RootsTech Connect is here, and we can’t wait to hear from our incredible keynote speakers for the upcoming conference. In case you missed our previous keynote speaker announcements, here is a roundup of our 2021 RootsTech Connect keynote speakers:
Erick Avari—Erick Avari has consistently turned out finely crafted performances, from grand opera to soap opera with stops on and off Broadway, in regional theaters, and in some of the highest-grossing films in Hollywood, hit television series, and award-winning independent films.
Lorena Ochoa—Lorena Ochoa was born on November 15 in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco. She is an athlete, mother, entrepreneur, and unbreakable promoter of golf in Mexico.
Francesco Lotoro—Born in 1964 in Barletta, Italy, Francesco Lotoro is a pianist, composer, and conductor in addition to being a piano professor at the “U. Giordano” Music Conservatory in Foggia.
Sharon Leslie Morgan—Sharon Leslie Morgan is a writer and genealogist. She is the founder of Our Black Ancestry, an online community dedicated to providing resources for African American genealogical research, preserving historical materials and properties, and promoting the healing of wounds that are the legacy of slavery.
Nick Vujicic—International motivational speaker and New York Times best-selling author, Nick Vujicic was born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia. Without any medical explanation or warning, Nick came into the world with neither arms nor legs. By the age of 19, Nick started to fulfill his dream of encouraging other people through their struggles.
Sunetra Sarker—Sunetra first came to prominence as a teenager playing Nisha Batra in Channel 4’s cult soap opera Brookside. Over the ensuing three decades, she has become a BAFTA member and a stalwart of British television, appearing in regular roles for nearly a decade.
Diego Lugano—Diego Lugano is a Uruguayan former professional footballer who played as a central defender. Nicknamed “Tota,” Lugano played for a number of clubs in South America and Europe.
Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez—Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez was appointed the seventh president of Utah Valley University in 2018. Born in a farming village in the Philippine province of Iloilo, Astrid’s pursuit of education led her to a successful career in a variety of different fields.
bless4—A talented Japanese-American chorus and dance group, bless4 made their major debut in 2003 with “Good Morning! Mr. Sunshine.” Eighteen years after their initial debut, they have hosted performances across the globe and continue to impress audiences with their talent.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo—Members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which was formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960 and composed of family and close friends, have had musical careers for more than 60 years. They have since won five Grammy Awards and received nominations for many others. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has traveled all over the world sharing its message of love, peace, and harmony.
Tita—Considered one of the best players in the history of Brazilian soccer, Tita (Milton Queiroz da Paixão) entered the professional league with Flamengo, the most popular team in Brazil at the time, when he was just 18 years old.
Will Hopoate—Will Hopoate began playing professional rugby when he was just 18 years old, debuting with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. His professional rugby league career has spanned about 10 years total. Most recently, he was named the “Bulldogs Player of the Year” in 2019.
Bruna Benites—Bruna Benites rose to prominence in 2012 when she represented her country as captain of the Brazilian National Women’s Soccer Team at the London Olympics. Since then, Bruna has continued her successful soccer career.
As you can see, we have so many incredible speakers lined up for RootsTech Connect, and we can’t wait to hear from them all!
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.
