparel, home decor items, and resources that represent one of Frontier’s core values; We believe in the power of home. We believe that people begin to walk and live in their true identity in Christ when they see the gospel as their perpetual dwelling place wherever they go. It is the Frontier Market that seeks to get the truth of the gospel into every believer’s home through every day resources designed to inspire and point disciples back to Christ. FRONTIER hosts gatherings across Atlanta on a monthly basis as a means of fulfilling Jesus’ final commission to go and make disciples. Worship Nights are held bi-monthly (every 1st and 3rd Friday). Uproot: The Cultivation of the Heart Journey, Frontier’s Discipleship Night designed to equip the body of Christ in spiritual maturity, is held bimonthly (every 2nd and 4th Tuesday).
Xavier Lewis
DJ XL
His first name begins with one of the last letters of the alphabet, but there's nothing “last” about singer, songwriter and disc jockey Xavier Lewis. On the contrary, this outstanding vocal talent is about firsts, being unique and standing out in the crowd. His humble focus, dedicated determination, inspiring perseverance and never-ending work ethic have already begun to build Xavier a very impressive portfolio. Xavier has also had the privilege of touring and performing overseas in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain and Winnipeg, Canada as a solo act, as well as touring stateside for 2-1/2 years as a backup singer with Sobe Entertainment’s R&B vocalist Urban Mystic. He's even become an international and viral sensation, by way of his standout performance on NBC-TV's hit talent competition “America's Got Talent” in 2008. The show had him represent that season's talent with an appearance on the national morning show, NBC's Today Show. Most recently in January of 2011, Xavier became the Grand Prize Winner of the Georgia Lottery All Access Music Search for POP/R&B debuting his Hit Single Georgia Clay LIVE on WSB. Georgia Clay has already begun its legendary journey by finding its way to Capitol records where Xavier remixed the single on the same historic microphone as the Classic, Frank Sinatra. With the accolades, the charisma, the voice and the talents, singer-songwriter Xavier Lewis is truly an aspiring, and inspiring, legend who has caught the eye of both the industry and consumers. Having accomplished many great feats already, the only thing left for this steadily rising R&B star to do is to bring soul back to R&B. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the next musical phenomenon, “The Antidote to R&B,” Mr. Xavier Lewis!
Dr. Chalet A. Jean-Baptiste was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where she first developed her love for issues surrounding Black people and her passion for writing. At 19 years old, she wrote, directed, and co-produced the Off-Broadway play, The Sound of Love’s Fire, which ran for a month and received awards and media recognition. After graduating from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, she began her career as a magazine and financial writer for TIAA-CREF in New York City. She later worked in the media relations and marketing department. While working at TIAA, she began teaching at Medgar Evers College as an adjunct instructor. This spurred a newfound passion for teaching and she has been teaching ever since. She currently works at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Manassas campus as an Associate Professor of English, where she teaches English, literature, African-American Literature, Poetry, Short Story, Mythology, and a Communications class.
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Chalet earned a M.A. in English from Long Island University, a M.A. in Communications from New York Institute of Technology and a her doctorate in Writing and Rhetoric at George Mason University. She has traveled all over the world presenting on her areas of interests and research, including African-American rhetoric, Black images in the public sphere, Black activism, and pop art’s role in the lives of Black people. In her spare time, she loves to write, travel, attend cultural events, and spend time with her family. She has three beautiful children and currently resides in Miami, Florida .
Dr. Chalet Jean-Baptiste
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A proud coastal soul from Wilmington, NC, discovered his passion for entertainment early, finding his purpose in radio. In 2009, his love for music and storytelling ignited a dynamic broadcasting career. His bold voice and engaging personality quickly propelled him across the Southeast as a Producer, On-Air Talent, and Assistant Program Director.
Now thriving at WPZE Praise 102.5 in Atlanta, Neiko serves as Assistant Program Director, On-Air Talent for The Neiko Flow Show, and Producer of The Jekalyn Carr Show. He is also the visionary behind Bridging the Gap, a groundbreaking series where secular artists like Jeezy, LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Tyrese, and Chloe Bailey share their personal faith journeys, building bridges beyond traditional church settings.
Deeply committed to his community, Neiko celebrates unsung heroes through his monthly Neiko’s Flowers initiative, honoring individuals who make a quiet yet powerful impact.
Now stepping into a new chapter as an author, Neiko has released My Hurt, Your Heal, a courageous memoir sharing his journey of trauma and triumph. Through this work, he has embraced a renewed purpose: to travel, speak, and encourage others to walk out of their hurt and into healing and freedom.
Neiko’s excellence has earned him a 2024 Stellar Award Gospel Announcer of the Year nomination, two Stellar Awards for programming, three Spin Awards, an Avidity Radio Vanguard Award, his second Marconi Award nomination for programming, and induction into the 2025 Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Devoted to God, family, and the gospel community, Neiko Flowers continues to inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting legacy both on and off the airwaves.
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Neiko Flowers
Son.Brother.Friend. Servant. Soldier. Husband.
Albaner trains & develops leaders and builds communities within the local church and professionally. He is the founder & president of ACEPRODUCTIONS media company & Let’s Move Nonprofit Organization. With a master’s degree in counseling, Albaner is also a therapist and clinician and has a burden to see people experience true peace and find true rest & relief. Lastly, Albaner is the host of the new live show “What’s The Word” Albaner is on a mission to shift narratives & cultures. He desires to help people genuinely grow closer to God, make investments daily to develop a more meaningful relationship with God and help everyone who comes in contact with him to develop meaningful relationships and create meaningful memories with people.
Albaner C. Eugene Jr.
INTERCESSORS
Elder Jalen Smith, a native of Valdosta, Georgia, delivered his first sermon at 14 and was licensed and ordained as a pastor in July 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Valdosta State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.
Pastor Darlene Edrington is a devoted wife of 25 years and a seasoned servant in ministry, driven by a radical love for Christ and unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior. With a heart for people and a passion for charity, she lives to reflect the compassion, and the Grace of Jesus in every aspect of her life. Her relentless devotion to prayer fuels her mission to be a radiant beacon of God’s love shining light, hope, and truth wherever she goes.
Broderick L. McBride is a thought leader and master communicator. He fully embraces the notion that mental health and spirituality go hand-in-hand, an idea that is deeply engrafted in his teaching and counseling style. Quickly rising as an influential voice in various sectors and communities, McBride travels locally and nationally as a lecturer, facilitator, public theologian, and mission-based activist.
​Prophetess Latoya Carter leads Arise Church in Decatur, Alabama alongside her husband. She carries a strong prophetic voice with a passion for souls to be saved, prayer, preaching, teaching, and encouraging others to grow in their walk with God. Her ministry reflects humility and a life surrendered to Christ. Her testimony can be summed up in her own words: “Nothing I’ve done in my own strength has been truly good, but everything He has done through me has been good. I am a product of grace, and to God alone be the glory.”\
Social Links: Arise Church: www.arisedecatur.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latoyajesusgirl.carter​
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Karlene Hamilton has been serving as Intercessor within her local church for several years, being charged and privileged to lead others in the posture and position of prayer. Her main mandate is to remind the Body of Christ to operate from their place of authority, shifting atmospheres and praying from Heaven to earth. A wife and mom of three, aged 24, 22 and 15, Karlene’s passion is to ensure that the Kingdom of God is realized in the earth as we walk in our identity of Sons. As a servant, her heart is forever only the pleasure of the King.​​
Ava Eklow | Elder Jalen Smith
Pastor Darlene Edrington | Broderick L. McBride Prophetess Latoya Carter | Karlene A. Hamilton​
