2025 Presenters

Talk: The Map Is Not the Journey

Alison Major is a writer, educator, and sailor who left a conventional life to live aboard her sailboat Fika, cruising over 9,000 nautical miles with her husband and two young children while working remotely and homeschooling. She’s the author of Remote Work Afloat and founder of Loop Life Academy, where she helps others navigate uncertainty and life transitions through the lens of long-distance cruising. Her talk explores how we find meaning and momentum when life goes off-script.

Talk: Implementing Practical Sustainability

Dan, with over 25 years of experience in sustainability, leads the development and execution of community-focused environmental sustainability initiatives. As the City of Holland’s first Sustainability Manager, he helps individuals, organizations, and communities identify and develop sustainable opportunities and policies to benefit and serve the residents of Holland.

A published author of the book ‘Practical Sustainability,’ Dan lives in Holland, with his wife and two children. He is passionate about faith, community, and sustainability and firmly believes that all three are interconnected and is passionate about bringing them all together.

Talk: Cultivating a Framework Thinking Mindset for Thriving Communities

Talk: From Bacon to Biotech – How Reimagining What We Avoid Can Change Aging

Jill Ver Steeg is the President and CEO of Evergreen Commons in Holland, Michigan, where she has led a community of over 5,300 members since 2022. Jill’s mission is simple but profound: to transform the way we experience aging, helping older adults live with purpose, vitality, and joy. She believes that flourishing in later life is not just possible—it is essential, and that thriving communities are built on healthy teams and a culture that inspires growth at every stage of life.

Before joining Evergreen Commons, Jill served as Chief Operating Officer for the Reformed Church in America, guiding 1,200 congregations across North America. Jill is a graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City, Western Theological Seminary in Holland, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

A sought-after speaker and writer, Jill shares her insights on health, purpose, and flourishing in what she calls “the third third of life.” She is married to Shane, and are lifelong parents to four sons.

Kelsey Simpson is a dedicated student and volleyball athlete at West Ottawa High School. She is also a key member of I AM Academy, where she collaborates with other young leaders to drive positive change and build community among Black and multiracial youth.

Talk: Lose Your Tribe: How to Become Yourself Without Losing Everyone Else

Luke Burgis is a veteran entrepreneur, professor of business, and bestselling author of Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life. He is Founding Director of The Cluny Institute.

Talk: Braver Not Safer

Robert Heath, Sr. is a nationally recognized Empowering Leadership strategist, executive coach, and keynote speaker.

A former U.S. Marine Corps Officer who commanded one of the largest companies in the Corps, Robert now helps high-capacity leaders align with their purpose, master self-leadership, and lead with impact. With a background in law, education, and entrepreneurship, he’s coached thousands—from startups to Fortune 500s. His mission: help leaders get the best out of themselves and those they lead.

Talk: Insurance is not insurance

Stephanie Wright is a practice management coach for private dentistry, known for turning insurance chaos into clear, repeatable systems. She trains teams to communicate benefits honestly, appeal denials effectively, and protect doctor autonomy.

In 2023, after calling out insurer practices publicly, she received a cease-and-desist from Delta Dental of Michigan—an attempt to quiet a voice that refuses to be quieted. Stephanie blends front-line experience with patient-side advocacy, showing how “coverage” often fails the dictionary definition of insurance—and what clinicians and patients can do about it. Her work is practical, candid, and relentlessly pro-patient & doctor.

Event Emcee

Jair Driesenga is the Vibe & Inspiration Director at Holland’s historic Park Theatre, where he curates live music, community events, and creative experiences that celebrate self-expression.

Hosting everything from open mics to sold-out concerts, Jair thrives on making the room feel connected, inspired, and part of something bigger — bringing his infectious energy to every stage.