This isn’t just another luncheon; it’s a place where your work and calling are strengthened.
Phoenix Connect is a faith-based media gathering for women where every luncheon is intentionally packed with tools, insight, and added value you can use right away in your current project.
This is a space where voices are encouraged, creativity is sharpened, and gifts are stewarded for the Kingdom purposes.
Whether you’re a seasoned media professional or just beginning, writing your first book, launching a podcast, TV program, or digital project, you belong here. You’ll connect with women who understand the industry, value faith, and are committed to amplifying one another’s voices. Come gather, connect, and walk away encouraged, equipped, and ready to move forward.
GCU Training Building
Near the Canyon 49 Grill, known as Building 71 (Enter from 27th Ave @ Security Gate)
2600 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ, 85017
What happens when a woman uses her voice across media, ministry, business, and public service for lasting impact? Pamela Carter brings a powerful answer. Join us for a powerful CWIMA Phoenix luncheon with keynote speaker Pamela Carter, Arizona State Representative, Christian media leader, entrepreneur, and producer. Pamela will share practical “tips of the trade” from her decades in television, fitness, ministry, and public service, along with the personal story of how God used each season to weave her calling into a greater destiny. Come ready to be encouraged, equipped, and inspired to steward your own voice, influence, and assignment with faith and courage.
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Pamela Carter is a Christian leader, entrepreneur, media professional, and Arizona State Representative serving Legislative District 4. She brings a powerful blend of media, ministry, communications, business, and public leadership experience to our CWIMA Phoenix gathering.
With more than 25 years in Christian media, Pamela has produced, hosted, and appeared in more than 2,000 television episodes across national and international platforms, including TBN, CBN, FamilyNet, and Dutch Television. She also served as Station Manager for KPAZ-TV, Phoenix's Trinity Broadcasting Network station, strategically spearheaded the launch of Alma Vision, the first Hispanic Television Network in Phoenix, and served as a producer on the award-winning biographical film Karla Faye Tucker: Forevermore, recognized with a Silver Remi Award at WorldFest Houston, with additional Best Biography recognition noted.
At our CWIMA Phoenix luncheon, Pamela will share "When Your Voice Becomes Your Assignment: How God Weaves Media, Fitness, and Influence Into Destiny," offering practical tips of the trade and inspiring women to steward their voice, influence, and assignment with faith and courage.
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Karon Smedley is a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of the IBTV Faith Network. This groundbreaking platform delivers faith-based content globally via ROKU, Apple TV, FireTV, and ibtv.org. Rooted in apostolic and prophetic callings, Karon’s dedication is witnessed in her creation of impactful media content for non-profit ministries and viewers alike.
Through her unwavering commitment, Karon exemplifies a life dedicated to serving others and advancing the kingdom of God. With decades of global business experience, Karon founded i360 Consulting, providing innovative solutions to diverse clients, including Fortune 500 companies and startups. Her expertise drives financial and organizational improvements, earning her recognition as an executive leader.
She earned a Bachelor of Ministry, Business Administration, and Management from Primus University of Theology. Karon also serves on the Advisory Board at the Grand Canyon University Honors College, advancing academic excellence. She inspires and champions exemplary leadership in both media and consultancy.
She also leads a multi-state virtual bible study, and her most recent endeavor, the For the Women Podcast, showcases inspiring women from diverse backgrounds.
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Amber May Hilliker is a nationally recognized broadcaster, writer, and media entrepreneur, and the voice behind The Amber May Show. As the founder of Amber May Productions, LLC, she delivers bold, faith-driven commentary on culture, politics, and the issues shaping everyday American life, drawing from her extensive experience in radio broadcasting. Known for her clarity, conviction, and fearless voice, Amber brings forward real stories, trusted experts, and perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media. Her work resonates with audiences seeking truth, insight, and a deeper understanding of the times we are living in. Beyond the microphone, Amber is a devoted wife and mother. She shares life with her husband, Philip, whose steadfast support has been a cornerstone throughout her career. Together, they have built a strong family grounded in faith, resilience, and purpose. Through her growing national platform, Amber connects with audiences across the country, offering thoughtful perspective, unwavering truth, and a voice that both challenges and inspires.
Karon Smedley is an executive leader, media founder, and Christian Women in Media chapter leader, whose work bridges enterprise strategy and bold broadcast influence. As Co-Founder of IBTV Faith Network, she leads a global streaming television platform delivering programming worldwide across Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and digital platforms. She previously held senior executive leadership within a $14 billion global enterprise, directing international strategy and managing a $90+ million portfolio. She is known for disciplined execution at scale and she translate vision into measurable growth.
With more than 200 broadcast programs produced, Karon shapes multi-platform storytelling from concept to execution and develops training media that equips Christian organizations to communicate with clarity and conviction. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Grand Canyon University Honors College and hosts the Boardroom to Altar podcast. At the center of her work is a commitment to elevating women’s voices and advancing Christ-centered leadership across every sphere she influences.
Michelle Fortin is an award-winning broadcast journalist and Professor of Broadcasting at Grand Canyon University, where she leads the university’s broadcast program and mentors students preparing for careers in television and digital media. She trains future media professionals to produce, report, write, and deliver compelling content for live and digital audiences. Before entering higher education, Michelle worked both behind and in front of the camera in television news, covering breaking stories and human-interest features with depth and clarity.
She is also the co-founder of Top Knot Comedy, a creative venture that has generated more than 40 million views through viral sketches and parodies. In 2019, PHOENIX Magazine named her to the inaugural Great 48, recognizing the Valley’s Most Influential People. Michelle demonstrates how joy, stewarded with wisdom, can lower defenses, build connection, and amplify meaningful truth in today’s crowded and fast-moving digital landscape.
Patty Gottschalk is a visionary creative leader, Experience Designer, and published author whose work lives at the intersection of faith, story, and innovation. As Co-Founder and Creative Executive Producer of WIM Entertainment Studios, she designs immersive environments where narrative shapes belief and identity and meaning is experienced, not merely heard. With deep experience in immersive design, event production, marketing, fundraising, and development, Patty brings faith-centered stories to life through modern media and experiential engagement.
An accomplished entrepreneur, she co-founded a nationwide niche business that generated nearly $700,000 while homeschooling her four children. She has designed and led large-scale fundraising and engagement initiatives for schools and churches, producing millions of dollars in support through immersive campaigns, themed events, and theatrical productions. Patty’s work reflects a commitment to creating environments where story does more than inform; it transforms.
Nicole Mashingaidze is the Executive Producer and Co-Founder of WIM Entertainment Studios, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a business strategist and real estate professional. Her background in entrepreneurship, investing, and business development informs her approach to media and emerging technology, where she builds sustainable systems and revenue models with clarity and discernment.
She has built, scaled, and repositioned multiple ventures, including leading a company from startup to over $700,000 in revenue within 18 months. Through focused study and hands-on exploration in AI and digital media, Nicole equips creators and media leaders to leverage new tools without compromising authentic voice or deeply held values. She speaks at the intersection of faith, innovation, and leadership, guiding organizations to steward technology responsibly while protecting the integrity of story, message, and mission.
We’re honored to welcome Susan Silvestri as the January 15 keynote speaker for the launch of our new CWIMA Phoenix Chapter. Susan will share From Story to Impact: Using Your Voice to Bring Hope Through Media, drawing from her work in film, television, and creative leadership. Her message will inspire attendees to steward their stories with purpose and walk away with practical insight they can apply immediately.
