Author, activist, content creator @eve_wasframed

Promise Backlund is author of Gospel of Lies, and activist content creator best known for creating @Eve_WasFramed, a widely followed platform exploring atheism, philosophy, and life after evangelicalism. Drawing on her experience leaving a high-profile evangelical family, she challenges religious assumptions and contributes to the counter-apologetics movement. She also co-creates musical projects as Caydus with her husband, award-winning producer Jukka Backlund, in his home country of Finland where they reside. 

Topic: Prioritizing humanity in the midst of the inhumane 

I want to share with you some things I've learned about engaging with those that are the most difficult to engage with… and the importance of not falling for the “us vs them” mentality. If we want to make claims about humanism, we have to be consist in our humanity. 

American Humanist Association president, author, activist, counselor, The Clergy Project member

Candace is a former ordained minister turned atheist-humanist activist, researcher, and writer on issues related to race, religion, and mental health. She is the president of American Humanist Association, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), a member of the The Secular Therapist Project, and a member of The Clergy Project. Candace is also the author of "The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion—and Others Should Too” and “On Death, Dying, and Disbelief.” 

Topic: Humanism for the 21st Century

Religion does not have the corner of the market when it comes to morality and ethics. Because of this, humanism is more relevant to our lives in the 21st century than it has ever been. As scientific advances have increased our understanding of the world, gratifying answers to questions can be harder to find. Humanism is the response. Learn about the past, present, and future of humanism and how it can help you live a more satisfying life. 

American Humanist Association Executive Director, educator, activist, content producer, stand-up comedian 

Fish Stark is an organizer, educator, social entrepreneur, and lifelong humanist. Prior to joining the AHA as Executive Director, Fish was the Head of Program + Curriculum at Legends, an educational technology startup helping chirldren. Fish lives in Annapolis, Maryland, where he is President of the Speaker Mike Busch District 30 Democratic Club, is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, and serves on several nonprofit boards. He moonlights as an award-winning stand-up comedian and has performed in 13 states.

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Life Beyond Belief founder, fundamentalist Baptist pastor’s kid, former worship leader, content creator, educator on religious trauma 

Krystina Celeste is a mom of two, content creator, and founder of Life Beyond Belief, a community supporting ex-Christians and those deconstructing their faith. Raised as a pastor’s kid in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement, she experienced firsthand the impact of authoritarian religion.  She later studied music and worship with a minor in pastoral leadership at Liberty University, where encounters with Christian nationalism accelerated her deconstruction. After years traveling as a worship leader and collaborating with CCM artists, she began to see the performative and often manipulative undercurrents within modern evangelical culture. Now openly humanist and atheist, Krystina creates resources, facilitates healing spaces for former believers, and raises awareness about religious trauma. She shares her ongoing journey from the perspective of a Black, neurodivergent, queer woman learning to live fully beyond belief. 

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American Atheists, Director of Grassroots & Advocacy 

Sam McGuire has a diverse background in counseling, education, event planning, and volunteer management. As Director of Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy she works to expand the organization’s grassroots network, shapes state-level advocacy initiatives, and builds strong coalitions with allied organizations. In this role, she oversees volunteer organizers, community leaders, and field staff to mobilize supporters, influence policy, promote secular values, and foster thriving communities.

Sam became involved in secular organizing and activism following the 2012 Reason Rally, first becoming a founding member of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH) and later President of the regional organization. Sam has volunteered for the American Humanist Association, Camp Quest Chesapeake, and the Secular Coalition for America. In 2016, she was the volunteer coordinator for over 200 volunteers for Reason Rally, as well as helping coordinate on-site logistics. She was elected to the Board of Directors and as President of the Reason Rally Coalition. Sam previously served as a volunteer regional director overseeing the local activism in the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas for American Atheists, earning her the Atheist Activist of the Year award in 2019. She joined American Atheists’ staff that same year as National Field Director.

Sam has a Bachelor’s of Science in Neuropsychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Johns Hopkins. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Humanist Celebrant. 

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