“She is like a tree planted by streams of water…” – Psalm 1:3

You’re invited to a powerful day of connection, growth, and equipping at Rooted + Ready, a women’s gathering for ministry-minded women across New York City and beyond.

In a world that often withers faith, this day is designed to root you deeper in Christ and ready you to flourish—in your life, in your calling, and in your city.

What to Expect:

🌱 Rooted in Community
Connect with women across your region and season of life through intentional breakout groups, prayer circles, and group chats built to last beyond the day.

💪 Ready for Ministry
Grow through hands-on ministry training sessions and hear from leaders serving in diverse contexts—urban youth work, new motherhood, church leadership, evangelism, and more.

🔥 Encouragement for the Journey
Four engaging sessions combining practical tools and personal encouragement:

Planted: Strengthening your ministry roots
Yielding: Finding grace in your life stage
Not Withering: Grit for the battle
Prosperous: Bearing fruit that lasts

🎤 Dynamic Speakers & Breakout Leaders
You’ll hear from passionate women who have stayed faithful through seasons of growth and challenge. Sessions will feature leaders from across the boroughs—and beyond—sharing real stories, spiritual insight, and gospel-centered hope.

🎁 Resources + Giveaways
Receive a curated bundle of resources to fuel your spiritual life and ministry, plus opportunities to connect with organizations like Compassion, Avail, and others committed to supporting women like you.

🧒 Childcare Available (Babies - 1`2 years)
Priority will be given to single moms. Children will attend a VBS-style time in the same venue. They will have music, crafts, snacks and lunch, and a bible focused lesson.

Whether you're a church leader, new mom, youth volunteer, or simply seeking a fresh word from God—this day is for you. Come to be seen, known, and strengthened for the road ahead.

Let’s be rooted. Let’s be ready.
Register by July 15 to secure early bird pricing.

Parking: Book Ahead for under $20 at: 245 E 93rd St. - Valet (Astor Terrace Garage)

Go to www.spothero.com and search for "245 E 93rd St. - Valet (Astor Terrace Garage)"
Make a reservation for Sept. 13 (8:30a-4:00p)

Worship by Mon'Sher and Hope

Mon'Sher Spencer - Worship Ministry Director at Houston’s First Baptist Church- Sienna Campus

Mon'Sher's calling is to minister the word of the Lord through song to invite others to join me as we “gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and inquire in His temple..” (Psalm 27:4). She doesn’t consider herself a “worship leader” but a “Lead” worshipper and will gladly lead the charge of praise and adoration to our King as we enter into His presence!

Hope Godwin - Serving in Los Angeles

Hope felt called to Los Angeles to reach the lost and aid in planting a church. God has a plan for His people in LA and she feels so blessed to be a part of that!

Main Session Speakers

Laura Hui - Serving in Brooklyn, NYC

Laura serves as Minister of Education at Brooklyn Chinese Baptist Church. She loves studying and teaching and is currently finishing her Ph.D. in New Testament, where she studies how the insights and interpretations of Christians worldwide can help the Western church understand the Bible even more clearly. She also loves to play cajón on the worship team.

Julissa LaFontaine - serving in Queens, NYC

Julissa is a native New Yorker who loves meeting new people and finding opportunities to share her faith. She holds a Master’s Degree in Theology and Multicultural Leadership. She is a freelance calligrapher, enjoys all things art, and absolutely loves dancing. Julissa lives in the Bronx with her husband Josmel and her two children.

Jessica Carabin - serving in Manhattan, NYC

Jessica serves in Harlem, NY. She moved to New York 13 years ago to be in full-time ministry, where she met her husband Robin and now have two beautiful children. Robin is a co-pastor at Cultivate NYC, where Jessica leads the women's ministry. She currently runs a literacy nonprofit and is attending seminary. Her heart is to share the Gospel, counsel, and disciple women. A fun fact about Jessica is that she speaks three languages - French, Haitian Creole, and English.

Discussion Group Leaders

You will have the option to attend 3 discussion groups of your choice! Please keep in mind, some will repeat and some will only be offered in one session.

FERNANDA PARREIRA MENEZES, Rooted to Bear Fruit at Work

Fernanda’s journey began in Brazil before God led me to serve in Washington, D.C., and now New York City. In 2024, her family relocated to help plant Harlem Community Church. Together with her husband, Fernanda has been leading a community group at HCC, and this fall will begin serving as the leader of the women’s ministry. They are blessed with an 18-year-old daughter. Fernanda holds MBAs in Marketing and Business, and brings over 15 years of experience in brand strategy, including five years with a women’s empowerment organization in D.C. She believes that when women thrive, they bring transformation to the world around them. Her passion is to see women live as “living letters, ”carrying God’s fruit into every sphere of life—our homes, churches, and workplaces—so that together we shine as salt and light in the world.

