“Worthy Now” Conference to Take Place Nov. 6

Lee University will host "Worthy Now," a conference for women of all ages, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in the Science and Math Complex Great Room, located on the corner of North Ocoee Street and Billy Graham Avenue.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Worthy Now group, which began as a grassroots movement to embrace worth, empower others, and inspire calling. Worthy Now is a collaborative effort sponsored by Lee's campus ministries.

"As we mark the 10th anniversary of Worthy Now, we are reminded of God's faithfulness-guiding us from where we began to where He is leading us now," said Stacey York, event chair and Lee University spiritual life events coordinator. "We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue this mission on our campus, as we strive to impact lives and build a lasting legacy of worth and purpose."

Mary-Chrislyn Deerman, a Lee alumna, will be the keynote speaker, sharing on Psalm 139. Since her undergraduate graduation from Lee in 2021, she has completed her master's degree in holistic child development and has served the Lee community in the Leonard Center and LEAP (Learn Engage Achieve Program), and now works as coordinator in the Office of Events.

Lee staff counselors Dr. Ghalysa Swann-White and Dhuranique Ferguson will also be featured speakers. Swann-White immigrated from Nassau, Bahamas, and recently completed her doctorate of marriage and family therapy at Lee. Ferguson is an international student from Nassau, Bahamas, currently pursuing her doctorate in marriage and family therapy at Lee. A therapist intern and co-founder of Imago Dei, a video series and movement dedicated to starting conversations about social justice issues and recognizing the image of God in everyone.

Swann-White and Ferguson will be joined on stage for reflective conversation by senior School of Theology & Ministry students Keziah Sanchez and Yasmin Vasquez.

"Worthy Now" attendees will be seated at banquet-style tables, which will serve as their community for the evening. Each table will be hosted by a designated Lee staff or faculty member, who will facilitate discussion and prayer among participants. Table hosts this year include Dr. Holly Perleoni, Associate Dean for the School of Business, Dr. Deborah Rosenow from the Helen DeVos College of Education, Marbi DiPastena from the Office of Events, and resident director Adalyn Hovingh, as well as others.

The conference will uphold the tradition of providing homemade desserts prepared by Lee faculty and staff for attendees to enjoy.

This event is free, non-ticketed, and open to all women in the community.

For more information on Worthy Now, contact Stacey York, event chair, at [email protected].