Introducing the RootsTech 2025 Theme and Global Emcees!

"Discover" Is the Theme for RootsTech 2025

Although a single word, "discover" means endless possibilities and inspirational experiences for those who participate in the world’s largest family history celebration this year.

Discover your story.
Discover connection.
Discover you and so much more!

The idea that knowing your family story makes you more resilient and more capable of overcoming challenges isn’t just a hypothetical. It’s a benefit that experts have been talking about for years! Wherever you live, whatever your background, RootsTech is your once-a-year opportunity to discover something new about that story and connect with it on a deeper level.

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The world's largest genealogy conference is now available to you online, with hundreds of classes and many powerful videos that are sure to inspire.

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Introducing the 11 Global Emcees for RootsTech 2025

As the world’s largest family discovery celebration, RootsTech definitely needs a commentator—or should we say emcee? No matter where you are or what language you speak, our emcees will share in your enthusiasm as you journey to discover at RootsTech 2025.

This year's global event will feature 11 emcees! These engaging personalities from 11 different backgrounds and 11 different languages will help you feel right at home on March 6–8. They will be involved in interviewing keynotes, pointing out RootsTech tidbits so you don't miss a thing, and more!

Meet the RootsTech Emcee Who Speaks Your Language

Check out the lineup of RootsTech 2025 emcees, and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy RootsTech in the language you’re most comfortable in.

Suzan Mazzawi sitting in a restaurant and smiling at the camera

Arabic: Suzan Mazzawi

Suzan is a business leader, entrepreneur, and notable musician from the Middle East. She started her career as a singer at the age of 11 and later spent more than 16 years as a television and radio broadcaster. A devoted wife and mother, Suzan seeks to empower women through philanthropic mentorship and employment programs. She is currently the CEO of an advertising firm and a well-known social media lifestyle influencer.

Cantonese: Matthew Kho

Born in Guangxi, China, and raised in Hong Kong, Matthew holds a degree in Industrial Design from Brigham Young University and works for a company that specializes in maternity and baby well-care devices. Since 1994, Matthew has served as a Cantonese interpreter, sharing his linguistic skills whenever and wherever they are needed. He lives in Utah with his wife, 4 children, and 2 grandchildren.

Close up image of Jan Hadzik smiling at the camera

German: Jan Hadzik

Originally from Germany, Jan is a former teacher of history, German, and physics; he now serves as an Experience Manager at FamilySearch International. Jan specializes in the peoples, records, and heritages of Europe. At home, he and his wife share their love of discovery with their 2 children by inventing and playing board games.

A close up of Kirby Heyborne smiling at the camera

English: Kirby Heyborne

An actor, a songwriter, a singer, a comedian, and an audio-book narrator—Kirby is back for his third RootsTech in a row. Consequently, he’s now a beloved RootsTech personality, and his daily appearances on the main stage are as inspiring as they are funny. Beyond RootsTech, he has acted in a variety of commercials and TV shows and is an acclaimed narrator for audio books. He and his wife are the parents of 3 children.

Image of Arielle Pletain smiling at the camera

French: Arielle Pletain

Born in the United States yet raised in France, Arielle has since developed a passion for travel and exploring new cultures. After living in Asia for 18 months, she adopted Malaysian food as her all-time favorite cuisine. What excites Arielle most about genealogy is uncovering the stories of her ancestors and discovering the unique journeys that shaped her family.

Italian: Denise Sottili

Denise was born in Florence into a family of musicians, where connecting with an audience became second nature. In recent years, she has contributed to FamilySearch International by helping expand access to Italian and Portuguese records. Currently, she is furthering her academic studies to broaden her expertise. Denise is a mother of 3 and lives in Pisa, Italy.

Japanese: Hiromi Ogata

Hiromi Ogata was born in Yamaguchi, Japan. After her husband graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, they moved to San Jose, California, where they still live. Hiromi fulfilled her childhood dream job by previously working as a radio commentator at a local radio station. She is very excited to use her talent again as an emcee at RootsTech 2025.

Korean: Jin Young Park

Jin Young Park has a degree in psychology and holds a Ph.D in journalism. She has a background in hosting and media and has worked as announcer at KBS and TBN. She is also a published author on the topic of Communication Skills.

Jin Young is a wife and mother of three children and she lives in Gwanju, South Korea.

A close up of Chloe Zheng Thomas smiling at the camera

Mandarin: Chloe Zheng Thomas

Inspired by the power of stories, Chloe works for FamilySearch International and partners with archivists across Asia and the Pacific to preserve historical records. Her efforts have made the stories of millions of ancestors discoverable in online searches. Chloe turns historical data into meaningful resources that help others explore their family history.

Portuguese: Nicole Luz

Nicole made her musical debut on Brazilian television at the age of 9, then became a star at 13 when, on an episode of The Voice Kids Brasil, all the coaches turned to her. A scholarship student at the Brasilia Musical Theater School, she has performed in Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon, and Rent, and she’s currently on tour with the Disney show Magic and Symphony. Her songs on Spotify average more than 14,000 listeners a month!

Irene Caso standing in front of bushes and smiling at the camera

Spanish: Irene Caso

Born in Madrid, Spain, Irene has built a successful career in broadcasting and media, including more than 13 years as a reporter and news director. She anchored newscasts for 7 Univision stations across the U.S. and now serves as a Media Relations Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lives in Davis County, Utah, with her husband and their family.

Discover What Matters Most at RootsTech 2025

RootsTech is already the world’s largest family history celebration, but with just a few weeks until it starts, the 2025 event is shaping up to be perhaps the most exciting yet! With spectacular keynotes and global emcees that speak your language, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover new insights, research strategies, strengths, energy, and inspiration.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to deepen your connection to the past and to your own family story! In-person and online registrations are still open for RootsTech 2025. No matter how you join us, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience of discovery.

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.

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