RootsTech by FamilySearch recently announced the first keynote speakers for its 2025 genealogical conference, and the line-up is nothing short of inspiring.
Paralympic and Olympic Gold-medalists Hunter Woodhall and Tara Davis-Woodhall, respectively, will be taking the RootsTech stage to tell the story of their relationship and careers as track and field athletes. You may remember the photos of their ecstatic victory hugs that went viral during the Paris Games.
Married in 2022, Tara and Hunter made history in Paris this year when they became the first couple to each win gold at the Olympics and Paralympics during the same Games. They will give their keynote address on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in person and available to watch online.
Another keynote speaker will be Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of anti-apartheid activist and first black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Ndaba published a memoir in 2018 about his childhood living with his grandfather, and he carries on Nelson’s legacy through writing, speaking, and philanthropic endeavors. He will be presenting virtually at RootsTech starting Thursday, March 6, 2025, and discussing the many generations of the Mandela family.
The fourth keynote speaker announced is Dana Tanamachi. She works as an artist for several companies, including Nike, Google, Target, and Starbucks, and has designed cover art for major print publications. She strives for gaman, a Japanese term for dignified patience during hardship, and is inspired by the gaman shown by her Japanese-American great-grandparents who created art in the WWII internment camps. She will be giving her keynote address in person on Friday, March 7, 2024. Her presentation will also be available to watch online.
Learn more about RootsTech 2025 and the keynote speakers at Church News.
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