2017 Genealogy Conference Speakers
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Kenyatta D. Berry is genealogist and lawyer with more than 15 years of experience in genealogical research and writing. She began her genealogical journey while in law school and studying at the State Library of Michigan in Lansing. A native of Detroit, Berry graduated from Bates Academy, Cass Technical High School, Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She has deep roots in Detroit, her ancestors have lived in Detroit since the 1920’s.
A frequent lecturer and writer, she focuses on African American, Slave Ancestral Research and DNA. Berry has been featured in Real Simple, Jet, Wall Street Journal, Orange County Register, Sacramento Bee, Wave Newspaper and other publications. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including MakeItPlain #WomensWednesday on SiriusXM Radio.
On March 11, 2016, Kenyatta received a California Legislature Assemblyman Resolution from the Honorable Jim Cooper on the floor of the State Capitol where he declared March 11th, Kenyatta D. Berry day. The Resolution recognized her work in the genealogy industry and on Genealogy Roadshow.
She also received a Resolution from the City of Sacramento on March 12, 2016, recognizing her work in Slave Ancestral Research and on Genealogy Roadshow. Kenyatta has appeared on numerous morning news shows in various markets and recently appeared on The Real where she revealed the DNA results of the Hosts. An avid sports fan, Kenyatta loves to watch the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings from her home in Santa Monica.
Daniel Earl got his start in family history at age 10 when his father took him to the grave of his great-grandfather that sparked a lifetime of interest in family history. Daniel has spent the last 25 years researching his own family history and helping others make history a part of their story. In addition to being a professional genealogist and genealogical lecturer, Daniel is married and the father to six wonderful kids. He lives just outside of Lansing, Michigan.
A microbiology graduate, Diahan Southard has spent 15 years in the genetic genealogy industry. In her current position as Your DNA Guide, she provides personalized, interactive experiences to assist individuals and families in interpreting their genetic results in the context of their genealogical information.
She is also the author of DNA Quick Guides, producer of a video tutorial series, as well as a featured author for Family Tree Magazine, regular contributor to Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems, and recurring writer in Your Genealogy Today magazine.
Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG, was involved in genealogy before she was even born. The daughter of avid genealogists, she was spending time in courthouses and cemeteries while other children were playing on swings and going to the beach. The love of her family’s history has never left her, for she vividly remembers interviewing her grandparents, all of whom were born in the 1800’s. She felt when she touched their hands, she was touching history. With her experience serving as a Family History Director, she frequently speaks at genealogical societies, workshops, seminars, and webinars where she loves bringing genealogy to life. Some of those would include The Ohio Genealogical Society, The Ohio State University, Brigham Young University, and many other state and local genealogy societies. It was over fifteen years ago that she felt to further her knowledge and become Accredited. Her area of expertise is the mid-South, where every one of her ancestors planted their roots. She has recently completed several Legacy QuickGuides on Appalachia, which are also available on www.legacyfamilytree.com and www.amazon.com, and is an instructor at Ancestry Academy. She has recently been asked to be part of the GenealogyDotCoach consulting team.
