The Empowered Minds Conference
What It's All About
Empowered Minds Conference – Las Vegas January 10–11, 2026
The Empowered Minds Conference is more than just an event—it’s a turning point. Designed specifically for former Jehovah’s Witnesses, this two-day gathering in Las Vegas will provide the tools, resources, and inspiration you need to heal, grow, and confidently move forward in life.
You’ll hear from an extraordinary lineup of speakers who will share powerful insights, practical strategies, and life-changing stories that resonate deeply with the unique challenges of leaving the JW world behind. Every session is designed to empower you with clarity, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
But it’s not all about the sessions—you’ll also have the chance to connect with others who share your journey. Expect meaningful conversations, new friendships, and a supportive community that understands you like no one else can. Together, we’ll also take time to enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas, exploring some of the incredible attractions the city has to offer.
By the end of this experience, you’ll walk away not only with invaluable knowledge but also with lasting memories and connections that will continue to inspire you long after the conference ends.
This is your time. This is your moment. Join us in Las Vegas for the Empowered Minds Conference, and take the next step in your journey forward.
Conference Speakers
Rodney Allgood
Debbie Palmer Mack
Debbie Palmer Mack
LAS VEGAS, NV
Rodney Allgood is the founder of The Empowered Minds and host of the Empowered Minds Conference. Having spent over three decades in the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization, Rodney understands the challenges of breaking free and rebuilding life afterward. Today, through his courses, coaching, and videos, he has helped thousands of former Witnesses heal, rediscover their identity, and create lives filled with purpose and freedom. His mission is to inspire hope and guide others toward lasting transformation.
Debbie Palmer Mack
Debbie Palmer Mack
Debbie Palmer Mack
HOUSTON, TX
Debbie is a former Jehovah’s Witness who turned her past into a powerful path of transformation. A Metaphysician, Certified Reiki Master Teacher, and Course in Miracles facilitator, she helps others live The Divine Life™—aligned with Oneness and Universal Laws. Founder of Vivadivine, Debbie combines spirituality with 23+ years of leadership and facilitation experience to inspire people to embrace their truth, unlock their potential, and create a life that feels amazing from the inside out.
Jacek (Jack) Siwek
Debbie Palmer Mack
Jacek (Jack) Siwek
TORONTO, ON
Jack was raised in a devout Jehovah’s Witness family and served as an elder before waking up from the faith in 2014—an experience that brought deep trauma but also transformation. Through years of study and self-development, he built a path to help others seeking answers. Today, he is the author of Fear to Freedom, a coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and proud husband and father. Jack also leads a mentoring group supporting Polish-speaking ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
Wendi Jensen
Kenneth Jennings
Jacek (Jack) Siwek
ST. GEORGE, UT
Wendi Jensen is a former LDS (Mormon) who has become a powerful voice for healing and transformation. She leads the Empowered Former LDS Facebook community of more than 7,000 members and has been a featured speaker at multiple Empowered Minds events. Wendi is a sought-after speaker, coach, and the author of The Healing Questions Guide. This groundbreaking resource helps activate the body’s natural ability to heal through mindful, relevant questioning.
Kenneth Jennings
Kenneth Jennings
Kenneth Jennings
AUSTIN, TX
Kenneth Jennings is an ex-JW, and a successful serial entrepreneur who has started, managed, or partnered in 74 businesses to date. A father, husband, author, speaker, business coach, commentator, board advisor, instructor, franchisor, and lifelong dreamer, he is best known for building the largest residential locksmith and life safety company in the United States, revolutionizing the entire industry. Kenneth has been featured on Fox News, CNN, and numerous other media outlets and publications for his groundbreaking achievements.
Tamara Tyrbouslu
Kenneth Jennings
Kenneth Jennings
LAS VEGAS, NV
Tamara has been a vital supporter of the Empowered Minds community from its beginning, contributing to nearly every event. As a Peak Performance mentor, she is known for helping people connect with their inner gifts and life purpose. Alongside her mentoring, Tamara is a successful Realtor and Real Estate Instructor, guiding countless professionals to build thriving careers. With dual degrees in International Affairs and Women’s Studies, she integrates her passion for multiculturalism and the divine feminine into all she does.
Gary Alt
Cheryl Anderson
Brooke Deanne
Middletown, DE
Gary Alt is a former Jehovah’s Witness and a certified Life Coach specializing in high-control groups, career coaching, and major life transitions. He believes coaching is less a vocation and more a natural way of being. A prolific songwriter and creative, Gary is also the author of five books, including Scapegoat. Formerly a successful Financial Advisor, he now devotes his work to helping people become who they know they’re meant to be.
