Speakers

Lexie Schwarze has more than 30 years of nonprofit experience. Her confidence, energy, and experience are what fuels her ability to lead and take a practical approach to problem solving. 

 

Before accepting the position as Executive Director for Hope Against Trafficking, Lexie worked as a Life Impact Director for Woodside Bible Church. In this role, she developed outreach programs; created and developed Woodside’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program called Unshackled; and built the Church’s Life Impact Department from the ground up. Lexie also developed global partnerships for Woodside in eight countries and helped create a regional outreach event that drew over 21,000 attendees.

 

Before joining Woodside, Lexie served as an Account Executive for the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and a Research Analyst for WXYZ-Channel 7 Action News.

 

Lexie lives in Lake Orion with her husband Fred of 32 years, her son Spencer, and their bloodhound Dixie. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Communication, with a minor in Computer Science, from Oakland University.

Liza Altenburg is a lifelong Metro Detroiter, an animal lover, and a bereaved daughter. She has channeled the pain of her unexpected loss into a passion for protecting people from the very same trauma that she experienced when she unexpectedly lost her dad. She helps families to have peace of mind by simply starting that conversation that they’ve been putting off. A seasoned public speaker, Liza enjoys sharing her story and finds healing in the process. She currently serves as the Family Service Manager at Acacia Park Cemetery in Beverly Hills, MI.

Pattie Courtney has been married for 39 years to Larry, and is the mother of four and also the grandmother of four. She is a retired pastor, having served as a Youth Director and Young Adult Minister.  Since 2015, she has been a Rotarian in Livingston Sunrise RC. She has served as District 6380 Youth Exchange Inbound Coordinator since 2017, and began serving as Youth Exchange Chair on July 1 of this year.  Her family has hosted six Exchange students.  She loves Rotary Youth Exchange!