Phoenix, AZ

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.

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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.

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