Watch or listen to the incredible keynote speakers for the record-breaking RootsTech Connect conference. RootsTech is one of the largest genealogy conferences in the world, and RootsTech Connect made it even bigger. Best of all, it's absolutely free!
RootsTech Connect may be over, but it's still possible to watch all of the keynotes and classes. Hop on, sign in, and watch or re-watch your favorites!
Meet the RootsTech Connect Keynote Speakers
Nick was born in 1982 with neither arms nor legs. Throughout his childhood, he dealt with many challenges as he questioned why he was different from others. As he grew up, he learned to deal with his disability and rise above his challenges to complete a university degree. By the age of 19, Nick started to fulfill his dream of encouraging other people in their struggles.
Sharon Leslie Morgan is a writer and genealogist. She is also the founder of Our Black Ancestry (OBA), an online community that provides resources for African American genealogical research. OBA accomplishes its objectives by helping to preserve historical materials and properties, as well as by promoting the healing of wounds left by slavery.
Diego Alfredo Lugano Morena was born in 1980 in Canelones, Uruguay. In 1999, Diego joined the Club Nacional de Football in Montevideo, a top Uruguayan Football team. As a central defender for teams both at home and abroad, Diego achieved international fame. Between 2003 and 2014, he played in nearly 100 matches and two World Cups for the Uruguay national team.
Bruna Benites is an international soccer sensation from Brazil and team captain of the 2012 Brazil women’s team. Bruna Benites’s resume as a professional soccer player is packed with achievements, including two Olympic appearances and multiple league and international championships, including the Conmebol Copa America Feminina—one of South America’s most prestigious competitions.
Lorena was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. She was the best golf player in the world for 157 consecutive weeks.
In 2010, Lorena paused her professional career as a golf player to focus on her foundation, which centers on the education of low-income children. Currently, it supports 360 students, the design of golf courses, and altruistic activities.
Sunetra Sarker is an English actress and director. She was first seen on television as a teenager playing Nisha Batra in the soap opera Brookside. Her career has led to many memorable roles and membership in the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). You may have seen her in No Angels,Informer, and Safe House, and playing Dr. Zoe Hanna in Casualty.
bless4 is a pop group formed by four Kawamitsu siblings—Akashi, Kanasa, Akino, and Aiki. The four siblings have become prominent pop stars in Japan and around the world and have performed in tours, concerts, and conventions. Their music has been heard in movies and TV shows, and each of the siblings has unique talents to bring to the table.
Tuminez has had a fascinating life, with many stories to tell that will captivate audiences this year. The role that education played in Tuminez’s life is an important reminder of the power of knowledge. Her journey from the slums of the Philippines to achieving literacy and education is both inspirational and powerful.
Francesco Lotoro is a pianist, composer, and conductor in addition to being a piano professor at the Umberto Giordano Music Conservatory in Foggia, Italy. For the past 30 years, he has been involved in collecting musical works created by musicians in concentration camps during the Holocaust. So far, he has recovered over 8,000 of these musical scores.
Have you ever watched BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? If so, buckle up for some fun this year because Nick Barratt, the TV show’s genealogical consultant, will be the RootsTech Connect emcee! Nick is a historian. He has been one since he was young. Pursuing his early interest in history has led him to several notable achievements.
You’ve probably seen Erick Avari before, even if you don’t know it. A respected character actor, he has played dozens of roles in productions ranging from Shakespeare to science fiction. He's been in movies (Planet of the Apes, Independence Day), on television (The Mentalist, NCIS) and on stage (King Lear, The King and I). His versatile, 30-year career includes not only acting, but writing, directing, and producing.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a male acapella group that performs in the musical traditions of their South African homelands. The choir is well-known for performing in Zulu styles, highlighting their roots through their rhythms and harmonies. The vocal group has been performing now for over 60 years, with their early years dating back to the 1960s.
Tita is known as one of Brazil’s best soccer players in its history. He was only 18 when he entered the professional league Flamengo, which was Brazil’s most popular team at the time. Tita is well-known for playing the forward position. At the young age of 20, Tita was named Brazil’s Soccer Selection while playing for Brazil’s national team. Tita continued playing, and he participated in the 1990 World Cup, where his team made it to round 16.
William Hopoate was born in 1992 in New South Wales, Australia, and is of Tongan descent. Hopoate is also known as “Viliami” in Tongan, but he often goes by the nickname of “Hoppa.” Hopoate began playing for the National Rugby League (NRL) when he was 18 years old. He started his professional career playing for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
What is RootsTech?
RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.
