About

What is the Communicators’ Collective?

Led by Founder, Angela Donadio and a strong team of industry leaders, the Communicators’ Collective is a gathering of established, women professionals who are actively living out their God-given calling as authors, speakers, podcasters, media hosts, and leaders of national or international organizations.

The purpose of the group is simple: to champion professional female Christian communicators. The “how” is even simpler: to build authentic community through annual retreats.

This is where the encourager goes to find encouragement.
This is where soul care meets sisterhood.
This is
Communicators’ Collective.

Meet the Team

Angela Donadio

Angela Donadio

FOUNDER & KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Author, International Speaker, Coach, and Founder of Voice of the Voiceless

Becky Harling

Becky Harling

SPEAKER & PANEL COORDINATOR

Author, Speaker, and Certified Coach with The John Maxwell Team

Laura Acuna

Laura Acuña

COLLECTIVE CONVERSATIONS

Author, Speaker, Life Coach, and Host of the Still Becoming Podcast

Keri Spring

Melody Belotte

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Writer, Speaker, and Founder of MBMEDIA CMO/COO Services

Keri Spring

ADMINISTRATION

Leader and Founder of The Greg Spring Foundation

Edie Melson

PRAYER & REFLECTION COORDINATOR

Author of 24 Books, Blogger, Speaker, Instructor and Mentor

Lisa Saruga

COLLECTIVE CONVERSATIONS ADMIN

Counselor, Legal & Ethical Specialist, Author and Speaker

Sue Schlesman

EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

International Writer, Blogger, Speaker and English Teacher

  • Angela Donadio is an author, international speaker, founder of the Communicators’ Collective, and Voice of the Voiceless. She encourages others to make life matter by engaging with God’s Word, embracing God’s call, and experiencing God’s heart for missions.  As a seasoned Bible teacher with thirty years of ministry experience and a survivor of two near-death health crises, Angela is passionate about helping others ground their worth in the word instead of the narrative of the world. She holds a Master of Leadership and Ministry and partners with her husband, Dale, to lead River of Life, a diverse church near Washington, D.C. Her ministry, Voice of the Voiceless, leads missions' teams and champions women through education and empowerment initiatives throughout Africa and other parts of the world. She is an adventure junkie, lover of statement earrings, and grateful mom to two young adults.

    Learn more: angeladonadio.com

  • Becky Harling is a gifted speaker and author known for her passion and humor. Married to Steve Harling, they have four children and a growing tribe of fourteen grandchildren. Together, they have dedicated themselves to ministry, traveling both together and separately across the globe. Becky fondly states that when she married Steve, he gave her the world.

    As a dynamic speaker, Becky engages audiences with authenticity and a Biblical foundation. Her speaking engagements span a variety of venues, from large conferences with thousands in attendance to intimate gatherings with just a few listeners. Regardless of the setting, she finds immense joy in sharing her message.

    Becky is the author of 16 books, with her latest work, Friendwise: Practical Ideas For Richer Relationships, set to release in 2026. She has a passion for media and frequently appears as a guest on radio shows, television programs, and podcasts. Additionally, she hosts The Connected Mom podcast, which reaches listeners in over 50 countries, and provides leadership and communications coaching.

    In her free time, Becky enjoys walking on the beach, hiking with her husband, spending quality time with her children, playing with her grandchildren, and enjoying meaningful conversations over a strong cup of coffee with friends.

    Learn more: beckyharling.com

  • Laura Acuña is a dynamic speaker, author, Bible teacher, and certified professional life coach with over 25 years of experience in women’s ministry. As host of the Still Becoming Podcast and author of Still Becoming: Hope, Help, and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul (published December 2022), she inspires women to grow up spiritually and emotionally, embracing the abundant life God has designed for them.

    A graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Christian Counseling and a minor in Biblical Studies, Laura has devoted her life to nurturing spiritual and emotional well-being. She is the co-founder of Sisters in Faith Ministries, a non-profit that served women in Maryland and surrounding states for over 23 years.

