SUMMIT PROGRAM
Summit Agenda
- 8AM Registration Opens
- 8-10AM Continental Breakfast
- 8-9AM Couples Circle Time
- 9AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
- 9:15AM Keynote Address: RECONNECT: Strategies to Resolving Conflict in Your Marriage by Varetta & Graeme Huggins
- 10:15AM Networking Break
- 10:30AM Session I: Reconciliation, When Sorry Isn't Enough by Sherry Jackson
- 11:30AM Couples Circle Time
- 12:15PM Lunch
- 1:00PM Session II: Touch, Talk, Trust: Connecting Through Intimacy by Karimah Cornelius-Stith
- 2:00PM Networking Break
- 2:15PM Couples Circle Time
- 2:45PM Vows Renewal Ceremony
- 3:00PM Couples Sharing Time
- 3:30PM Appreciation Ceremony
- 3:50PM Closing Remarks
- 4:00PM Networking
Couples Circle Time
During Couples Circle Time, Circle Leaders facilitated three activities:
- Introductions, where couples shared how they met and described their best romantic getaway as a union.
- Establishing norms for resolving conflicts in their relationship.
- Writing personalized vows for their spouse.
Couples had the opportunity to share their experiences and recite their personalized vows during a Vow Renewal Ceremony.
Here’s what some couples had to say about the experience:
- “Loved Circle Time Sharing.”
- “Loved meeting new couples at Circle Time.”
SUMMIT SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: VARETTA & GRAEME HUGGINS
Varetta and Graeme Huggins have been married for over 29 years and are proud parents of three teenagers. For more than two decades, they have served their local churches, leading and significantly impacting ministries for Juniors, Teens, Young Adults, Couples, and Adults. The Huggins have led the Couples LifeGroup at Hampshire View Baptist Church for over five years, planning successful Couples' Date Nights, Conferences, Cruises, and Activities to strengthen relationships. They have led weekly in-person and virtual couples small groups and series using material from Family Life and several marriage authors. They are the creators of several successful Couples Series and are currently in the process of publishing one of their series into a book titled That's Why This Marriage Ain't Gonna Last: A Practical Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage. They love using their God-given talents to further the ministries God places them in and they believe God's purpose for them is to strengthen couples and their families for Christ.
Varetta is an Entrepreneur, International Speaker, Executive Coach, and Published Author. Varetta earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Hampton University and her Master of Science degree in Information Systems Technology from George Washington University. She is currently pursuing Higher Education in Counseling & Psychological Studies with a concentration in Marriage & Family Ministry. She holds prestigious certifications which include Program Management Professional (PgMP) and Project Management Professional (PMP). Varetta has over 30 years of professional and volunteer experience in the Government, Professional Services, Religious, and Education industries. In December 2023, Varetta was prominently featured on the cover of the CEO Time Magazine with the headline "Turning Dreams into a Marvelous Reality" and Super Mogul Kathy Ireland interviewed her on Fox Business News Network and Bloomberg TV. As an Author, Varetta published her $500 Billion book in 2024 and is currently writing two books; as an Entrepreneur, she manages V-Events for the Transformation Initiative Inc., a non-profit she founded; as a Speaker, she speaks at V-Events and other Events; and as an Executive Coach, she coaches individuals and business owners on her V-Speaker & other Programs.
Graeme serves as the Head Deacon and Treasurer at Hampshire View Baptist Church, Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach at New Life Christian School, and Chief Executive Officer of Graet Advice LLC. Graeme earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Mount Senario College, graduating Cum Laude, was honored as an Academic All-American Basketball Player in 2000 and 2001, and led his team to the Final Four in 1998. Graeme has over 30 years of experience in Accounting, Tax preparations, Bookkeeping, and Payroll operations and his clients include medium and small businesses, churches, non-profit organizations, and individuals. Graeme also has over 25 years as a Basketball Coach and holds several certifications in Coaching.
GUEST SPEAKER: SHERRY CONDELL JACKSON
Sherry Condell Jackson is a licensed psychotherapist, results-oriented consultant, dynamic trainer, and the owner of Center for Wise Counsel, LLC. For over three decades, Sherry has been impactful in both her personal and professional endeavors through her commitment to service and investment in others. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she has passionately worked to transform the lives of diverse clientele, including couples, families, military personnel, and veterans.
Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Education in Counseling from Virginia State University. She is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and the District of Columbia, Prepare-Enrich Facilitator, Level II trained in the Gottman couples Method, and a Gottman Leader on “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.” Additionally, Sherry is a board-approved clinical supervisor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Master Addiction Counselor, and a qualified Substance Abuse Professional for the U.S. Department of Transportation, contributing to national public safety efforts.
Sherry believes in fostering connections through intimacy, trust-building, and humility. As a psychotherapist, she employs dynamism, warmth, and evidence-based techniques to foster growth and healing. Sherry integrates standardized assessments to evaluate couples' strengths and weaknesses and has conducted sessions ranging from enhancing communication, to understanding love languages, to managing conflict and exploring “Couples and Addiction Recovery.” In April 2025, Sherry will be hosting a series on “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.” Sherry has presented on a range of topics both locally and internationally as a sought-after trainer and speaker. Additionally, as a consultant, Sherry collaboratively works with agencies to enhance service-delivery.
Sherry’s faith has guided her dedication towards a purpose-driven life. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a wanderlust enthusiast, enjoys music and dancing, and can get lost in completing jigsaw puzzles. Most importantly, she cherishes moments with her husband Andrew and their family, whether it's savoring a delicious meal, watching movies, or engaging in fun games together.
GUEST SPEAKER: KARIMAH CORNELIUS-STITH
Karimah Cornelius-Stith is a licensed psychotherapist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, certified anger management specialist, and owner of New Reflections Therapeutic Services. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she assists individuals, couples, and families with compassion and expertise.
Born in St. Croix, Karimah graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Virgin Islands with a Bachelor's in Psychology and later earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida, graduating with honors. She has served as a Social Work Supervisor at Queen Louise Home and contributed to research on stress and coping in women, published in the Journal of the National Medical Association. She is trained in Imago Relationship Therapy and has completed clinical training, equipping her with specialized skills to help couples break negative patterns, improve communication, and build deeper connections.
Since relocating to the Washington, D.C. area in 2007, Karimah has offered therapy, psychological assessments, and crisis intervention. In 2012, she founded New Reflections Therapeutic Services to foster emotional healing. Recently, she has focused on addressing intimacy and relationship challenges.
Karimah is committed to education, community service, and advocacy. Highlights of her engagements include guest appearances on the Making It Happen radio show, launching the Chapters of Love Virtual Book Club for Couples, and leading workshops and seminars. She plans to introduce "Building Bridges," a quarterly couples’ intensive, in April 2025.
Karimah is married to Nelson Stith, a 26-year military veteran and a dedicated Sunday school teacher who serves in both Virginia and Maryland churches. Their shared commitment to faith, service, and strengthening relationships is at the heart of her work in supporting couples.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
