GBS Mother & Daughter Realtor Team of Freedom Realty, Proudly Sponsors JNAC 2025 Faith & Finance Conference: Faith to Flourish

GBS Mother & Daughter Realtor Team of Freedom Realty, Proudly Sponsors JNAC 2025 Faith & Finance Conference: Faith to Flourish

GBS Mother & Daughter Real Estate was honored to sponsor and actively participate in the 2025 Faith & Finance Conference, hosted by our home church, Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan, Illinois. Held from April 3–6, 2025, this powerful, four-day gathering was centered around the inspiring theme, “Faith to Flourish.” It reminded us all that when faith is the foundation, flourishing—spiritually, financially, and purposefully—is not only possible, it’s promised.

The conference brought together dynamic speakers, professionals, and faith leaders from across the community to lead empowering sessions on topics including financial literacy, credit habits, insurance, entrepreneurship, and forming an LLC. Each session reflected the heart of the theme: merging biblical truth with practical financial strategies to help individuals, families, and businesses thrive.

One of the most impactful moments of the event was the Pitch Contest, modeled after the TV show Shark Tank. Aspiring entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their business ideas before a panel of respected judges:

• Eddie Nero, Owner of Big Ed’s Barbeque

• Gwen Broughton, Broker with Freedom Realty

• Eddie Soto, Director at Lake County Tech Hub & Business Incubator

• Casandra Slade, Vice President – Community Development Officer at Lake Forest Bank & Trust

Their collective expertise and encouraging feedback equipped each contestant with not only next steps, but renewed confidence. Four winners were selected and awarded financial support to launch or grow their business ideas—another clear example of what it means to flourish by faith.

Friday evening featured a powerful speakers such as our valued partner, Tammy Moore, Divisional Vice President of Diamond Residential Mortgage. As a seasoned mortgage lender and woman of faith, Tammy spoke on Faith and Finance: Investing in Yourself and Your Family. Her message highlighted the importance of homeownership, generational wealth, and building a legacy rooted in both biblical principles and sound financial decisions. Her heartfelt wisdom and professional insight were integral to the conference, and her presence reminded us that real estate and faith can work hand-in-hand to uplift families and transform futures.

Also featured that evening was an authentic and inspiring panel discussion with business leaders, including Kizzie White, owner and licensed esthetician of Kizzie Dior Beauty. Kizzie’s presence was a heartfelt highlight. She shared her journey with honesty and grace, speaking on the power of vulnerability and the necessity of asking for help in business. She emphasized the value of seeking mentors, staying teachable, and remaining grounded in purpose. Kizzie also opened up about her personal struggles with health over the years, and how she chose not to let those challenges deter her—but rather fuel her faith, passion, and perseverance. Her testimony was a powerful reminder that when we trust God, even our greatest trials can become stepping stones toward flourishing.

Throughout the conference, attendees heard additional testimonies from business owners who’ve boldly integrated their faith into the core of their operations. These stories of perseverance, integrity, and divine guidance brought the theme Faith to Flourish to life, inspiring attendees to trust God deeply—even in the midst of uncertainty.

Breakout sessions offered deeper insight into money management, legacy planning, and investment strategies. Marfina Peralta Alfonso, Regional Vice President and Investment Adviser Representative with PrimeAmerica, led a standout session on developing healthy credit habits, insurance planning, and long-term financial growth. Each session reinforced that flourishing begins with faith, but is sustained by wise stewardship.

As an added personal milestone, we were excited to graduate from the 8-week Smart Money Moves financial literacy course, also hosted by Jesus Name Apostolic Church and led by the phenomenal Lynda Paul, CFP, CPA, MBA, author of Making Sound Money Moves. This engaging and enriching course covered vital topics such as investing, money and marriage, and the mental and spiritual blocks to building wealth. Walking the stage together as a mother-daughter team was a special moment for us—proof that learning and growing together honors both family and faith. As brokers, the knowledge we gained further strengthens how we serve our clients and community.

To bring the conference to a close, Pastor Tiffany Peppers delivered a dynamic and spirit-led sermon that tied every session, every testimony, and every challenge back to the power of faith. She reminded us that financial growth without spiritual grounding is fragile—and that true flourishing comes from a foundation built on biblical truth. Her message wove together the weekend’s themes—credit habits, entrepreneurship, business structure, investing, marriage and money, and financial literacy—under the banner of God’s provision and purpose.

She encouraged us all to rise above fear, to believe again in the vision God placed in our hearts, and to use our faith to flourish—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.

As a sweet finale to an unforgettable weekend, we celebrated with a creative, theme-inspired money bag cake—a beautiful and delicious symbol of faith-based abundance—crafted by owner and baker extraordinaire Shanda McKnight of S’More Sweets. Supporting local businesses like hers is just one more way we can pour back into our community and reinforce the value of keeping our faith and finances aligned.

Final Thoughts

At GBS Mother & Daughter Real Estate, our mission extends beyond real estate. We are committed to helping others build lives marked by people, purpose, and prosperity—all rooted in faith. The 2025 Faith & Finance Conference was more than an event; it was a movement. Under the theme Faith to Flourish, we witnessed hearts lifted, visions reignited, and tools placed in the hands of those ready to take the next step.

We thank Jesus Name Apostolic Church for creating space for such a transformational experience, and we look forward to future opportunities to serve, support, and uplift our community with excellence and faith.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

Blessings,

Gwen & Scherrie