Panelists & Speakers
Voices That Carry the Call
Meet the mentors, respected community leaders, motivational speakers, authors, influencers, ministers and faith leaders who gather each month to introduce, equip, and celebrate new voices in ministry. Every panelist brings a story — and a word for this season.
This Month's Panel
Meet the Panelists
Panelists rotate monthly. Each conference brings a fresh panel aligned with that month's theme — new voices, new wisdom, new empowerment.
Lenai Butterfield, DDiv, MBA
Executive Producer | Former Disney Media Networks Executive | Mentor | Purpose Advisor | Calling Educator | Keynote Speaker
Lenai Butterfield, DDiv, MBA is the Founder of the New Ministers Conference™, President of NEWM University™, and Chairman of the NEWM Endowment™ — which provides funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and fellowships to students entering the NEWM certification program. The Endowment™ requires an application and approval process for students ages 18 through 26 enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program at an accredited university, with preference given to Master's degree programs. A highly-respected and prominent community leader and prophetic voice called to the ministry of healing — equipping and releasing God's people into their next chapter of purpose through seasons of uncertainty, transition and change. Having carried the gift of the prophetic for years, Mentor Butterfield moves with a rare combination of spiritual authority and executive excellence that few can match. An accredited investor and visionary entrepreneur, Lenai is the founder of L. Butterfield Ventures and Lenaez Investment Holdings LLC — a global parent company and commercial real estate holdings firm founded in 1998 that has owned both commercial assets and real estate holdings. From 1998 through 2006, the holdings built, owned, and operated a retail chain of digitally integrated day spas — one of the first of their kind to be launched during that era. A Fortune 50 executive whose career has spanned iconic organizations including Apple and The Walt Disney Company, she carries both boardroom excellence and Spirit-led authority. Lenai has served as a Chief Executive Strategy Officer working both as an entrepreneur and a global Fortune 50 senior executive — managing global regulatory compliance, employee relations, building proactive, strategic corporate action plans and legally sound global and domestic policies for Fortune 10 and Fortune 50 corporations amongst the highest ranked in the Fortune 500. She is the CEO of the lenaibutterfield.com platform and the founder of The Lenai Syndicate community — spaces dedicated to equipping, connecting, and releasing purpose-driven leaders into their next steps to meet their goals both professionally and personally. Holding an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity (DDiv), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Global Business and International Executive Relations, a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Science, and having completed the Executive Education Program through Harvard Business Review's educational programming developed in collaboration with Harvard Business School Executive Education, and globally certified, Mentor Butterfield bridges the professional and the prophetic — walking in her calling with boldness, wisdom, and power. Mentor Butterfield's maternal lineage are esteemed members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Additionally, Mentor Butterfield's paternal grandmother was an early founding member of The Links, Incorporated — an international, not-for-profit corporation established in 1946, whose membership consists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. Mentor Butterfield is also the writer, creator, and Executive Producer of the Decentering Men™ podcast on Spotify — a podcast focused on liberating women into a healthy mindset and identity and the Founder, Executive Producer, and Writer for The New Ministers Conference™ and NMC Podcast. Mentor Lenai Butterfield, DDiv, MBA, welcomes you to the platform and upcoming conference.
Rev. Dr. Jeremy D. Battle
Esteemed Moderator | Harvard University Divinity School Lecturer | Senior Pastor, The Avenue | Cambridge Black Pastors Alliance President
Reverend Dr. Jeremy D. Battle is a distinguished professor at Harvard University Divinity School. Hailing from Brighton, Alabama, and coming from two generations of pastors and preachers, he has served as Senior Pastor of Western Avenue Baptist Church (WABC) since 2011. Known for his common-sense approach to scripture and his gift of storytelling, Pastor Battle is a prophetic preacher who connects with people at their specific points of need. A multi-gifted instrumentalist and vocalist, he delights in worship and making the Gospel accessible to believers across all generations and backgrounds. In the summer of 2024, Pastor Battle released his debut gospel album, "In Jesus Name," showcasing his passion for music ministry. He serves as president of the Cambridge Black Pastors Alliance, collaborating with clergy to address critical issues affecting the Black community. Under his leadership, WABC completed over $1.4 million in infrastructure and revitalization projects. In May 2025, Pastor Battle was called as Senior Pastor of Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church and established The Avenue — a unified fellowship dedicated to strengthening community, expanding ministry, and continuing a shared legacy of faith and service. His previous background as an internal auditor for the State of Texas informs his strong administrative leadership. Pastor Battle completed his freshman and sophomore years at Stanford University as a Chappell Lougee Scholar. He earned his bachelor's degree at Morehouse College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude in Political Science. He earned his Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, where he currently serves as Baptist Denominational Counselor and Lecturer of Baptist Polity, and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation from Emory University's Candler School of Theology.
Minister Patricia Thompson
Mentor | Ministry Leader | Relationship Strategist | Purpose-Driven Speaker
Minister Patricia Thompson is a well-respected ministry leader with over 30 years of dedicated service to the body of Christ. She is the founder of the Before You Leap platform community, rooted in The Potter's House of Dallas, Texas — one of the most recognized ministry communities in the nation. Now residing in Farmers Branch, Texas, a suburb northwest of Dallas, Minister Thompson brings a wealth of wisdom, lived experience, and Spirit-led insight to the New Ministers Conference™. A native of California, Minister Thompson has navigated the full spectrum of relationships — with God, with others, and with herself — and it is from that depth of experience that she speaks. Her message is clear and timely: just because one has been declared a leader does not mean they are equipped to lead. Minister Thompson steps into that gap with grace, truth, and purpose. Her focus is on what is required for the next hour of relationships — not only with a spouse or partner, but the foundational relationships that shape every leader's journey: the relationship with self and the relationship with God. Before answering the call to full-time ministry leadership, Minister Thompson spent over 30 years serving the California government — a season that shaped her discipline, her discernment, and her commitment to service. She retired from California government in 2017. Minister Thompson lived in the Washington, D.C. area for years prior to making Farmers Branch, Texas her home. A longtime respected voice within the New Ministers Conference™ community, we are honored and proud to welcome Minister Thompson to the platform as a featured panelist. Her presence is not coincidental — it is appointed.
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ShantaQuilette Carter, PhD, MBA
Life Coach | Mentor | 1.5M+ Instagram Influencer | Transformational Speaker
ShantaQuilette Carter is a dynamic life coach, mentor, 1.5M+ Instagram influencer, and transformational speaker committed to helping people heal, grow, and walk boldly in purpose. She is known for blending wisdom, faith, humor, and real-life experience into messages that deeply connect with audiences from all walks of life. A two-time stroke and heart attack survivor, she uses her testimony to inspire others to keep living, laughing, and believing through adversity. Her journey from pain to purpose has made her a powerful voice for resilience and reinvention. Before becoming a nationally recognized creator and speaker, she worked as a federal employee and IRS Revenue Officer for over a decade. Today, she is the founder of Quiddity Media & Entertainment™ and continues to create culturally uplifting content centered on healing, hope, and humor. With millions of followers and over a billion impressions across social media, she has built a platform rooted in authenticity and encouragement. Her ability to make people laugh while speaking truth has earned her the title of one of social media's most relatable voices. She believes laughter is not only medicine, but ministry. As a mentor, she is passionate about helping women rediscover themselves after heartbreak, burnout, illness, disappointment, and life transitions. Her work empowers people to stop merely surviving and start thriving again. She often speaks on faith, confidence, purpose, emotional wellness, leadership, and personal transformation. Her storytelling style is heartfelt, honest, humorous, and deeply impactful. She has been featured on national platforms and recognized for her advocacy in women's health and heart health awareness. She is also the founder of The Pink Peppermint Project — an organization focused on supporting women and families through compassion and community outreach. Whether speaking on stage, mentoring behind the scenes, or encouraging others online, she leads with transparency and grace. Her message reminds people that setbacks do not disqualify them from destiny. She is passionate about helping others break free from fear, comparison, and self-doubt. Her life and work reflect the belief that purpose can still bloom after pain. She encourages people to trust God even when life does not make sense. Through every platform she touches, she strives to leave people stronger, wiser, and more hopeful than before. Her voice carries both conviction and compassion. She continues to inspire audiences around the world to embrace healing, pursue purpose, and live courageously. ShantaQuilette Carter holds a PhD, a MBA with a concentration in Forensic Accounting from East Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas, USA and a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
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Brian Anderson, JD, MBA, MHA
Mentor | Senior Executive | Labor Relations & Corporate Due Diligence | CHRO
Brian Anderson, JD, MBA, MHA is a highly-respected senior executive and human capital management partner who sits at the intersection of labor relations, employee engagement, and corporate due diligence for mergers and acquisitions for large corporations. With a career that spans decades of distinguished service across some of the most complex organizational environments in the country, Mentor Brian brings a rare depth of expertise that few can match. He currently serves as Executive Director of Human Resources at Mount Auburn Hospital, a Beth Israel Lahey Health member institution and Harvard Medical School teaching hospital — a role that reflects both his professional excellence and his commitment to building people-centered organizations at the highest levels. Mentor Brian holds a Juris Doctorate (JD) from Mississippi College, a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations — a foundation that uniquely positions him at the crossroads of law, business, and human capital leadership. His academic credentials are matched only by the breadth of his real-world impact, having navigated the most intricate challenges of corporate governance, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation throughout his career. In addition to his well-established professional career, Brian Anderson is the founder of Bry The HR Guy — a platform dedicated to coaching individuals on mastering the job search process via LinkedIn, empowering everyday professionals to position themselves with clarity, confidence, and strategy. A man of faith and purpose, Mentor Brian steps into the New Ministers Conference™ as a featured panelist, bringing his wisdom, his story, and his calling to bear for emerging leaders who are ready to walk boldly into their next chapter.
Position Open
We are seeking an industry-savvy professional with experience as a:
- ▪Esteemed Moderator
- ▪Keynote Speaker
- ▪Media Host
- ▪Conference Facilitator
New Ministers Conference™
Certification Co-Instructors
Subject-matter experts who partner with New Ministers Conference™ to deliver specialized certification programming.
Professor Shauna
Guillén-Holmes
Co-Instructor, Certified in Faith-Based Nutrition
Shauna Guillén-Holmes holds two master's degrees and is passionate about helping individuals achieve wellness in mind, body, and spirit. She earned her first master's degree from Liberty University in Human Services Counseling with a specialization in Executive Leadership, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.
She is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and founder of Total Life Wellness — a wellness practice dedicated to supporting the whole person through an integrative approach addressing spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health with an emphasis on natural, spiritual, and holistic approaches.
As a mental health professional, Shauna supports individuals and families through life's challenges while promoting emotional resilience, healthy relationships, and personal growth. As a woman of faith, she believes our bodies are temples of God and that caring for our health is an important part of honoring Him and serving others effectively.
Shauna is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), recognizing her commitment to leadership, academic achievement, and ongoing professional development.
Co-Instructor Vacancy
This position is open for a qualified subject-matter expert.
Co-Instructor Vacancy
This position is open for a qualified subject-matter expert.
VOICES.
Your Voice Belongs Here
Become a Panelist
We are always looking for mentors and ministers — new and seasoned — to join us on the panel. No stage experience required. No perfect resume needed. Just a willing heart and a genuine call.
Panelists are selected monthly based on the conference theme. Apply now and our team will be in touch about upcoming opportunities.
Apply as a PanelistShare Your Story
You will have dedicated time to introduce yourself, your platform, your ministry, and your calling to the community.
Join the Discussion
Engage in an open panel conversation around the month's theme — your perspective matters and will be heard.
Answer Real Questions
Attendees bring honest questions. You bring honest answers. No scripts, no performance — just authentic dialogue.
Build Lasting Connections
Panelists become part of the New Ministers Conference™ (NEWM) community — a network of mentors, advisors and ministers who carry each other forward.
YOUR
TURN.
Ready to Take Your Seat?
Whether you are coming to be introduced, to learn, or to connect — there is a place for you at this conference. Register free and join us this month.