Meet Linda Durant: A Story of Strength, Healing and Limitless Possibility

Welcome to our Women’s Empowerment Summit 2026 spotlight series — a behind-the-scenes introduction to the powerhouse women who will be speaking on February 21 at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. Each panelist brings a unique lens to women’s growth, courage, and connection.

Some people walk into your life carrying stories that feel like novels. Layers. Chapters. Plot twists. And a whole lot of heart.

That’s exactly why we’re honored to welcome Linda Durant as a featured panelist and presenter at the Women’s Empowerment Summit on February 21, 2026.

Her journey begins in Los Angeles, where she was born at UCLA Medical Center (a dramatic entrance, naturally). After her biological father passed away, her family relocated to Orcutt, California: the town that would become home in all the ways that matter.

Life, of course, had other plans too. A chapter in Henderson, Nevada. Then Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, where she graduated as salutatorian (yes, brilliance and grit - we love it, too!). After high school, she returned to California to pursue massage therapy training, a decision that would shape the next 23 years of her life.

Her career took her through chiropractic offices, salons, and spas before she planted roots in downtown Gaylord and opened The Holistic Spa, a space built on healing, care, and connection. But in 2024, after experiencing unimaginable loss — eight family members in nine months — she made the courageous choice to step away from ownership and prioritize her own mental health and well-being.

“I realized I couldn’t pour from an empty cup anymore.”

So 2025 became her year of rebuilding. Alongside her partner and fiancé, Bill Moede, she leaned into growth, healing, and learning how to move forward with intention.

What Fuels Her Now

For years, philanthropy was her heartbeat. She served as the Developmental Coordinator for Otsego County United Way, chaired their largest fundraiser, and consistently achieved record-breaking results. Giving back to the community wasn’t just work; it was purpose.

Then grief reshaped everything.

Her focus shifted inward and closer to home: toward her adult children, grandchildren, and time with her mother. She learned that impact doesn’t always live on a stage or in a boardroom. Sometimes it lives in quiet moments, shared meals, and shows up when it matters most.

Now, she pours her energy into nurturing herself and her family, while still contributing in ways that align with her values and season of life.

Why She’s Joining the Summit

She discovered her own power early in life, and now she’s passionate about helping other women do the same.

“I want women to see that they are limitless. Truly. With support and guidance, there is nothing we can’t do.”

That belief is what drew her to the Women’s Empowerment Summit. She’s excited to be part of a community that’s building something real: a space that elevates women, strengthens their voices, and helps them transform inner power into lasting growth.

Her contribution centers on sharing lived experience - the wins, the losses, the lessons - so others can learn, feel less alone, and walk away with practical tools they can use in everyday life.

What She Hopes to Create

Through her role as a panelist and presenter, her goals are simple and powerful:

✨ Empower women to recognize their potential

✨ Encourage bold, authentic life choices

✨ Create safe space for real conversations

✨ Offer practical wisdom for daily growth

✨ Build a community where women lift each other up

Because when women rise together? Everything changes.

We can’t wait for you to experience her wisdom, warmth, and authenticity at the Women’s Empowerment Summit on February 21, at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI.

Come for the learning, stay for the connection, leave empowered.

This feature is part of our Women’s Empowerment Summit 2026 speaker series. Ready to learn from these incredible women in person? Join us on February 21 at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. Tickets are $140 — secure your spot here!