President Julia Ayala Harris
President of the House of Deputies, The Episcopal Church
As Episcopalians and as communicators, we are always singing a new song of redemption, peace, liberty, and love. Especially now, in this moment of fear and division – in our world, in our communities, and in our church – the Holy Spirit is calling us to sing loudly, clearly, and boldly. In her keynote address, Julia Ayala Harris, President of the House of Deputies and second Presiding Officer of The Episcopal Church, will call communicators to their prophetic voice, sharing the Good News in a troubled age.
President Julia Ayala Harris serves as the 34th President of the House of Deputies, where she leads alongside the Presiding Bishop to guide The Episcopal Church in its governance and mission. Together, they balance the spiritual and organizational needs of the church, inspiringEpiscopalians to embody Christ’s love in their communities. Re-elected at the 81st General Convention in 2024, she is the first Latina and woman of color to hold this esteemed position.President Ayala Harris's leadership is marked by a deep commitment to truth-telling, reconciliation, and fostering a church that boldly reflects the love and justice of Jesus Christ.
As a lay leader, President Ayala Harris has championed governance and collaboration, contributing to the life of The Episcopal Church through roles on the Executive Council, justice-focused initiatives, and various legislative bodies. She has led initiatives focused on truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation within the church, advancing its mission to create a more inclusive and compassionate community. Her presidency is informed by her lived experiences as a Latina, a mother, and the daughter of an undocumented immigrant, bringing a unique perspective to her ministry of connection and transformation.
President Ayala Harris’s journey in The Episcopal Church has been one of healing and wholeness, rooted in the assurance of God’s unconditional love. She carries this message into every aspect of her work, inspiring faith communities to embrace their shared mission to build the Beloved Community. Through storytelling, prophetic witness, and pastoral care, she encourages Episcopalians to live into God’s call to bring healing, equity, and justice to the church and beyond.
Krystal Yoseph
Owner, Konjo Concepts
"Life is Konjo, and Comms Should Be Too"
Konjo, the Amharic word for “beautiful,” was the first name Krystal Yoseph came up with for her business, even before inking her first client. In this keynote, she shares her approach to communications, one that blends strategy, cultural awareness and authenticity to share stories and generate impact in her community. Beyond the degree and desire to secure headlines, she will share from experience running boutique PR firm Konjo Concepts in her hometown of Oklahoma City, and how being a "double exclamation mark kinda girl" proves genuine in a noisy world. Attendees will gain insight into Konjo’s methodology via case studies and actionable strategies to elevate their own communication efforts, foster meaningful connections and craft narratives that truly resonate in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Krystal Yoseph brings more than 10 years of marketing, media and public relations experience, operating as the Owner of Konjo Concepts, a consultancy based in her hometown of OKC. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma, Krystal moved to Washington D.C., earning experiences with a range of dynamic organizations ranging from a national trade association, luxury lifestyle publication and boutique public relations firm. She moved back to OKC in 2014 and, after three years with a leading local PR firm, created Konjo Concepts in 2018.
Konjo Concepts was established to amplify and bolster small businesses and local organizations, with services including a very hands-on approach to general consultancy, strategic direction and thorough execution. As in business, connecting and unifying people are paramount to her personal life as well. She is an avid connector and supporter of community, culture and progress throughout Oklahoma; serving on various boards and committees across the metro.