Saturday Evening Keynote Speaker

Shonda Rushing is a daughter of the south. Raised in the great state of Mississippi, her journey began in the city of Jackson where a love for God was imparted to her; a love for learning was cultivated; and a desire to help others was established. Influenced by the strength and love of her mother, Shonda’s values drive her to be a servant leader in every area of her life. 

Shonda’s academic pursuit landed her at Tougaloo College, which is located on one of the largest former slave plantations in central Mississippi. At this historically Black college, the history of Black people stared her in the face daily as she passed actual slave auction blocks on her way to class while simultaneously embracing the truth about who her people truly are and what they endured. This environment served as the backdrop for Shonda as she studied human behavior and thought patterns as a Psychology major.  

Shonda has served in ministry and leadership roles for over 30 years. Her keen insight makes her an impactful and inspirational role model. She’s not only a life advisor and Christian counselor, but she is an ordained Elder serving in the capacity of Director of Education at Consuming Fire Christian Center. Shonda is valuable to all she meets leaving nuggets of knowledge and wisdom with every individual she coaches and mentors. 

This dynamic woman is the author of two books, Don’t Be Afraid: A Letter to a Black Son and her most recent release, What if I Win? She is also the co-host of the podcast Road2damascus as well as a frequent guest contributor on the Introspect with Nicole Podcast. Shonda’s quick wit and creative ability to paint the picture as she tells a story makes her a remarkable speaker, teacher, and coach. 

Though she wears many hats and is an accomplished professional, Shonda’s greatest achievement is being the proud mom of two sons. If asked, she’d tell you that her real purpose is to help people understand that they are not what they’ve done; there is nothing they cannot overcome; and there is no force they will encounter greater than love.