Our annual conference is the premier and largest global gathering of Christian professionals. It offers a unique opportunity for professionals of faith to fellowship, network, exchange ideas, and be inspired by dynamic speakers—seasoned experts and anointed ministers of God’s Word.
ttendees leave feeling renewed, refreshed, and empowered to embrace their next spiritual, professional, and personal opportunities and challenges with boldness and confidence. Many describe the GCPWA conference as dynamic, exhilarating, informative, impactful, Christ-centered, and deeply loving. It is truly a remarkable and supernatural experience. You simply must experience it for yourself!
WATCH THIS!!!
2025 Conference PromoNumerous and diverse presentations for attendee enrichment
Former Miss Universe President
With over 30 years in television production, Paula M. Shugart is the President of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), where she oversees global business operations and produces the annual Miss UNIVERSE® pageant. Since joining MUO in 1998 and becoming President in 2001, she has transformed the competition into a year-round, international platform that empowers women and champions philanthropic causes.
Before MUO, Shugart built a distinguished career producing major live events, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and President Clinton’s 50th Birthday Celebration. She is a member of the Director’s Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America, and served on Mayor Bloomberg’s Latin Media and Entertainment Commission. She was recently named to the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and serves on the Dean Advisory Council at Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the Medal of Merit for Achievement in Entertainment and Television Production.
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Global Empowerment Leader
Dr. Cindy Trimm is a renowned empowerment specialist, transformational leader, and global voice of hope. Known for her dynamic communication style—marked by humor, insight, and authenticity—she delivers practical spiritual wisdom that empowers individuals to activate purpose and fulfill their potential. A frequent guest on national TV and radio, she speaks on influential platforms worldwide, sharing messages that inspire millions.
As a bestselling author, Dr. Trimm has penned transformative classics including Commanding Your Morning, The 40 Day Soul Fast, The Rules of Engagement, and Prevail. Beyond the pulpit, she leads Cindy Trimm Ministries International, which partners globally to provide medical aid, food relief, and essential resources to underserved communities. Her mission is to elevate lives and transform communities through faith, leadership, and service.
GCPWA Founder
Dr. Grace Alexis is a corporate strategist, TEDx speaker, and leadership advisor with over 30 years of experience helping organizations and individuals navigate change, restore culture, and lead with purpose. She partners with corporations, executive teams, and nonprofits to drive transformation, offering a unique blend of strategic insight and personal resilience. A former Wall Street executive and higher education trailblazer, Dr. Alexis is the first woman to lead the 120-year-old Generations College and was among the youngest college presidents in America. She has held senior leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, Kaplan, Duke University, and other major institutions.
Founder of the Global Christian Professional Women’s Association (GCPWA), Dr. Alexis created the world’s largest network for professional women of faith. She is a sought-after international speaker, licensed minister, and author of I Am A Christian First: 12 Success Principles from the Diary of a Christian CEO. Known for turning vision into momentum and setbacks into strategy, she equips leaders to rise, rebuild, and reign at every level.
Relationship Coach
Stephan Labossiere is a certified relationship coach, author, and speaker on a mission to help people build happier, healthier relationships. Known for his candid yet compassionate style, Stephan offers practical insights that empower both men and women to overcome emotional barriers, understand the opposite sex, and cultivate meaningful connections. His advice reaches millions worldwide through social media, bestselling books, and appearances on platforms such as ABC, GQ, Huffington Post Live, and the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Stephan’s straightforward approach resonates with a diverse audience—including singles, couples, celebrities, and community groups—who are ready to confront the truth about relationships. Whether addressing romantic, platonic, or personal growth challenges, he breaks through the myths and misconceptions that often lead to frustration and disconnect. With a global following, Stephan is known for exposing relationship realities and inspiring lasting change—earning him the reputation as “the relationship guy—all relationships, all the time.”
NFL Legend and Coach
Mike Minter is a former NFL standout, championship coach, and dynamic speaker who exemplifies faith-driven leadership, perseverance, and purpose. As a 10-year veteran and defensive captain with the Carolina Panthers, he became known not only for his skill and toughness on the field, but also for his unwavering discipline and integrity.
Following his NFL career, Minter transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the head football coach at Campbell University, where he is transforming young men into leaders through a foundation of faith, character, and excellence. Under his guidance, the program has achieved historic milestones and earned national recognition.
More than an athlete or coach, Mike Minter is a man of vision who speaks with authority on building teams, living with intention, and leading with conviction.
Leading AI Expert
Caio Anderson Almeida is a Brazilian-American entrepreneur, creative technologist, and the founder and CEO of Opto Creative Lab Inc., a Florida-based technology firm specializing in AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality. With over 20 years of experience, he has helped transform how institutions across the Americas engage with digital platforms. Under his leadership, Opto Creative Lab earned international recognition, including the 2024 Innovation Virtual Brand Experience Provider of the Year and Most Innovative Next-Gen CX Technology Company at the Technology Innovator Awards.
Widely regarded as a visionary in the tech industry, Almeida was named “The Most Impactful CTO to Watch” by The Victory Magazine in 2023. Beyond technology, he is a classically trained pianist with six years of formal study at the National Brazilian Conservatory of Music. His unique blend of artistic sensitivity and technical expertise fuels a multidisciplinary approach to innovation, inspiring the next generation of digital leaders to pursue technology with creativity, boldness, and purpose.
Lead Pastor
Danell Perkins is a founding Pastor at Rise Community Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. Prior to starting Rise Community Church, she served as an associate pastor for over 17 years at Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly, Virginia where she led the Prayer Ministry, co-led the Marriage Ministry, served on the Women’s Leadership Team, and established a thriving Women’s Discipleship Group that impacted thousands of women.
