The Empower Freedom Conference 2026 presented by SCHEELS

Join us for the Empower Freedom Conference 2026 presented by SCHEELS. In its 5th year, this conference is hosted by Fierce Freedom to equip communities towards disrupting cycles of human trafficking & exploitation in their personal and professional spheres of influence. 

What to Expect? In the morning we'll hear from JoDee Neil, author, leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and consultant who has served as a Chief Prosecutor of Crimes Against Children. JoDee has learned through her memoir Outcry Witness that justice lives inside us, and not necessarily exclusive to the courtroom.

JoDee will share that the process of disclosure is what heals the human soul, and the presence of a competent advocate and witness is more healing than waiting for a court date.

We'll also be joined by Jenny Almquist, Founder of Fierce Freedom, Nonprofit Organizational Advisor, and Spiritual Director. Jenny will share about her journey from near burnout to inner peace, offering vital insights on the essential role of inner work and rest when engaging sustainably in justice work.

Our final keynote speaker is Starla Thompson. She will share with attendees about her work as the founder of Walks With a Good Heart, LLC and a leader with Waking Women Healing Institute (WWHI), an Indigenous and survivor-led organization dedicated to addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

The event also hosts an afternoon panel featuring all keynote speakers and Kati Ann Dussl, Ganawenindiwag (DVSA) Program Manager, St. Croix Tribal Services. This interactive panel will explore survivor-centered care, prevention strategies, and the real-life impact of community support.

At this year’s Empower Freedom Conference, we also invite attendees to experience the powerful What Were You Wearing? art installation—a project that challenges the narrative of victim-blaming and invites us to rethink the questions we ask survivors.

Ticketing includes: all day session access, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, conference materials, and door prize entry.

Ticket deadline: October 7 at 12 noon

We hope to see you there for an amazing day of learning and empowerment!