Sister Tracy Y. Browning recently completed her service as Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served from 2022 to 2026. Prior to her call, she served on the Relief Society General Advisory Council and has fulfilled numerous Church callings throughout her life, including service in Relief Society, Young Women, Sunday School, and stake and ward leadership organizations.

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Born in New Rochelle, New York, Sister Browning spent portions of her childhood in Jamaica, the West Indies, as well as in New Jersey and New York. Her journey to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began as a teenager when her mother responded to a late-night television offer for a free copy of the Book of Mormon. Missionaries soon visited their home, and after attending Church meetings and visiting the Hill Cumorah Pageant and Sacred Grove, Sister Browning felt prompted to learn more. She was baptized at age sixteen and quickly discovered that discipleship in Christ was not merely a Sunday experience, but a life enriched through faith, friendship, belonging, and community.

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As a young convert in New York, she experienced firsthand the power of ministering and inclusion as members of her ward embraced, taught, and supported her. Those formative experiences profoundly shaped her testimony and continue to influence her views on discipleship, belonging, and the importance of creating Christ-centered communities where all feel welcome and valued.

Sister Browning studied at St. John’s University and spent fifteen years working in financial services before joining the Church’s Publishing Services Department, where she serves as an Account Services Director. She has also devoted considerable time to community and civic service throughout her career.

In 2022, Sister Browning became the first Black woman to serve in a general presidency of the Church. Reflecting on that experience, she has spoken beautifully about the harmony created as disciples from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences unite in their shared devotion to Jesus Christ. She teaches that while we may each sing different notes, we are all invited to join the Savior’s choir and lift our voices together in the songs of the gospel.

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Sister Browning married Brady Browning in the Salt Lake Temple in 1997, and together they are the parents of two children. Their family story includes experiences with premature birth, adoption, and the many faith-building moments that come through relying upon the Lord in times of uncertainty and growth.

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Known for her warmth, insight, and deep love for people, Sister Browning often teaches that one of God’s greatest gifts is the ability to see beyond differences and simply love others as He does. Her messages of belonging, discipleship, ministering, and unity have inspired members of the Church throughout the world and resonate deeply with individuals seeking greater connection in an increasingly complex and divided society.

Elder Paul Tonga serves as an Area Authority Seventy in the United States West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he assists in strengthening members, leaders, and congregations throughout a region spanning Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. In this role, he supports the work of the Church under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and works closely with local leaders to strengthen faith, families, and communities throughout the western United States.

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Prior to his call as an Area Authority Seventy, Elder Tonga served faithfully in numerous leadership positions, including as president of the San Francisco California East Tongan Stake. His years of ministry and leadership have provided opportunities to serve individuals and families from many cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

With roots in the vibrant Tongan Latter-day Saint community of the Bay Area, Elder Tonga brings a unique perspective shaped by faith, family, culture, and service. His experiences have given him a deep appreciation for the richness that diverse backgrounds and traditions bring to the Church and for the unifying power of the Savior’s gospel in bringing people together.

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Known for his warmth, humility, and powerful testimony of Jesus Christ, Elder Tonga’s messages frequently emphasize discipleship, unity, service, and the importance of creating Christ-centered communities where all of God’s children feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Drawing upon years of Church leadership and ministry, Elder Tonga brings a message of hope, belonging, and faith that resonates across generations and cultures and inspires others to draw closer to the Savior and to one another.

Dr. Eric Bettinger is a senior fellow (joint) at the Hoover Institution and the Conley-DeAngelis Professor of Education in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. He is internationally recognized for his work in the economics of education and has advised governments in both developed and developing countries. 

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His research focuses on how educational systems affect student outcomes. He conducted some of the first educational voucher studies both in the United States and in developing countries. He has also examined diverse determinants of student access and performance in higher educational systems—specifically the effects of online instruction, financial aid simplification, mentorship, adjunct professors, financial aid systems, and remediation programs. He has also examined how socio-emotional skills affect learning at all levels. His work emphasizes how the actions taken by policy makers and managers can directly influence educational outcomes. His approach integrates theoretically informed framing, modern techniques for causal inference, and the data produced by complex educational systems with the practical concerns that inform contemporary debates in education policy and practice. Bettinger is in the top 5 percent of most highly cited economists worldwide.

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He is also a research associate in the program on education at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Bettinger is the director of the Center for Educational Policy Analysis and a codirector at the Lemann Center for Brazilian Education at Stanford. He is also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and an affiliate of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. He previously held an academic appointment at Case Western Reserve University. Bettinger received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a doctorate in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2022 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Zurich recognizing his contributions to the economics of education. He currently serves as President of the Los Altos California Stake.

