Influence Women had an incredible gathering at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center during the National Religious Broadcasters 2026 Convention!
We are so grateful for our dynamic presenters: Futuria AI co-founder Emma Sharma; award-winning actress Jen Lilley; award-winning filmmaker/actress Kelsey Cooke-Guerra; producer/artist Nina May; author Tammy Battaglia; and award-winning producer/director Sheila Hart. Each shared practical insight, creative production, and AI strategies, and encouragement for building a life and career anchored in Biblical truth. Kathleen also shared a powerful reminder about the Biblical city of Ai found in Joshua 6–7: you cannot steal from God; honor Him with your first fruits; don’t take shortcuts or presume; and move forward with His guidance.
A special thank-you to IW board member, Leslie Callaway who opened us in prayer, along with four of our current ten Chapter Directors: DeAnna Kane (Hollywood), Brandi McDaniel (Houston), Sue Detweiler (Dallas), and Cyndi Galley (Nashville), who encouraged attendees, reminding them why Influence Women gatherings are essential and that they are never alone in their artistic endeavors.
Did you miss the annual gathering? Watch for the event recap coming soon on our YouTube channel. In the meantime, tune in to the February Influence Women Podcast with filmmaker Cyndi Bond, as we chat about her latest film, I Can Only Imagine 2, join us for the Online Chapter gathering on March 17th, or an in-person chapter event near you. See the IW website for information and registration.
You can also help fuel the mission of Influence Lab and Influence Women by shopping online with +ShopWithPurpose, and designating Influence Lab/Women as your nonprofit recipient when you register. Use this site as an alternative to Amazon for your purchases and watch as every purchase supports the mission of Influence Women!
Let’s continue to Connect, Collaborate, and Create for Christ!
Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping the landscape of film, television and the arts. With over 100 women in attendance from across the nation, the Influence Women event at the 2026 NRB International Christian Media Convention was a powerful time of equipping members to navigate AI with confidence—and biblical truth.
Here’s the recap report from Kathleen Cooke, founder and global director of Influence Women:
Influence Women had an incredible gathering at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center during the National Religious Broadcasters 2026 Convention in Nashville! We are so grateful for our dynamic presenters:
Emma Sharma shared AI strategies for women in media, entertainment and the arts.
Each woman shared practical insights, creative production and AI strategies, along with encouragement for building a life and career anchored in Biblical truth.
My message to those gathered included a powerful reminder from the city of Ai mentioned in Joshua 6–7, that we cannot steal from God. We are to honor Him with our first fruits; to not take shortcuts or presume; and to not move forward without His guidance.
A special thank-you to our Influence Women Chapter Directors who attended: DeAnna Kane (Hollywood), Brandi McDaniel (Houston), Sue Detweiler (Dallas), and Cyndi Galley (Nashville) who encouraged and reminded us that Influence Women gatherings are essential. We are never alone in our artistic endeavors.
If you missed the NRB gathering, watch for the event recap coming soon on our IW YouTube channel! Stay connected by tuning in to the Influence Women Podcast and join a local or Online Chapter for more interaction with Influence Women
Brand New Opportunity with +ShopWithPurpose!
You can also help fuel the mission of Influence Women by shopping through +ShopWithPurpose and designating Influence Lab/Women as your nonprofit recipient when you register.
As an alternative to Amazon, every purchase supports artists who are changing the culture for Christ through the creation of effective media, entertainment, music, art, and leadership. Sign up here and designate Influence Lab/Women as your benefiting nonprofit.
Let’s continue to Connect. Collaborate. Create for Christ! —Kathleen Cooke
A mission of The Influence Lab, Influence Women creates a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more and become a member at InfluenceWomen.org
Shop with purpose! Support The Influence Lab and Influence Women As an online shop, every purchase on +ShopWithPurpose benefits the mission of The Influence Lab and Influence Women. Plus, it’s easy to sign up! Find out more here. *Designate Influence Lab/Women as your benefiting nonprofit of choice.
Are you experiencing FOMO in the world of AI? AI is reshaping the world of media and entertainment—and it’s moving fast. For Christian creatives and communicators, Influence Women announces an opportunity to get ahead of the curve!
Lights, Camera, Courage: Navigating AI in Media, Entertainment and the Arts
Influence Women at NRB 2026 Nashville, February 19, 2:30-4:00pm
Join us for this powerful gathering of faith-filled women creatives as we explore the opportunities and controversies of AI in storytelling, production, and content creation. From AI-generated performers like Tilly Norwood to the risks of AI-distorted truths, you’ll gain practical strategies for integrating AI while staying rooted in your faith and values.
Hosted by Influence Women Global Director Kathleen Cooke, meet our key speakers:
Emma Sharma – Co-Founder of Futuria AI
Emma Sharma, Co-Founder of Futuria AI A global business executive and entrepreneur, Emma is skilled at tackling messy challenges with courage and strong empathetic leadership. An AI expert, Emma will equip you to approach AI with confidence.
Krissy Miles, Executive Pastor of Nfluence Church/CEO-Co-Founder of Miles Media A skilled media executive, sought-after speaker and wife of Lucas Miles (Sr. Director TPUSA Faith), Krissy is a powerhouse of wisdom and spiritual insight. She will help unleash the power of God in your life! https://krissymiles.com/
Krissy Miles – Exec. Pastor Nfluence Church, CEO-Co-Founder Miles Media
Additional speakers include: Alexandra Boylan — Writer-Producer-Director, “Identity Crisis” Nina May — Writer-Producer “Jesus Freaks,” Chairman, Renaissance Women Foundation Jen Lilley — Actor-Producer-Author, “Wake Up Your Faith” Tammy Battaliga — Author “Written in Heaven” Kelsey Cooke-Guerra — Writer-Actor-Producer, “Re-Opening”
Plus, attendees will have a chance to meet Influence Women Chapter Directors from across the nation:
DeAnna Kane – Hollywood
Brandi McDaniel – Houston
Sue Detweiler – Dallas
Cyndi Galley – Nashville
Join us at NRB 2026 for this exclusive Influence Women session, where top women in film and television will discuss how to use AI wisely and effectively to advance your creative work without compromising Biblical truth.
Sign up today and receive a promo code for a discounted Expo Only Pass to NRB 2026! (Expo pass gives access to the Expo Floor, NRB Worship Service, Crown Awards and the Influence Women event.)
Sponsorship opportunity! Special events like these are made possible by the generous support of our partners. If you’d like to help sponsor this event, please reach out to Kathleen at info@influencewomen.org.
A mission of The Influence Lab, Influence Women creates a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more at InfluenceWomen.org
