“Illuminate – Let Your Business Be a Light”
The 17th Annual Connecting Faith & Business Conference 2025, presented by AmPac Business Capital, brought faith and enterprise together under one roof at the Ontario Convention Center. The event offered valuable insight and encouragement for business owners seeking to grow with purpose and lead from their values.
Built around the theme “Illuminate: Let Your Business Be a Light,” the conference highlighted how faith-informed leadership can strengthen organizations and create lasting impact throughout the community.
Be a Light Challenge Winner: Lena Davis of Savvy Speech Therapy
A highlight of the day was the Be a Light Challenge, powered by The Barnabas Group, which awarded $5,000 to Lena Davis, founder of Savvy Speech Therapy.
Lena’s story captured the heart of the Conference. Through her practice, she helps children find their voice and confidence, turning communication into connection. Her win reflected what the Be a Light Challenge is all about: uplifting entrepreneurs who let their faith shine through their work.
The Barnabas Group: Faith in Action for Business Leaders
A special thank-you goes to The Barnabas Group, whose mission aligns perfectly with Connecting Faith & Business. This network of Christian professionals helps leaders use their business expertise, resources, and influence to advance impactful Kingdom work.
Barnabas Group representatives Jeff Abbott and Michael Garcia energized the room as they introduced the Be a Light Challenge and shared stories of partnership and purpose. Their presence reaffirmed that when faith and business align, transformation follows.
Conference Highlights and Faith-Inspired Leadership
The Conference opened with worship led by Kevin Paul Henderson of Nuen Music and an inspiring message from Pastor Marco Garcia of The Way World Outreach, which set the tone for a day focused on illumination and service.
Special guests included Congresswoman Norma Torres, representing California’s 35th Congressional District, and the Honorable Paul Leon, Mayor of Ontario, California. Both leaders offered words of encouragement that affirmed the importance of faith, business, and community working together. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to strengthening local enterprise and inspiring collaboration across the Inland Empire.
Speakers and panelists throughout the day shared practical insight and heartfelt stories about leading with faith in the workplace. The Beyond the Bottom Line: Business as a Beacon discussion, moderated by Tom Steele with Panelists Celeste Etheridge, Donald J. Scheffler and Nathan Westwick, was widely praised for its authenticity and connection to real business experiences. One attendee shared, “The panel was amazing, especially the gentleman who was a coffee roaster. His testimony and mentorship came from the heart.”
Kiana Webb, founder of Glorious Arisings, encouraged participants to let faith guide their response to challenges, a message that many found both timely and empowering. “Kiana was incredible. She let God shine through her message,” one guest wrote.
The keynote session with Dr. Reggie Thomas of PeakePotential inspired reflection on leadership and perseverance. Another attendee shared, “He is clearly letting God shine through his business, and I loved his perspective.”
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to the many incredible speakers who shared their time, experience, and stories throughout the day. From Eddie Darmawan of D1 Defend to Sarah Oney-Williams of USPS, Vikita Poindexter, and her panelists Zachary Oliver, Matthew Thalmayer, Chida Warren, and Mark Guirius, each brought valuable insight and encouragement. Their contributions, along with the prayers and inspiration shared by Danica Raye-Dedmon, Jerry Musgrove, and Dr. Brian Kennedy, made this year’s program truly memorable.
The Conference closed in a spirit of unity and gratitude, reminding everyone that faith-filled leadership continues to shape stronger businesses and brighter communities.
Special Recognition and Honors
The conference was guided with excellence by Masters of Ceremonies Erik Roark and Nefertiti Long, who brought both warmth and light to the event. Their energy and positivity carried through each moment, creating a seamless and uplifting experience for all.
This year’s Illuminate Awards celebrated individuals and organizations that exemplify the spirit of faith-filled leadership and service. Marketplace Chaplains, U.S.A., represented by Danica Raye-Dedmon, was honored for forty years of transforming workplaces through care and compassion. Their work has provided a light of hope to employees and families across North America.
Jeff Abbott, Inland Empire Managing Partner of The Barnabas Group and longtime advocate for faith-based business leadership, received the Illuminate Award for his decades of mentoring, connecting, and equipping Christian business leaders to integrate their values into their work.
Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, former Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, was also recognized for her tireless advocacy and leadership on behalf of California’s small businesses. Her efforts have illuminated pathways to opportunity, equity, and growth for entrepreneurs throughout the state.
AmPac Business Capital received a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate in acknowledgment of its leadership in hosting the conference and for bringing together leaders from across the region to strengthen the bonds between faith, business, and community.
These recognitions reflected the heart of the event, celebrating those who lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and use their platforms to uplift others.
What Attendees Said
Feedback from participants captured the impact of this year’s gathering:
- “The CFB conference is always inspiring and a unique experience.”
- “This event shows how business and faith can improve my company’s community profile.”
- “The speakers were great, and the service, food, and hospitality were all excellent.”
- “This was an awesome event. What a great experience to connect with other business owners and share your testimonies and hear their testimonies. The speakers were great. The panel they selected was awesome. The service, when it came down to the food cleanliness, picking up the plates, the flavor of the food. Everything was awesome. Hands down.”
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and partners who made this year’s Conference possible.
Platinum Sponsors
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, and San Antonio Regional Hospital, both steadfast partners investing in small business growth and community impact.
Gold Sponsor
Comerica Bank, whose commitment to empowering entrepreneurs continues to shine.
Silver Sponsor
Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center / Time for Change Foundation, championing equitable business opportunities.
Copper Sponsor
Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire (BCCIE), supporting collaboration and growth across our regional business community.
Community Partners
Another Brilliant Idea, Hispanic Lifestyles, Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, and U.S. Bank, who helped extend our message and mission throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. We are also thankful for the many volunteers, including participants from Black Scholars in Business, whose service and enthusiasm contributed to the success of the event.
Save the Date: October 15, 2026
We look forward to gathering again next year for the 18th Annual Connecting Faith & Business Conference on October 15, 2026, continuing our shared mission to help business leaders let their light shine brightly in business and in faith. Keep an eye on connectingfaithandbusiness.com for more information!