Dr. Richard D. Hawks was born in Garden Grove, California and was raised in the Ventura, California Stake. He is married to Natalie Johnson and they are the parents of five married children, with seven grand children.

 

Brother Hawks began teaching seminary in Orem, Utah, in 1992. In 1997 the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to be a coordinator of seminary and institute programs. During that time he earned a PhD in educational leadership from the University of Minnesota. I

 

n 2003, Brother Hawks joined the training services division in the central office of the Church Educational System. In 2007 he was invited to serve as a member of the Executive Council for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. He subsequently served as Division Director of Primary and Secondary Education, as Seminary Principal in Orem, UT, and as a Region Director in Utah County.

 

A member of the Palo Alto Foothills ward, Brother Hawks currently serves on the Menlo Park Stake High Council and works as a Coordinator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion in the 5 San Francisco Peninsula stakes.

President David Haight serves as Vice President of Haight Investment Corporation, where he focuses on investment management and long-term wealth preservation for individuals and families. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area near the Los Altos and Menlo Park communities, he has long-standing ties to both the region and to Brigham Young University.

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President Haight comes from a family with deep roots in the Bay Area and a rich legacy of civic and Church service. His grandfather, the late Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, served as Mayor of Palo Alto before his call to full-time Church service and later became one of the Church’s most beloved Apostles.

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A returned missionary who served in a Spanish-speaking mission, President Haight developed a lifelong appreciation for the richness of Hispanic culture, language, and community. His experiences have fostered a deep interest in the ways faith, family, heritage, and service shape identity and strengthen relationships across cultures and generations.

President Haight currently serves as a counselor in the California Los Altos Stake Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he works closely with members and leaders throughout the stake to strengthen faith, foster belonging, and build Christ-centered communities.

Drawing upon experiences in business, leadership, and Church service, President Haight brings thoughtful perspectives on culture, community, and the importance of creating meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Jakob R. Jones is author of the book, Look Unto Me In Every Thought (2024) as well as several Ensign and Liahona magazine articles including Gathered Together In My Name (2016), Doubt Not, but Be Believing (2019), and Receive the Gift (2020).
 
Jakob served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Costa Rica, San Jose mission. He has served in the church as a bishopric counselor, bishop, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and currently serves as President of the California San Jose South Stake.

Jakob is an organizational leader in the high-tech industry. He began his career with Micron Technology Inc. and has led engineering organizations for Altera corp., Intel corp. and Google. Jakob also holds several patents for innovations in the silicon design industry.

In this workshop, participants will apply principles to look to Jesus Christ to overcome doubt, find answers to the deepest questions of their souls, and emerge with a deeper relationship with the Savior and testimony of His restored gospel.

Brother Tim Hegstrom currently serves on the Saratoga Stake High Council, where he supports stake communications, interfaith outreach, and JustServe initiatives. A lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, he has served in numerous teaching and leadership callings, including bishopric counselor, branch president, institute instructor, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. He is known for thoughtful, engaging gospel instruction that helps members apply eternal principles to contemporary issues. The teachings of Jesus are an excellent guide to communication and relationships.

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Professionally, Dr. Hegstrom is Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies and former Dean of the College of Social Sciences at San José State University. His academic work has focused on organizational communication, stakeholder dialogue, and decision-making in complex environments. A universal key is mindful listening.

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He has taught principles of relational communication to college and university students in the United States, the United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, Germany, India, and United Arab Emirates, as well as to employees in corporate settings for over 50 organizations worldwide.

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Brother Hegstrom and his wife, Jacqueline, have been married for more than 40 years and are the parents of seven children and grandparents to a growing number of grandchildren.

Melanie Yates is an author, speaker, and transformational coach who has spent more than a decade helping hundreds of people discover greater peace, purpose, and joy through timeless spiritual principles. Her passion is helping others break free from limiting beliefs, heal emotional pain, and create lives filled with hope, connection, and faith.

Melanie is the award-winning author of Happy, Joyous and Free: Love Your Life No Matter What, which received an Honorable Mention in the Readers' Favorite International Book Contest. Her teachings are grounded not only in years of coaching and mentoring but also in her own journey of overcoming self-defeating patterns and discovering the healing power of Jesus Christ and eternal truth.

Through her speaking and coaching, Melanie inspires others to recognize their divine worth, embrace personal growth, and trust that no matter their past or present circumstances, they can build a joyful, meaningful future. She is passionate about helping individuals strengthen their relationship with God, deepen their faith, and become the person He knows they can become.

President Ted H. Ong currently serve as president of the Oakland California Temple, having been called to this sacred responsibility in 2025.

