About Us

Smiling woman with light brown hair in a professional gray blazer and white top, posing against a dark background.

Melinda Henderson, Founder

Our story:

INSPIRE began with one woman saying yes.

Melinda Henderson, serving alongside her husband as AGWM missionaries in Vienna, Austria, felt a stirring she couldn't ignore: women needed a space to be equipped, encouraged, and sent. The first INSPIRE event launched in Vienna in 2018, and something caught fire. Two more events followed, the team began to grow, and a movement had begun.

From the beginning, the heart of INSPIRE has been simple: every woman can inspire the next woman to believe in Jesus. Not just missionaries. Not just ministers. Everyday women — equipped, emboldened, and sent back into their neighborhoods, workplaces, and families with faith worth sharing. Talking about Jesus should feel as natural as drinking your coffee.

The women gathering in these rooms represent nations where the gospel hasn't yet taken root — unreached people groups whose access to the hope of Christ depends on a generation of women who refuse to stay quiet. Generations and nations are depending on us.

Today, INSPIRE operates in 27+ countries, with over 22,000 women having attended an event. 24 events are planned for the coming year. Each location represents a three-year commitment — rooting deeply, training local coordinators, building a volunteer base that carries the mission long after the mission team returns home. It's not just an event. It's a movement.

Check out Melinda's new book, Everyday Evangelism!

A cityscape featuring a domed building with lush trees in the foreground, celebrating a 10-year anniversary in Vienna.

September 21-23, 2028

Join us on a very special Vision Trip as we celebrate 10 years of INSPIRE in the place where it all started!

Request More Information

A word from Melinda…

Meet our executive leadership team

paula
boone

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Morgan
boone-onisor

Lori
schmidt

melinda
henderson

Laura
Lee

Partner Development

Founder & CEO

Director of Operations

Production Director

Executive Director

Our Team

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LIZ DEFRAIN

Speaking Team Lead

Liz is an ordained minister, dynamic speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus. She serves as Speaker Team Lead for The INSPIRE Project, bringing decades of ministry experience to the movement. Liz is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of women to embrace all God has planned for them.

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Sheri Hawley

Director of Intercessory Prayer, Speaking Team

Sheri is a wife, mother to three daughters, Noni to ten grands, and she is also an ordained minister. Sheri is ordained with the assemblies of God and brings years of service in pastoral ministry. She has traveled and ministered on countless mission trips. Life is full for our Director of Intercessory Prayer!

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Becky Fithen

Missions Team Director, Speaking Team, Brand Ambassador

Becky Fithen is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God and has been in full time ministry for the last 24 years. Her heart is to see community in the church and the church in the community. To see souls saved and people fulfilling their purpose in the kingdom of God.

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carmen Magana

Brand Ambassador

Carmen serves on staff at her local church as Children’s pastor desiring to see the Next Generation have a passion and deep desire to want more of God and know who they are in Him. She and her husband also serve as Superintendent of the Central District of the Assemblies of God.

Traci mitchell

Brand Ambassador Lead

Traci Mitchell is a wife and mom who loves Jesus, her family, and being creative. She has a heart for serving and enjoys being part of the work God is doing through Inspire. Traci serves as the administrator for The Inspire Project, helping with the behind-the-scenes details that keep everything moving.

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monica moore

Brand Ambassador, Country Coordinator

Monica is a devoted mother of two teenagers who serves as a worship leader and women’s ministry leader in Michigan. She also works as a Child Protection Services social worker, foster parent and serves the Inspire team as a brand ambassador and country coordinator for international Inspire events.

Vivian ramirez

Brand Ambassador

Vivian is a licensed minister, certified parenting instructor, and domestic violence counselor with a heart for serving, mentoring, and encouraging women and families. She teaches parenting classes at a local women’s shelter, where she supports young pregnant women by sharing biblical truths, practical parenting skills, and encouragement as they prepare for motherhood.

mary ritter

Speaking Team, Brand Ambassador

Mary is the NCAG women’s director and an ordained minister who weaves Biblical truth together with authentic experience to inspire others to trust God, connect the generations, and mentor Pentecost.

Susan strahan