Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference

2023 Speakers

Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean is creator and host of The Gist, a weekly Catholic women’s television talk show on CatholicTV. She is also host of the Girlfriends podcast and creator of the Girlfriends Community, a supportive and encouraging online community for Catholic women from all walks of life. Danielle is author of ten books, including You Are Enough, and Giving Thanks and Letting Go. Her most recent book, Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday, is an intimate and down-to-earth read that encourages us to slow down and experience God in everyday moments.

Fr. Michael Denk

Fr. Michael Denk is the Founder of The Prodigal Father, whose mission is to inspire, introduce, and guide people in a deep and authentic life of prayer. This inclues leading them to an intimate, mystical, and personal relationship with God their Father, in and through Jesus Christ, and through the workings of the Holy Spirit.  Fr Denk is also an International speaker, author, prolific writer, and blogger. His books include Pray40Days: The Personal Relationship With God You Have Always Wanted & PrayAdvent. He has been published in numerous periodicals. 

Fr. Rob Galea

Fr Rob Galea is an ordained Catholic Priest and is currently serving in Sandhurst Diocese, Victoria, Australia. He is a singer and songwriter with an international fan base.  He was a contestant in Australia’s 2015 The X Factor He also sang the English versions of the official 2008, 2016 & 2019 World Youth Day songs.  He and his team currently minister to over 400,000 young people each year, carrying Christ’s message of hope and relationship with Jesus to all they encounter. Fr Rob’s passion is to draw others to the heart of God. He believes that music and film are an important instrument in helping people understand the need for intimacy with God.

Paula Umana

Paula is the author of 40 gifts of Hope and host of the podcast Hope for the Sick and Suffering. Her main vocation is to provide Catholic resources to encourage and help those dealing with suffering and illness and with the main ingredient, hope.  Paula is also a former #1 tennis player in her country of origin, Costa Rica, and Central America. After her 5th childbirth, she suddenly became sick due to a nervous system disorder called CIDP which left her quadriplegic. After hundreds of prayers from friends and family, pilgrimages, and extreme treatments, Paula was able to start moving. Thanks to her Catholic faith, joy from the Holy Spirit, hope, and courage she has surpassed everyone’s expectations.

Mass Celebrant:

Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes

Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes was ordained and installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus on May 31, 2022. He was serving as pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Cincinnati, Ohio from 2019 until his ordination and installation. From 2016-2019, he was a member of the Staff of the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. From 2008-2016, he was the Dean of the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary of the West in Cincinnati and an associate professor of moral theology. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome.

Music By:

Hannah Shaefer

Hannah Schaefer is a rising female role model and compelling Contemporary Christian Artist in the Catholic Church. She is a passionate speaker & a multi international award-winning singer/songwriter.

Emcee:

Debbie Georgianni 

Debbie Georgianni is a writer, inspirational speaker and certified health/wellness coach. Debbie co-hosts with Jerry Usher, Take 2, a live weekday radio show on the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network. Debbie has a passion for our Catholic faith and a deep commitment to spreading that faith using the media to its greatest potential.