    Laura’s journey reflects God’s love, grace, and healing. Embracing her work-in-progress nature—quirks and all—she has turned her struggles into a source of freedom and joy. Married for 41 years to her college sweetheart, Pat, their relationship began during their days performing in a local Italian opera. Their shared commitment to God, marriage, and family continue to sustain them as proud parents and grandparents.

    When not ministering, coaching, or hosting her podcast, Laura enjoys spending time with family, travel, exploring vintage shops, or meeting friends for coffee. 

    Her life and ministry continue to inspire countless women of all ages and stages to step into their full God-given potential, celebrating the beauty of a journey that is always still becoming.

    Learn more: laura-acuna.com

  • Melody Belotte is an accomplished speaker, writer, and strategist specializing in time management, marketing, business strategy, and intentional living. With multiple degrees in Communications, Marketing, Performance Arts, and Theology, she spent a decade in the nonprofit sector, ultimately serving as the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Lifehouse Church Network. During her tenure, she developed the expertise to leverage small budgets and teams to achieve ambitious goals, successfully transforming the organization from a five-person project into a thriving multi-site congregation of thousands within a few years.

    In 2014, Melody joined the executive team at HighRock Studios, an award-winning marketing agency recognized as one of Forbes' Fastest Growing Inner City Businesses. As the Director of Marketing, she guided strategic direction for all subsidiaries in marketing, technology, and entertainment, honing her skills in business strategy and time management while gaining insights into maintaining work-life balance in a high-stakes environment.

    Melody discovered her passion for helping small business owners and nonprofits through various speaking engagements at conferences and online events. In 2020, she founded Melody Belotte Media, a company aimed at making proven strategies and practices from Fortune 500 companies accessible and affordable for solo entrepreneurs and leaders of small businesses and nonprofits. Outside of her professional endeavors, Melody enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, whether on foot, by motorcycle, or kayaking, all while striving to prioritize what truly matters.

    Learn more: melodybelotte.com

  • Keri Spring is a dedicated leader and the founder of two nonprofit organizations committed to providing hope and support for those facing difficult circumstances. Following the tragic loss of her teenage son to suicide in 2013, Keri has become a proactive advocate for suicide and bullying prevention. Her guiding motto, “Never choose a permanent solution for a temporary problem,” reflects her mission to inspire others in their darkest moments.

    Keri established the Greg Spring Foundation in honor of her son, Greg, whose life was cut short by suicide. The foundation aims to transform this profound loss into a symbol of hope and resilience, impacting lives through awareness and education.

    In 2014, Keri also launched The Gregory D. Spring Perseverance Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing trade or technical programs, further extending her commitment to uplifting the next generation.

    In her personal time, Keri enjoys traveling with her husband, Geno, spending time with her grandson, woodworking, rescue diving, and writing. Despite the hardship of losing her son, Keri finds her greatest joy in her family, including her husband and two children. Her ultimate goal in life is to follow Jesus, aspiring to live out her faith in all aspects of her life, including her words and actions.

    Learn more: thegregspringfoundation.com

  • Edie Melson is an seasoned author, mentor, and speaker who is passionate about helping others discern their paths through faith and creativity. Her heartfelt message, “Find your voice, live your story,” drives her mission to encourage individuals through writing, coaching, and photography, sharing the profound truths she has learned over the years.

    Growing up in the 1960s, Edie traveled the country with her artist mother and musician-turned-photographer father in a VW Bus, which sparked her own creative expression. Her latest works focus on Soul Care, emphasizing the importance of connecting with God’s peace through creative activities during life’s stressful seasons. She embraces her identity as an organized creative who is always eager to explore new ventures.