Danell has a passion to minister in prayer, minister to women, and spread the gospel through the arts. She has counseled countless women and couples to facilitate breakthroughs in overcoming issues that have held them back from walking in the true victory found in Christ Jesus. Danell is also gifted in the prophetic ministry. She is married to Shawn Perkins and they have three adult children and two precious grandsons.
Media Host
Sonya Blakey is a household name when it comes to radio. Beginning her career in Chicago more than 20 years ago, she currently hosts "Sonya Blakey In The Morning" on Inspiration 1390 and also "Get Your Praise On" on Sunday's on V103, 102.7FM in Chicago. In addition, you can hear Sonya's joyful and uplifting personality in the afternoons in over 7 markets across the country on iHeart Media’s Gospel Music Stations. Under Sonya's leadership as the Program and Music Director of Inspiration 1390, the station has won two Stellar Awards, Silverdome Station of Year, multiple Marconi Award nominations. and other notable awards.
She has hosted various TV shows and specialty segments such as: Central City Productions, "Stellar Sunday", WCIU-TV’s “You And Me This Morning”, “Gift of Hope”, “Joy of Christmas” the 30th Annual Stellar Awards Red Carpet Event on TV One, the Stellar Awards artist lounge, Gospel Music Live, and Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Push Coalition Broadcast. Sonya has also made appearances on ABC-TV, TLN-TV, and WGN. She is a recipient of the Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Award.
When Sonya is not on the air, she serves the community, speaks, moderates, hosts, sings, and volunteers. Sonya is married and has two children. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and aims to enlighten; encourage and empower everyone she meets.
Pastor and Worship Leader
Affectionately known as “LaDi,” Pastor Diane is also a celebrated recording artist, worship leader, and musician, whose prophetic sound has graced stages around the world. Her ministry through music is a vessel of healing and divine encounter, having performed alongside globally renowned artists and featured on major media platforms including iHeartRadio, Inspiration1390AM. She has made executive contributions to W.W. Productions, WGN-TV Gospel Entertainment, BMAO McDonald’s, and the Quaker Oats Choir Competitions.
With over 30 years as a distinguished Music Educator, Pastor Diane Brown has faithfully served in the Catholic Archdiocese, charter, and private schools, empowering youth through music and mentorship. Her former role as Minister of Music for Pilgrim Assemblies International Rehoboth Jurisdiction further illustrates her deep commitment to excellence in both sacred and educational spaces.
Pastor Diane faithfully serves alongside her beloved husband of 37 years, Senior Pastor Bill H. Brown, at Christ Unity Evangelistic Church in Chicago, IL, where she holds the esteemed offices of Executive Pastor and Minister of Music. Together, they are advancing the Kingdom, nurturing spiritual leaders, and building a legacy that spans generations and nations.
Get yours while they are still available
Your all-inclusive pass includes:
Prestige, power, and purpose—wrapped into one extraordinary day at the Historic Palmer House Hotel - all for just $100.
* All tickets will be charged a small fee by our on-line payment processing service.
Plan your trip today
DESTINATION:
This year’s GCPWA Annual Conference will take place in vibrant downtown Chicago, Illinois—a world-class city known for its stunning architecture, iconic lakefront, and rich cultural and culinary heritage. From Millennium Park to the Magnificent Mile, Chicago offers endless opportunities to explore, reflect, and recharge. To learn more about what the city has to offer, visit choosechicago.com.
CONFERENCE SITE:
We are honored to host the GCPWA Annual Conference in the historic Empire Room at the Palmer House Hilton, one of Chicago’s most iconic venues. Opened in 1871, the Palmer House is the longest continually operating hotel in America and a symbol of luxury and legacy. The Empire Room, known for its elegance and timeless charm, has hosted legends such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and will now serve as the setting for our remarkable gathering of professional women of faith.
ACCOMMODATIONS: GCPWA has partnered with Palmer House Hilton to offer a special discounted rate for conference attendees. A reserved block of rooms is available for guests who book prior to the published cut-off date. Early reservations are encouraged to ensure availability. Booking details will be shared upon conference registration confirmation.
TRAVEL:
Chicago is serviced by two major airports:
LOCAL TRAVEL:
The Palmer House is centrally located and easily accessible by taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains and buses. The hotel is just one block from the Monroe CTA Red Line and two blocks from the Blue Line (which provides direct access to O’Hare Airport).
PARKING:
Valet parking is available at the Palmer House. Self-parking options can also be found nearby parking garages and via parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
| Palmer House Hilton |
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17 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 726-7500 www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com |
| Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Palmer House Hilton is an iconic 4-star hotel just steps from Millennium Park, State Street shopping, and countless cultural and dining attractions. As the host site for the 2025 GCPWA Annual Conference, the hotel offers the convenience of staying where all conference events will take place—in the elegant and historic Empire Room. |
| GCPWA Discounted Rate: Single and Double Rate: $249 per night (plus tax and fees) Triple Rate: $274 per night (plus tax and fees) Quad Rate: $299 per night (plus tax and fees) King Suite: $499 per night (plus tax and fees) |
| Reservation Cut-Off Date: Monday, August 25, 2025 (Reservations made after this date are subject to standard hotel rates and availability.) |
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Booking Directions To reserve your hotel stay at the GCPWA group rate for dates between September 26–28, 2025, September 25–28, 2025, please call Hilton Reservations at (800) 445-8667. |
The Global Christian Professional Women's Association (GCPWA) is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to uplifting working women worldwide. Established to support the professional and spiritual growth of Christian women, GCPWA provides a global network where women find encouragement, connection, and practical tools for success.
Our members come together to support one another across every dimension of life—professional, personal, and most importantly, spiritual. GCPWA was created to be the leading resource for advancing Christian professional women and equipping them to thrive in the marketplace while deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ.
