These were our 2025 Seminar Speakers.
When we secure our 2026 Seminar Speakers, we will update their information here.
Shannon Combs-Bennett
Shannon Combs-Bennett is a Qualified Genealogist (QG) based in Northern Virginia. She is an award-winning author who lectures in the United States and internationally on various genealogical subjects, from genetic genealogy to genealogical methodology. Shannon earned her BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics from Indiana University and her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. she was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
Jennifer Zinck
Jennifer Zinck, CG® is a genealogical researcher, speaker, and educator with a passion for learning and applying genealogy standards to help reclaim lost and forgotten stories of our ancestors. Jennifer earned her credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists in 2021. She serves as the President of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council and as the publications chairperson on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists. Jennifer recently completed twenty semesters as a faculty member for the Boston University Genealogy Studies Program. She enjoys sharing her contagious enthusiasm for family history with people of all ages.
Diana Elder
Diana Elder AGⓇ, AGLTM, is a professional genealogist accredited in the Gulf South region of the United States. Diana authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide and co-authored the companion volume, Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence. She created the study group and eCourse that teach the Research Like a Pro process through videos and learning modules. Diana and her daughter, Nicole, share research tips on their website, Family Locket (https://familylocket.com/), and host the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. Diana regularly teaches at genealogy conferences such as RootsTech and the National Genealogy Society Conference. She also presents webinars and seminars to local genealogy societies across the United States.