Brooke Deanne
Cheryl Anderson
Brooke Deanne
CHANDLER, AZ
Brooke Deanne is a Trauma Healing Mentor, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner who helps survivors rewrite their stories and reclaim their lives. Having overcome indoctrination, abuse, and toxic relationships, she brings deep insight and compassion to her work. A best-selling author, speaker, and advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence, Brooke specializes in guiding women to break cycles of trauma, heal their nervous systems, and create authentic, empowered lives of freedom and purpose.
Cheryl Anderson
Cheryl Anderson
Cheryl Anderson
GOODYEAR, AZ
Cheryl Anderson holds a BA in Psychology and has served as a Trauma-Informed Crisis Specialist for the State of Arizona, supporting individuals in acute emotional distress. She also brings experience as a former student services counselor at Grand Canyon University. Now a certified NLP Practitioner and transformation coach, Cheryl helps women heal from religious trauma, childhood wounds, and other sensitive experiences. With compassionate, trauma-informed guidance, she empowers clients to reclaim their voice, rebuild identity, and move forward with confidence.
Aubrey Cruz
Cassie Krause
Cheryl Anderson
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Aubrey Cruz, from Philadelphia, is a certified life coach and creative entrepreneur with a degree in psychology and experience in Fortune 500 companies. Through her platform, OwnUp, she blends life coaching insights with human stories to guide others on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Aubrey helps people dismantle barriers, embrace authenticity, and uncover their purpose, living by her mantra: “It’s time to find your truth. It’s time to Own Ur Purpose (OwnUP).”
Cassie Krause
Cassie Krause
Cassie Krause
SPRINGFIELD, OR
Cassie Krause is a former Jehovah’s Witness who has transformed her journey into a mission of healing and empowerment. As an educator and coach, she helps ex-JWs alchemize pain and trauma into growth, resilience, and leadership. With a background in education and mindfulness, Cassie guides individuals to heal their inner child, reconnect with their authentic selves, and step into lives of confidence and purpose after leaving the organization.
Stacy DeYoung
Cassie Krause
Cassie Krause
TALLAHASSEE, FL
Stacy DeYoung was born and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and remained in the organization until the age of 28. After leaving, she endured a 20-year abusive relationship, giving her firsthand insight into the many forms of control and manipulation. Today, Stacy is the author of Cult Girl and uses her experiences to inspire others, offering hope, tools, and encouragement to break free from abuse and create lives of authenticity and strength.
Information That will Change Your Life
Transform Your Future
It’s time to rise above the old programming that’s been holding you back! At the Empowered Minds Conference, you’ll discover how to rewrite the subconscious patterns instilled by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, break free from limiting beliefs, and step into the life you were truly meant to live. This is your chance to take control, shift your perspective, and start designing a future that reflects the real YOU!
Change Your Focus
At the Empowered Minds Conference, you’ll discover how to release the weight of the past and stop letting old experiences define who you are today. Through powerful insights and practical tools, you’ll learn how to shift your focus from what you’ve been through to what you want to create. This is your opportunity to step into a future that reflects your true potential and the life you choose to design.
The Venue
Hilton Garden Inn Las Vegas Strip South
Our host hotel for the conference is the Hilton Garden Inn Las Vegas Strip South, where we’ve arranged a special discounted group rate just for attendees. Staying at the conference hotel makes it easy to connect with fellow participants, enjoy the convenience of being right on-site, and get the most out of your experience. Be sure to book early—rooms are limited, and this special rate is only available for a short time. Use the reservation link below to secure your spot at the discounted price.
The Meet & Greet
Friday Evening
On Friday evening, before the conference officially kicks off, we’ll come together for a special Meet & Greet at the host hotel—a relaxed, welcoming space designed to help everyone settle in and start building connections right away. This gathering is your opportunity to meet fellow attendees, introduce yourself to speakers and facilitators, and begin forming the relationships that often become one of the most meaningful parts of the entire weekend.
We’ll mingle, laugh, and break the ice long before the first session begins. Whether you’re arriving with friends or stepping into the room not knowing a soul, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by people who share similar journeys, goals, and a desire to grow. By the time the conference starts the next morning, you’ll already feel a sense of familiarity, comfort, and community—setting the tone for an empowering, transformative weekend ahead.
Moments from Prior Empowered Minds Conferences
