Monday, September 28 - Opening Session Keynote 

Welcome to the Volunteer State!

Presenter: Christine Williamson

Volunteerism is more than an activity—it’s a mindset that shapes how we lead, serve, and show up in our communities. The Volunteer State of Mind explores what it truly means to live a life grounded in service, even amid competing demands and complex challenges. This session reframes volunteerism as an identity rather than an obligation, emphasizing the quiet, consistent ways individuals make a lasting impact.

Participants will examine how service extends beyond traditional definitions, highlighting the role of mentorship, education, and opportunity as powerful forms of volunteerism. The session underscores how those who have opened doors for us modeled service—and how we, in turn, carry that responsibility forward for others.

Through the lens of NEAFCS member work, this session will also illustrate the ripple effect of engagement at the local level. Serving one family, one classroom, or one county at a time may seem small, but it is precisely how meaningful, sustainable change is built. Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on their role as changemakers and practical insight into amplifying their impact through everyday acts of service.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to articulate volunteerism as a personal and professional identity — recognizing how their daily work as Extension professionals reflects a sustained commitment to service beyond traditional definitions of volunteering.

2. Participants will be able to identify at least one way they currently serve as a mentor, educator, or opportunity-creator for others — and apply a framework for intentionally investing in the next generation of community leaders.

3. Participants will be able to describe the ripple effect of localized service efforts — connecting their individual community impact to broader systemic change and leaving with renewed confidence in the significance of their work.

Speaker Bio:  Christine Electra Williamson is a lifelong Tennessean, nonprofit leader, and public speaker who has spent her career proving that volunteerism is not a title but an identity. She currently serves as Associate Director of the Morning Pointe Foundation, where she leads fundraising, donor and sponsor engagement, multi-city event execution, and partnership development. She is also the Founder and CEO of Christine Electra & Company, a consulting and coaching practice serving pageant competitors and high-performing professionals.

As Miss Tennessee 2018, Christine served as the Governor's Official Spokesperson for Character Education, traveling more than 80,000 miles and speaking to over 73,000 students, setting program records for school visits. She represented Tennessee at Miss America 2019, where she became the first Miss Tennessee nominated for the Women in Business Award and the only contestant in her class named a finalist for two awards. She later became the first Miss Tennessee Volunteer, the first state titleholder in the Miss Volunteer America program, and in 2021 was crowned the first ever America's Ideal Miss.

She holds a Master of Business Administration and Data Analytics Certification from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations from the University of Mississippi, and a Contract Law Certification from Harvard University.

A dedicated Alzheimer's Association advocate for over a decade, Christine has served as both National Ambassador and Tennessee State Congressional Advocate, raising more than $33,000 and lobbying Congress and the Tennessee Legislature on behalf of Alzheimer's research and care.
Whether speaking to schoolchildren, nonprofit leaders, or senators, Christine carries the spirit of the Volunteer State wherever she goes.

Thursday, October 1 - Closing Session Speaker 

Consumed: The Science Behind What Families Choose

Presenter: Undrae Johnson

This speech explores how families consume—examining not just what families buy, but the science behind how they make decisions, form habits, and influence one another. Drawing from research in behavioral science, psychology, and community studies, the message unpacks the patterns that shape family choices around health, finances, media, and lifestyle. Through discovery and practical insight, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the forces that drive consumption and how intentional decisions can transform family outcomes for generations.

Learning Objectives: 

• Financial Affordability
• Cultural Habits
• Available Resources 

Speaker Bio: Undrae Johnson is the founding Pastor of Family Life Fellowship Church in Brownsville, Tennessee… which was established in 2005. Under his visionary leadership, Family Life Fellowship has grown into a thriving ministry committed to spiritual growth, community impact, and holistic wellness. As Pastor, Undrae is passionate about building strong families, empowering leaders, and fostering a church culture that meets both spiritual and practical needs within the community.

In addition to his pastoral leadership, Undrae serves as the Brownsville- Haywood County Parks & Recreation Director, where he champions initiatives that promote health, wellness, and community engagement. His dedication to public service and community development led to his selection as the 2022-2023 State President of the Tennessee Recreation and Park Association, where he provided leadership and strategic direction to recreation professionals across the state.

He is a Leadership Haywood Graduate (2018) and a WestStar Regional Leadership Graduate (2023), reflecting his ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and regional development.

Undrae has worked closely with Tennessee Extension at both the county and state levels. He has served as an Extension conference presenter and as a member of the statewide Extension Advisory

Council, contributing to educational outreach, community health initiatives, and leadership development efforts throughout Tennessee.

Demonstrating a commitment to health and sustainable community impact, Family Life Fellowship became the first church in Tennessee to receive Gold Recognition from the Tennessee Governor’s Foundation’s “Healthier TN” program. Receiving this designation was based on implementing policy, systems, and environmental changes that promoted healthier living.

Beyond his professional and ministry leadership, Undrae is a devoted husband of 32 years to Rena Wilson Johnson. Together, they are the proud parents of three adult children who live and work in Nashville, Tennessee.

Through ministry, public service, and community partnerships, Undrae Johnson continues to lead with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to strengthening both faith and community.