Summit Speakers
Casey Diaz
Pastor and Author, “The Shot Caller”
Darwin “Casey” Diaz is a husband, a father, and a pastor in Burbank, CA. Casey released his first book about his life called The Shot Caller: A Latino Gangbangers Miraculous Escape from a Life of Violence to a New Life in Christ. By age eleven, Casey was drawn into a local L.A. gang and became the leader of the gang. After numerous run-ins with the LAPD, Casey was eventually arrested and sentenced to 12 years in solitary confinement at California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC).
While in the Segregated Housing Unit, Casey received regular visits from a woman dedicated to prison ministry and who promised to place Casey on her hit list (her prayer hit list).
After multiple visits, Casey experienced a supernatural event in his cell that radically changed his life. From that moment on he decided to walk away from gang life. He vowed to make life better for himself and those around him. After several more years, Casey became a model prisoner and was granted early release by the parole board.
Joe Pryor
President and CEO, Crossroads Prison Ministries
Joe has dedicated much of his professional career to prison ministry. He joined Crossroads with thirty years of experience in corrections, including time spent as the chief chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, senior director of reentry services, warden, and assistant warden. Before taking his first chaplain position, Joe earned his master of divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from Marshall University. Along with his chaplaincy career, Joe has served as the senior pastor of three churches.
“I love the purity of the Crossroads mission,” Joe said. “Bringing the Gospel to incarcerated men and women around the world and matching them with Christian mentors is truly life-changing.”
Heather Rice-Minus
President and CEO, Prison Fellowship
Heather Rice-Minus is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. Heather Rice-Minus started in Prison Fellowship’s advocacy division over a decade ago, where she became a leading voice behind the passage of the FIRST STEP Act and the reinstatement of Pell Grants for incarcerated students. She is a sought-after thought leader and public speaker on the intersection of faith, justice, and incarceration. She is a graduate of the George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School, a member of the Virginia Bar, and a Colson Fellow.
Ilinda Jackson
Founder AND CEO Raising the Standard Ministries
Ilinda Jackson is an acclaimed keynote speaker and author. Founder and CEO of Raising The Standard Ministries, Inc., (RTSM) in Oklahoma City, where she leads six (6) transitional homes for women and their children. In addition to RTSM, Inc., Ilinda Jackson is the founder of The Secret Place Community Church Marketplace Epicenter and co-founder of The Bridge Impact Youth Center in Oklahoma City. Ilinda leads with passion, precision, and clarity. Ilinda is also a chaplain and the Volunteer Coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Justice.
Phil Collins
Executive Director, Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement
“Engaging with Scripture, ever since I was a boy, has been the most powerful and consistent catalyst for spiritual growth that I’ve experienced. It is as I meet and know God in his Word that I’m inspired to participate fully in his Kingdom.”
In addition to serving as Director of Training and Content Development for the Center for Scripture Engagement, Dr. Collins has taught in the Christian Ministries program at Taylor University since 1999. He is Department Chair for Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry and Philosophy Department and has been listed in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers and Who’s Who in America. Dr. Collins is also a pastor with 16 years experience ministering to youth.
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Join us for a “life-changing” event! A unique opportunity to engage with “like-minded” individuals involved in correctional ministry and chaplaincy.
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Registration opens Jan 2!