S P E A K E R S
BRANDON CORMIER
Brandon has spent the last 12 years serving in full time ministry at 3 churches in a combination of roles as youth pastor (impacting hundreds of students on a weekly basis), intern director (influencing over 300 interns from across the country over six years), student conference director of a movement that gathered 5,000 young people to grow in passionate prayer, and leader of an annual prayer gathering inspiring & equipping hundreds of youth pastors to grow and lead from the place of prayer. Employing his musical, public speaking, and theatrical gifts, Brandon zealously articulates God’s Word in a transformational way to youth and adults of this generation. He also travels nationally and internationally leading mission trips and speaking at conferences/retreats and coaching young leaders and youth pastors. Brandon & Octavia’s highest priority is parenting their beautiful daughters Riyan Nicole (5 yrs. old) & Norah Grace (3 yrs old). Riyan is an aspiring gymnast with hopes to be a mom someday. And Norah, well she is still figuring out her life!
Brandon Cormier was born in the Cajun lands of Louisiana and raised by parents who were committed to serving God and the local church. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Brandon joined Youth With A Mission for 5 months of discipleship, training in hearing God’s voice, and serving on the mission fields of Calcutta, India, and Capetown, South Africa. This was a significant time that marked Brandon’s heart with a burning passion for intercession and leading environments of encounter. Brandon also earned his Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. During that season, Brandon married his best friend, Octavia, and the two have consistently labored side by side in discipling and mentoring young people both at church and in their home.
GABI O'ROURKE
Gabi O’Rourke is passionate about seeing the next generation empowered to use their influence to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Gabi serves as Youth Pastor at the Shakopee Campus of River Valley Church in Minneapolis, MN. She has been on numerous trips around the world and has a heart to see Jesus glorified locally and globally among teenagers. Her husband of 3 years, Shane, owns his own non-profit, does insurance and is passionate about Youth Ministry as well. They just welcomed their first son into the world in September, Brecken O’Rourke, and are absolutely in love with him! Gabi and Shane reside in Bloomington, MN where they enjoy getting out on one of the 10,000 lakes, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