ASHLEY WELBORN, Boundaries in Ministry: Fences & Walls

Ashley is the Marriage and Family Therapist at Redeemer Counseling Services and attends Salem Community Church in Staten Island, NYC.

AMANDA WIDJAJA, Grit for the Battle: Enduring in Ministry

Amanda is married to her husband of 9 years, Timothy, who has been pastoring since 2016. They serve together at Cornerstone Church NYC (aka First Indonesian Baptist Church of New York), where their 4 year old daughter Zoe occasionally likes to disrupt her dad’s preaching by going up on stage. She also works at JP Morgan as an Executive Assistant, and loves using her organization and type A skills to help ministry run smoothly. Fun fact— Amanda once binge-watched X-Men: The Animated Series and absolutely (secretly) loved it!

DR. LORIE LEE, Doing the Next Right Thing: Following God in Difficult Circumstances

Lorie is a passionate lifelong learner with over 20 years of experience in Christian nonprofit work. She has served in a variety of impactful roles—from publishing and events at Lifeway to global child development and church engagement at Compassion International, where she has served for the past 15 years.

A published author of two children’s books, Lorie brings creativity and heart to everything she does. Based in Colorado, she is passionate about helping people discover and live out God’s mission for their lives. Known for her warm, outgoing personality, Lorie thrives on deep conversations—especially when shared over a well-crafted charcuterie board.

CHEILA LOPEZ, Rooted: Finding Joy in God’s Word (Without the Guilt)

Cheila serves as a board member at Joy Way Church and is the founder of Hesed Women’s Ministry, an organization dedicated to equipping, encouraging, and empowering women through the Word of God. Her heart is to see women grow in Bible literacy, rooted in Scripture, and walking in the transforming truth of Christ. Professionally, Cheila is a Social Worker with nearly three decades of experience providing counseling services and support to children and families. Cheila and her husband, Henry, are proud parents of three children and delight in their role as grandparents to five beautiful grandchildren.

DAMARIS VENTURA, Como Mantener Mi Verdadera Intimidad con Dios Apesar de las Adversidades

Mi nombre es Damaris Ventura. Nací en un hogar cristiano por la gracia de Dios. Mis padres fueron pastor, ahora gozan en estar en la presencia del Señor. Desde muy temprana edad he servido al Señor. Soy esposa de pastor, madre de 3 hermosas hijas las cuales servimos a Dios juntas. Actualmente estoy sirviendo en la iglesia Bautista Ebenezer en Freehold NJ, en el ministerio infantil. Tengo estudios universitarios en Educación, Orientación y consejería. Todo lo que he sido se lo debo al Señor por su gracia, amor y bondad.

Damaris was born into a Christian home by the grace of God. My parents were pastors and now enjoy being in the presence of the Lord. She has served the Lord from a very young age and is a pastor's wife and the mother of three beautiful daughters. They serve God together at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Freehold, NJ, in the children's ministry. She has a college degree in education, guidance and counseling. She owes everything she is to the Lord’s grace, love, and goodness.

SHENAYA DIAS, Equipping Women in Christ to Build Lasting Community through Ministry in NYC

Shenaya works for Redeemer City to City as the Classroom and Student Success Coordinator for the City Ministry Program (CMP). She has been in New York for the past five years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Economics, with a minor in Political Science on the Pre-Law track from Fordham University. Prior to this position, Shenaya worked as a Paralegal Specialist for the U.S. Department of Justice in Manhattan. She is also an Unreached Prayer Writer for the Joshua Project.

CLAUDIA CAMPBELL, Living on Fire for Christ: Teens Only! 13+

Claudia is a Christian Influencer, podcaster, and speaker who is passionate about living on fire for Christ. Her platform has given her the ability to speak into the lives of young girls and teens, sharing insight and wisdom from the word of God. As a young adult herself, she’s excited to discuss the real challenges that come with living on fire for Christ at a young age.

DANIELLE KAVANAGH-SMITH, Refusing the Rush: Reclaiming Sabbath Rest

Danielle

JESS MCMICHEN, She Leads, She Follows: Conversations in Discipleship

Jess has called NYC home for the last 13 years. She has been serving in various student ministries and discipleship roles for the last 18 years and is currently serving as the Director of Discipleship with One Community Church. She wants her life to be a reflection of Jesus every day. She loves talking about faith, why the Gospel is relevant, and what it looks like to walk with Jesus. She’s also now a dog mom!

MARJI HERNANDEZ, El Arte de Rendirse Bien

Marji

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