Billy Cross serves as the Director of the Missionary Disciples Institute (MDI) at Marian University in Indianapolis. MDI is a weeklong youth theological institute that invites rising sophomores to seniors to Marian’s campus, offering transformative prayer experiences, faculty-led formation, and community engagement. The program’s mission is to inspire high school students to embrace their identity as missionary disciples and ignite a passion for serving their local church and community. Billy is a proud husband, father, Marian University alumnus, and owner of a 90-pound labradoodle named Bear, with a deep love for Jesus Christ.

Gian Gamboa is a Catholic speaker and musician who helps young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus so they can experience the fullness of the Catholic faith. His life’s mission is to empower youth to become who God made them to be. He wants all people to encounter Christ and fall in love with Him so that “they may have life and have it abundantly!” (John 10:10).

Gian has given more than 1,000 talks in over 300 venues across the country. He loves to eat giant burgers, play basketball, and watch 90’s movies. Born in the Philippines, raised in California, but a Texan at heart — Gian lives in Austin, TX with his wife and two kids.

ValLimar Jansen is an actor, playwrite, singer, songwriter and lover of theatre. ValLimar sings a wide range of music from spirituals to traditional organ-based choral music and has performed for NCYC and World Youth Day. ValLimar’s goal is to inspire a renewed, passionate love of our faith through song, story and movement. 

Dr. Susan McGurgan is the Director of the Preach All Ways Initiative and an Associate Professor of Theology at Marian University, Indianapolis.  She earned an MA in Pastoral Ministry and a Doctorate in Preaching. Dr. McGurgan has served as President of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics and on the Executive Board of the Academy of Homiletics, and currently serves as Convener of the Theology of Preaching Workgroup in the Academy. She has extensive teaching experience in the areas of Pastoral Ministry, Formation, and Homiletics, and has published and led workshops in the areas of lay ministry and homiletics. 

Sr. Marilyn Marie Minter grew up in Metuchen, NJ, and attended Felician University, majoring in education. She taught herself guitar and formed a rock-and-roll band with classmates, performing in Church and writing her own music. “I was writing my thoughts, my feelings and my faith, and I realized it spoke of who I was — a daughter of God. And I had this crazy idea — I wanted to become a sister.” Sr. Marilyn followed that calling and has been a Felician Sister for almost 50 years. Her work in Haiti began in response to the 2010 earthquake, where she and Sr. Inga Borko felt compelled to help. They traveled to Jacmel, establishing Felician Mission: Haiti which aimed at assisting and uplifting the community. Through the generosity and prayers of many, in 2018 they brought their vision to life, by constructing a comprehensive complex. This facility serves as a lifeline for the local population, offering essential services such as meals, education, and faith formation. Sr. Marilyn’s unwavering dedication to the mission reflects her deep faith and commitment to serving others, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those in Jacmel and beyond.

JC Montenegro, PhD, Executive Director of the Salesian Family Youth Center in Los Angeles, has over 20 years of experience empowering youth. His leadership shapes the center’s programs, offering a safe haven and educational support. Dr. Montenegro’s passion for youth development and community engagement drives the center’s mission. He is also the CYM at St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, CA, where he empowers young people to be their best. Since 2016, he has led the center, fostering a spirit of family and providing growth opportunities for LA youth.

With over 17 years of experience in education leadership, Samara Palko is a dedicated advocate for equitable education opportunities, particularly for underserved students in California. She collaborates across sectors to enhance student achievement and currently serves on the lobbying team at the California Catholic Conference. Holding a Master’s in Education Leadership and numerous certifications, including Autism specialization and California Administrative Services, Samara also champions parental rights in education. Beyond her career, she is the founder of the Sacramento Parents Group, serves on multiple boards, and is an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Sacramento.

Molly Sheahan is a seasoned legislative advocate, writer, and speaker with experience spanning parishes in Los Angeles, the US Senate, and advocacy in Maryland and California. Passionate about human dignity, Molly has worked with the Congressional Adoption Caucus and organized OneLife LA. She speaks nationally to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable, and her work has been featured in various media outlets, including National Catholic Reporter and Christianity Today. She holds a Master of Theological Studies from the John Paul II Institute and a bachelor’s in communications from Franciscan University. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching confirmation classes at her parish.

Nellani Tabada is a Filipino-American young adult from Pearl City, Hawaii. She works at a Catholic school where she wrote and produced with friends an original musical play, “Adore, The Eucharistic Revival Musical Production,” inspired by her personal faith journey. Nellani hosts the podcast, “Getting PersoNell with Christ,” where she discusses her life and faith. When not working or studying for her bachelor’s in communications, she enjoys spending time with Jesus in the adoration chapel, writing songs, and finding ways to bring others closer to Christ.

Armando Cervantes is the Director of Youth and Young Adults and Director de Ministerio Hispano for the Diocese of Orange and serves as a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

Annie Grandell, YDisciple director at NET Ministries, has over two decades of experience working with young people. She started as a NET missionary herself in 2001, then served as a youth minister for nearly 11 years, and is now creating programs, strategies, and content for youth ministry leaders through YDisciple. She has a heart for reaching souls with the gospel and teaching the truth of the Catholic faith.

Paul E. Jarzembowski is the Associate Director for the Laity at the USCCB in Washington DC and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Ministry with Young Adults.

Maria R. Parker, Ed.D., is the Assistant Director for the Laity at the USCCB in Washington DC and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Matt Reichert has served the church as an educator, liturgist, pastoral musician, campus minister, and consultant. He currently serves as director of the Center for Learning, a division of OCP. Matt regularly presents at parishes, dioceses, and conferences across the country. Matt holds his B.A. from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and two master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame.