Welcome to the Catholic Women’s Conference! We are thrilled to present to you a conference with Catholic speakers who will inspire us and lead us into the depths of God’s love for us. Please scroll below to learn more about each of our speakers and what they will share with us during their talks.
Keynote Speakers
Morning Keynote in English
Sister Anna Laura Karp, OP
Nashville Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia
Talk title: Real Beauty in an Artificial Age: Radiating the Beauty of Christ
Read full bio & talk description What Sister Anna Laura will talk about: In an age saturated with artificial intelligence, filtered images, and digital illusions, what does it truly mean to be beautiful? In this opening keynote, Sister Anna Laura explores beauty through a Catholic lens, emphasizing truth, goodness, participation in divine glory, and a path of evangelization that reveals God. She will reflect on how women, by baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, are called to be living icons of Christ’s love in the world, shining with His light in their families, parishes, and communities. Come be encouraged to shine with Christ’s light: to let the Eucharist shape your gaze, to cultivate a contemplative heart that discerns the beautiful from the counterfeit, and to embrace the real beauty that flows from your unique and unrepeatable identity as beloved daughters of the Father. Our beauty, when grounded in truth and ordered to love, is not merely genuine; it is radiant. Learn more about Sister Anna Laura: Raised in Arkansas by Minnesota-native parents, Sister Anna Laura and her four brothers grew up Catholic in the heart of the Bible Belt. After high school she studied at the University of Dallas, immersed in the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition. During her senior year, much to her surprise, she began to experience a desire for a life of total consecration to God. Two years later, she entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation and began her life’s adventure as a daughter of St. Dominic. For the past thirty years, she has served as a teacher and administrator in Catholic Schools in Nashville, Cincinnati, Houston, and Baltimore. She currently chairs the Philosophy Department at Mount De Sales Academy in Catonsville, Maryland.
Morning Keynote in English
Sister Anna Laura Karp, OP
Nashville Dominican Sister of Saint Cecilia
Talk title: Real Beauty in an Artificial Age: Radiating the Beauty of Christ
Afternoon Keynote in English
Colleen Carroll Campbell
Award-winning Author, Print & Broadcast Journalist & Former Presidential Speechwriter
Talk title: The Heart of Perfection
Read full bio & talk description Talk title: The Heart of Perfection What Colleen will talk about: Spiritual perfectionism – an obsession with flawlessness rooted in the mistaken belief that we can earn God’s love – can drain our joy, burden our faith, and shapes the way we judge ourselves and others. In this closing keynote, Colleen will introduce the “perfectionist trap” and offer a liberating vision drawn from her acclaimed work The Heart of Perfection. Drawing on the lives of the saints, Colleen reveals how many holy men and women were themselves recovering perfectionists who found true freedom in Christ. Blending their stories with her own experiences, Colleen sheds light on the perfectionist trap, offering practical, grace‑filled insights for letting go of pressure and embracing the peace that comes when we allow God, not our efforts to perfect our hearts. In this closing keynote, you will be invited to resist the pressure to perform and perfect and instead rediscover the peace, trust, and authentic discipleship that flourish when we let Christ perfect our hearts. Learn more about Colleen: Colleen Carroll Campbell is an award-winning author, print and broadcast journalist and former presidential speechwriter. Her books include her critically acclaimed journalistic study, The New Faithful; her spiritual memoir, My Sisters the Saints, which won two national awards and has been published in five languages; and her award-winning new release, The Heart of Perfection: How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfect for God’s. Colleen has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Christianity Today, America and National Review, and appeared on CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, ABC News, PBS, NPR and EWTN, where she hosted her own television and radio shows for eight years. A former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and editorial writer and op-ed columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Colleen is the recipient of two honorary doctorates and numerous other awards and fellowships. She speaks to audiences worldwide and lives on the central coast of California with her husband and their four children, whom she homeschools. Visit her online at www.colleen-campbell.com.
Afternoon Keynote in English
Colleen Carroll Campbell
Award-winning Author, Print & Broadcast Journalist & Former Presidential Speechwriter
Morning Keynote in Spanish
Sister Lucero Espitia
Office of Hispanic Ministry, Diocese of Austin, Texas
Talk title: Real Beauty in an Artificial Age: Radiating the Beauty of Christ
Read full bio & talk description Talk title: Real Beauty in an Artificial Age: Radiating the Beauty of Christ What Sister Lucero will talk about: [This talk will be in Spanish] In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, filtered images, and digital illusions, what does it mean to be truly beautiful? True beauty doesn’t fade; it deepens and multiplies. In this opening keynote, Sister Lucero explores authentic real beauty in an artificial age and reflects on how women can become living icons of Christ’s love in the world. Drawing on stories, Scripture, and heartfelt spiritual encouragement, she will inspire us to shine with Christ’s light in our families, parishes, and communities. Women will be invited to embrace the radiant and redemptive beauty that flows from our identity as beloved daughters of God. Come be reminded that your beauty rooted in Christ is not only real, it’s radiant. Learn more about Sister Lucero: Sister Lucero Espitia, DJ, was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. She entered the Institute of Consecrated Life Discípulas de Jesús in the Archdiocese of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on December 27, 2013. She was assigned to the sisters’ foundation in the United States, in Texas, on September 19, 2016. Since that time, she has served in various roles, including Assistant Director of Religious Education, Director of Religious Education, Parish Administrator, and she currently serves in the Diocese of Austin in the Office of Hispanic Ministry. She holds a technical degree in Quality Control and left her undergraduate studies in Physical Therapy to enter the convent. Within the Institute of Consecrated Life Discípulas de Jesús, she completed a bachelor’s degree in theology. She also holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston and a Master’s degree in Theology of the Body from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Spain. In addition, she has completed studies in Gender, Sex, and Education; Affective and Sexual Education; and Counseling and Love at the same university in Spain. She enjoys music, nature, and cooking as her favorite hobbies. “Give Glory to the Lord, now and forever”
Morning Keynote in Spanish
Sister Lucero Espitia
Office of Hispanic Ministry, Diocese of Austin, Texas
Afternoon Keynote in Spanish
Sister Lucero Espitia
Office of Hispanic Ministry, Diocese of Austin, Texas
Talk title: Motherhood in the Digital Age: Breaking Free from Comparison
Read full bio & talk description Talk title: Motherhood in the Digital Age: Breaking Free from Comparison What Sister Lucero will talk about: [This talk will be in Spanish] In a world shaped by endless scrolling and curated highlight reels, many women may find themselves drawn into envy, self-doubt, and quiet comparison or discouragement. Social platforms thrive on perfect images, while motherhood is full of very real chaos, mess, and imperfection. This becomes fertile ground for envy, insecurity, and the fear that we are not “enough.” Even when we use social media as a helpful tool: seeking advice, community, or parenting resources, the endless stream of information can feel overwhelming. Without the steady reminder of our identity and our vocation, this constant exposure can subtly undermine confidence in our ability to be good and holy mothers. And yet, holy mothers are exactly what the world needs. This talk explores how to reclaim peace, purpose, and holiness amid digital noise; how to re-center our vocation in God’s love; and how to recognize the sacredness of the hidden, ordinary moments that define motherhood today. Learn more about Sister Lucero: Sister Lucero Espitia, DJ, was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. She entered the Institute of Consecrated Life Discípulas de Jesús in the Archdiocese of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on December 27, 2013. She was assigned to the sisters’ foundation in the United States, in Texas, on September 19, 2016. Since that time, she has served in various roles, including Assistant Director of Religious Education, Director of Religious Education, Parish Administrator, and she currently serves in the Diocese of Austin in the Office of Hispanic Ministry. She holds a technical degree in Quality Control and left her undergraduate studies in Physical Therapy to enter the convent. Within the Institute of Consecrated Life Discípulas de Jesús, she completed a bachelor’s degree in theology. She also holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston and a Master’s degree in Theology of the Body from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Spain. In addition, she has completed studies in Gender, Sex, and Education; Affective and Sexual Education; and Counseling and Love at the same university in Spain. She enjoys music, nature, and cooking as her favorite hobbies. “Give Glory to the Lord, now and forever”
Afternoon Keynote in Spanish
Hermana Lucero Espitia, DJ
Diócesis de Austin, Oficina de Ministerio Hispano
Breakout Sessions (English Track)
Samantha Kelley
Founder and President, FIERCE Athlete, Inc.
Talk title: Theology of the Body: Understanding Who You Are
Read full bio & talk description What Samantha will talk about: In a world that presents the body as expendable, beauty as artificial, and standards as unattainable, come discover how God has destined YOU for meaning, truth, and purpose. We will discuss your true identity, the purpose of your body, God’s design for your life, and how to find the ultimate meaning and happiness that God made you for. Learn more about Samantha: Samantha Kelley is an international presenter, author, and speaker. She is the Founder and current President of FIERCE Athlete Inc. She holds an Honorary Doctorate in Applied Leadership from Walsh University, a Masters in Catholic Psychology from Divine Mercy University, a Catholic Innovators Certificate from The University of Notre Dame, Certification in Strength & Conditioning, and Certification from Encounter Ministries. She is a Leonine Fellow, and has extensively studied the Theology of the Body. Her founding of FIERCE Athlete was inspired by her own athletic career, where she was a 9x state champion in high school between soccer, ice hockey and track. She also played Division I Soccer at UConn and is currently involved in competitive rowing, pickleball, and triathlons. Through FIERCE she desires to reach female athletes, coaches, and parents across the world and change the culture of female athletics. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her golden retriever Birdie.
Samantha Kelley
Founder and President, FIERCE Athlete, Inc.