    Edie is also the founder of TheWriteConversation.com, a widely recognized industry blog that has been featured on Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017, attracting over 6 million unique visitors. As the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, she connects with more than six hundred fellow writers each year. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

    Edie has been married to her husband, Kirk, for 43 years, and together they enjoy spending time with their three grown sons and four grandchildren. When not immersed in her writing, Edie can often be found hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her big black dog, capturing the perfect shot while Kirk patiently carries her tripod.

    Learn more: ediemelson.com

  • Lisa Saruga is a dynamic speaker and author who teaches that healing is possible in this lifetime, even if the world offers no happy ending.

    As a survivor of a violent crime whose cold case was reopened thirty-five years later, Lisa is no stranger to trauma. Not only has she survived her own trauma, but she is a licensed Professional Counselor, and EMDR Trauma therapist.

    Her book, The Trauma Tree: Going Beyond Survival, Growing Toward Wholeness tells the stories of Lisa and many others who have found healing following difficult circumstances.  

    Lisa often speaks on the topic of demolishing walls that stand in the way of healing, justice, and a closer relationship to Jesus. She is known to carry a sledgehammer to most all of her events!

    As a legislative advocate, Lisa has helped to write bills at the state and federal level to increase protection for survivors of sexual violence.

    Learn more: lisasaruga.com

  • Sue Schlesman is an international writer, blogger, speaker, literature teacher, and church leader. Sue has published five books, including the award-winners Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places and The Compassion Storybook Bible. Sue writes and podcasts about Christian living, emotional health, and the Church.

    Throughout her life, Sue has navigated many heartaches, including the loss of her father and her mother’s final battle with dementia. Sue speaks about resilience, purpose, and hope at conferences, retreats, church services, and Bible studies around the world. She is an avid Bible student and loves to unpack God's word to audiences of all ages. In addition to speaking and writing, Sue travels extensively doing mission work and communicating the message of Jesus. 

    Sue and her husband Shane have ministered together for over 35 years. They have three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and a brand-new granddaughter. They all love sports, traveling, games, and hanging out together. Sue's life mission centers around creativity, authenticity, hope, and healing through Jesus Christ. 

    Learn more: www.sueschlesman.com

Our Statement of Faith

THE BIBLE IS TRUTH

We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, trustworthy and true, without error, Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

We believe there is only one God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

We believe God wants to be in relationship with us, so He sent Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life on earth, took our sins upon Himself, died on the cross, conquering sin’s hold on us, and miraculously rose again. Because Jesus died for us, we can be a part of God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever.

John 1:1; Matthew 1:18,25; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 9:15-22; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 9:27-28

RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS ABOUT HOLY SPIRIT

We believe when you surrender your life to Christ, God sends His Holy Spirit to guide and direct you. Holy Spirit brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Holy Spirit can also release His power to preach and communicate and use the Believer as a vessel to perform miraculous signs and wonders throughout the earth.

John 14:15-26; Acts 2:17; Ephesians 1:13-14 ;Luke 4:14; Galatians 5:22-23 

ETERNAL LIFE

We believe in eternal life for believers and eternal punishment for unbelievers. By believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, we get to spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven.

Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

ABOUT THE CHURCH

We believe the local church should be composed of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and they are needed to equip and empower the Church body to influence culture. We also believe, the Church is a community of Believers that God uses to bring Divine solutions, creativity, love, healing, encouragement, miracles and growth to humanity.

Ephesians 4:11-16; John 1:12-13; Acts 1:8Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, 1 Corinthians 12:28

ABOUT YOU

We believe that God created all human beings in His image and that all life is sacred and valuable. We also believe that you have talents and God-given abilities that can be used to glorify and enjoy God. Your creative expression can be an act of worship towards the Ultimate Creator.

Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 12:20-21; Galatians 6:10

We’d love to get to know you.

The heart of the Communicators’ Collective is that as we gather around tables for conversation, collaboration, and connection, you will know that you are not alone. Check out our next upcoming retreat or contact us to get involved!