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Prior to his temple service, President Ong served as president of the China Hong Kong Mission and has fulfilled numerous leadership callings throughout his years of Church service, including patriarch, temple sealer, high councilor, bishopric counselor, and branch president. 

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Born in Winslow, Arizona, to Albert June Ong and Sue Kim Wong, President Ong has spent more than four decades in the investment profession and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Prudent Investors Network (PIN). An SEC-Registered Investment Advisor specializing in serving public, private, and family fiduciaries, he has advised clients on the principles of prudent investing and long-term stewardship since 1983. Since 2006, he has taught investment portfolio management in the Trustee Certification Program at California State University, Fullerton and is co-author of the white paper Prudent Investing Under the Probate Code: What Judges, Estate Planning Attorneys, Fiduciaries, and Trustees Should Know.

President Ong earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Stanford University and later received his MBA from the Graduate School of Management at Brigham Young University. 

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Together, President and Sister Ong have devoted their lives to strengthening individuals, families, and congregations through service, leadership, and discipleship. Their experiences serving in the temple, in missionary work, and among members throughout the world have deepened their testimonies of the Savior and of the eternal nature of families and sacred covenants.

Their message of faith, hope, and eternal perspective resonates deeply with those seeking to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ and better understand the blessings of temple worship and eternal families.

Dr. Sean Woodland has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families improve their lives and realize their strengths. Since high school, he knew he wanted to serve others, and throughout his professional journey he has had the opportunity to work with underserved populations in a variety of settings. Each opportunity to give back has only deepened his passion for service and strengthened his commitment to helping others thrive.

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As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Woodland relishes the opportunity to serve individuals on a deeply personal level and finds great fulfillment in helping clients make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. He was drawn to psychology because of its emphasis on research, evidence-based practice, teaching, and consultation, and he believes that every person is endowed with unique strengths, virtues, and experiences that come together to form the mosaic of their lives.

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Fluent in Spanish and a member of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Woodland currently serves as a Behavioral Medicine Consultant in the Adult and Family Medicine and Pain Medicine Departments at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento. In this role, he helps individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleep apnea, chronic pain, and a variety of other medical conditions that include behavioral components.

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Dr. Woodland is passionate about helping individuals build resilience, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and hope. His approach combines clinical expertise with compassion, practical tools, and an unwavering belief in people’s capacity for growth and change.

He is married and the father of two children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, including outdoor walks, games, watching Encanto or Paw Patrol, and hosting EFDPs—Emergency Family Dance Parties. He is also a committed (and occasionally masochistic) Oakland A’s fan, loves college football—especially the BYU Cougars—enjoys landscape art, plays the guitar, sings, and loves spending time in nature.

Brother Marvin McCrary is an educator, historian, writer, and storyteller whose passion for understanding people and their stories has shaped both his professional career and personal interests. A seasoned middle and high school teacher, Marvin has served as a classroom educator, department chair, and curriculum developer, helping students connect with history not merely as a collection of dates and events, but as the lived experiences of real people navigating extraordinary times.

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A noted historian and writer, Marvin is the author of a three-part series on the Mormon Battalion published in History Is Now Magazine and has contributed published articles exploring 19th-century politics, religion, and society. His historical interests focus particularly on the intersections between cultures, communities, and belief systems, as well as the ways ordinary individuals experience and shape major world events. Over the years, his thoughtful narrative style and ability to bring history to life have earned him both recognition and acclaim.

Marvin’s love of storytelling began early in life while riding show horses in rodeos and appearing in Smokey Bear commercials, where he would enthusiastically proclaim, “You got it, Smokey!” His fascination with history emerged soon thereafter after watching a documentary about the Founding Fathers and continued to grow through stories of World War II, leading to a lifelong interest in how people, ideas, and societies influence one another across time and place.

Marvin holds an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Gavilan College and a Bachelor of Arts in History from San Jose State University. His teaching experience includes AP U.S. History, World History, European History, English test preparation, college application essay writing, and editing.

He currently resides in the San Jose California Stake, where he serves as a Stake Social Media Specialist in Church Communications. In this role, he enjoys using digital media and emerging technologies to strengthen communities, foster understanding, and build meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Drawing from his experiences as an educator, historian, communicator, and disciple of Jesus Christ, Marvin brings a unique perspective to conversations about understanding others, finding common ground, and building bridges across beliefs, cultures, and communities.

Brother Frank Araujo is a lifelong entrepreneur, community leader, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ who has dedicated his professional and personal life to building community, strengthening families, and serving others. He is the founder and owner of Araujo’s Mexican Grill, a beloved San Jose institution known not only for its food but for its commitment to supporting local schools, first responders, charities, and community organizations.