Talk title: Theology of the Body: Understanding Who You Are
Naomi Levis
Catholic Faith-filled Wife & Mother
Talk title: Motherhood in the Digital Age: Breaking Free from Comparison
Read full bio & talk description What Naomi will talk about: In a world shaped by endless scrolling and curated highlight reels, many women may find themselves drawn into envy, self-doubt, and quiet comparison or discouragement. Social platforms thrive on perfect images, while motherhood is full of very real chaos, mess, and imperfection. This becomes fertile ground for envy, insecurity, and the fear that we are not “enough.” Even when we use social media as a helpful tool: seeking advice, community, or parenting resources, the endless stream of information can feel overwhelming. Without the steady reminder of our identity and our vocation, this constant exposure can subtly undermine confidence in our ability to be good and holy mothers. And yet, holy mothers are exactly what the world needs. This talk explores how to reclaim peace, purpose, and holiness amid digital noise; how to re-center our vocation in God’s love; and how to recognize the sacredness of the hidden, ordinary moments that define motherhood today. Learn more about Naomi: Naomi Levis is a proud wife and mother to four beautiful children under 5, a certified birth doula, and has a background in social work and Catholic education. Passionate about all things birth and motherhood, she has served in Americorps at Maggie’s Place – providing housing and living in community with homeless expectant mothers. She was a writer and a presenter for Ascension’s TOB for Teens program, YOU: Life, Love and the Theology of the Body. Naomi has offered counseling support to women as an advocate at a pregnancy resource center, and is currently involved in her parish’s pre-baptismal program as a witness to Catholic motherhood. After a brief stint in Camp Lejeune as a military wife while her husband Rob completed his time in the Marine Corps, you can now find Naomi back home in PA on any given day with a baby on her hip, children at her feet, sourdough rising on the counter, and almost definitely running late.
Naomi Levis
Catholic Faith-filled Wife & Mother
Talk title: Motherhood in the Digital Age: Breaking Free from Comparison
Catherine Rose
Catholic speaker, writer, wife and mother
Talk title:A Return to Beauty: Fashion Trends to Truth
Read full bio & talk description Talk title: A Return to Beauty: Fashion Trends to Truth What Catherine will talk about: What we wear speaks not only to who we are, but to whose we are. Grounded in the Church’s understanding of the human person as created in the image of God, this session explores clothing as an expression of prayer, witness, and restoration. Drawing from her book A Return to Beauty: Ancient Catholic Wisdom and Modern Fashion, Catherine weaves together sacred tradition, magisterial teaching, and personal testimony to show how dress can participate in the sanctification of everyday life. Women will be introduced to a Catholic vision of beauty rooted in modesty, dignity, and virtue, and will receive practical guidance for cultivating a wardrobe that reflects their baptismal identity and feminine vocation. Join us to rediscover fashion as a pathway to recovering reverence for the body, joy in our womanhood, and a deeper conformity to Christ in the ordinary moments of daily life. Learn more about Catherine Rose: Catherine Rose earned her BA in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, after which she worked as a pro-life lobbyist and with women in crisis. She has been married to Devin Rose for 20 years and is blessed with two children; she lives on an organic farm with her family in Tyler, TX. Catherine is the author of A Return to Beauty and founder of Chesterton Academy of Tyler. She is currently earning her MA in Counseling from Divine Mercy University.
Catherine Rose
Catholic speaker, writer, wife and mother
Katie Weiss
Founder of Behold Visio Divina
Talk title: Unveiled: Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes – Visio Divina prayer session
Read full bio & talk description What Katie will talk about: Rooted in the theme Real Beauty in an Artificial Age, this small‑group breakout invites women into authentic freedom by learning to behold themselves and others through the loving gaze of God. Katie will lead a Visio Divina prayer experience that opens the heart to healing from the cultural lies that distort our understanding of beauty. This gentle, contemplative session will name and tend the wounds caused by disordered self‑image, perfectionism, and comparison, creating a sacred space for women to encounter the truth of their identity as daughters of the Father. Through prayer, sacred imagery, and quiet reflection, participants will rediscover that true beauty is not manufactured or earned but received – a gift bestowed by the One who created us in His image and calls us good. Come and rest in a peaceful, prayerful pause, allowing Christ to restore your vision, renew your heart, and draw you deeper into communion with the God who delights in you. Learn more about Katie Weiss: Katie Weiss is the founder of Behold Visio Divina, a ministry devoted to helping others know of their dignity in light of Christ through prayer and sacred art. Katie graduated from Catholic Distance University with a degree in Theology. She spent time in formation as a religious sister and was also an art teacher for many years before working in ministry. Through her many years of experience in spiritual formation and art, she founded Behold after being deeply impacted by visio divina in her own life. Her talks and workshops have been featured in multiple venues, such as the Frassati Fellowship of New York City, the Edith Stein Project, Christendom College, and the GIVEN Institute. Katie and her husband live in Steubenville, Ohio with their two sons, Peter and Lucas.
Katie Weiss
Founder of Behold Visio Divina
Talk title: Unveiled: Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes – Visio Divina prayer session