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A native of Mexico, Brother Araujo came to the United States at the age of 14 in search of opportunity and a brighter future. Through hard work, perseverance, faith, and what he readily describes as countless divine blessings, he built the life he once dreamed of while never forgetting the values of family, service, and gratitude that shaped his journey.

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Brother Araujo has become widely recognized throughout the Bay Area for his generosity, leadership, and service. His restaurant and community outreach efforts have earned recognition from local organizations, civic leaders, and professional sports organizations for their positive impact on the community. His passion for bringing people together through service, hospitality, and meaningful relationships reflects the values that have guided his life and faith journey.

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Within the Church, Brother Araujo has faithfully served in a variety of leadership and service callings and has long been a champion for strengthening fellowship and belonging among members of the Spanish-speaking community. His warmth, authenticity, and testimony have blessed countless individuals and families throughout Northern California.

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At the Silicon Valley Singles Conference, Brother Araujo will present a special Spanish-language session designed specifically for Hispanic single adults, offering gospel-centered insights, encouragement, and connection within a culturally familiar setting.

Mandi Crockett has spent more than 15 years studying and practicing meditation and mindfulness as a way to cultivate greater peace, clarity, and connection with Jesus Christ. Through years of personal experience and specialized training, she has discovered how intentional stillness can deepen faith, quiet life’s distractions, and strengthen one’s relationship with the Savior.

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Mandi has completed multiple certifications and training programs in meditation instruction and has taught meditation and mindfulness classes throughout the Bay Area for several years. She is passionate about helping others experience the peace that comes from slowing down, listening for the Spirit, and becoming more mindful of God’s presence in their daily lives.

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Mandi and her husband, Joel, live in Danville and are the parents of five children.

In her class, Finding Peace in Christ Through Meditation, Mandi will share practical tools and Christ-centered meditation techniques designed to help participants find greater peace, reduce stress, and draw closer to the Lord through moments of intentional stillness and reflection.

Gary Tia is the Vice President of Operations at Bay Area Community Services (BACS) and the President & CEO of GKT Community Systems Advisory, LLC. With more than 20 years of experience in human services, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families overcome homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and housing instability through innovative, community-based solutions.

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Gary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, East Bay. He is also the host of the Brothers 4 Redemption podcast, where he explores faith, leadership, resilience, personal growth, and real-life conversations that inspire people to live with purpose, serve others, and become better disciples and leaders in their homes and communities.

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Throughout his career, Gary has led the development and expansion of multiple human and social service programs for counties and cities including emergency shelters, navigation centers, permanent supportive housing, crisis programs, employment initiatives, and coordinated entry systems, partnering with government agencies, healthcare organizations, and community leaders to create lasting impact. He is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and creating opportunities that help people move from crisis to stability and long-term success.

Miguel A. Largaespada joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 17, a decision that profoundly shaped the course of his life and testimony. Since then, he has dedicated himself to sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and helping others strengthen their faith in the Savior.

He served a full-time mission in the New York New York North Mission from 1999 to 2001 and continues that commitment today as his ward’s Mission Leader. Miguel has a deep love for missionary work and enjoys helping others develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through scripture study, service, and faithful discipleship.

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Miguel and his wife are the parents of five sons and the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren. His experiences as a convert, missionary, husband, father, grandfather, and Church leader have given him a unique perspective on remaining faithful through every stage of life.

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Drawing on his own conversion, missionary service, family experiences, and current Church service, Miguel will share practical insights on staying spiritually connected to Jesus Christ amid the many opportunities and distractions of today’s digital world. Miguel believes that no matter where we are in our spiritual journey, a closer relationship with Jesus Christ brings greater peace, purpose, and joy. His message will encourage attendees to strengthen their connection to the Savior and remain firmly anchored in faith in an increasingly connected—but often distracting—world.

Ruth Olpin is a grief educator, writer, and storyteller whose work beautifully weaves together faith, neuroscience, and hope. Following the sudden passing of her husband, Rex, she embarked on a deeply personal journey to better understand grief, healing, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. What began as a search for answers has become a ministry of hope, encouraging others to find peace, purpose, and renewed faith even in life’s most difficult seasons.

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As the creator of A Hopeful Alternative, Ruth shares heartfelt stories, practical insights, and gospel-centered principles that inspire individuals to navigate life’s challenges with courage, compassion, and hope. Her message reminds us that healing is not about forgetting the past but discovering how God’s love can sustain us as we move forward.

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Ruth enjoys traveling—especially throughout Europe—Jet Skiing on Folsom Lake, playing games with family and friends, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

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Drawing on her personal experiences and years of study, Ruth will share uplifting insights on finding hope, strengthening faith, and discovering God’s hand in our lives, even through unexpected challenges.