Ellen de Werd

Ellen de Werd is the creator of the WARRIOR formats. Her company provides smart, fun, and original content to group fitness professionals. WARRIOR’s license-free programs are taught in 14 countries. 

Ellen is a fitness industry leader with 25 years of teaching experience and a 2024 IDEA Group Fitness Instructor of the Year Award nominee.

Ellen is the host of Confessions of a GroupX Instructor podcast, a Legacy Lululemon Ambassador, and teaches in Eugene, OR.

In her free time, she likes to watercolor, listen to classical music, and snuggle with animals.

Diva Richards

Diva Richards is the co-creator of WARRIOR Combat and the Format Lead. She is a motivational life coach with over 25 years of experience within the fitness industry and entrepreneurship sector. She is the Founder and President of You vs You Athletics, LLC., located in Cheryhill, NJ. Diva is a professional, international public speaker, who owns the Do Work podcast, and The Do Work Method Motivational and Life Coaching Program. She brings her real-life success and experienced guidance to her clients and followers. 

Diva lives in Philadelphia, PA where she studied music and dance. 

Ruben Pereyra

Ruben Pereyra is the 2024 IDEA Emerging Trailblazer of the Year. Ruben is the Senior Fitness Director at WESLEY Senior Homes in Des Moines, WA. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and is a certified ACE personal trainer, Parkinson's Fitness Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist, WA Certified Coach, and Speaker specializing in Senior Populations. For the past 16 years, Ruben has been a prominent figure in the fitness industry, promoting the importance of movement and its positive impact on people's lives. Ruben is also an entrepreneur, offering fitness services for people of all ages, which include personal training, group exercise classes, brain cognitive function training, and fitness direction for renowned corporations.

Ruben is the Format Expert for ROOTS.

Chris Stevenson

Chris Stevenson, an accomplished speaker with a global footprint, has presented dynamic sessions in over a dozen countries and over half of the 50 states. As a former Power Ranger stuntman and founder of The Empower Group, Chris draws from over 20 years of hands-on experience owning and operating highly successful health clubs—consistently achieving industry-leading net promoter scores. His expertise in leadership, communication, employee engagement, and customer service makes him a sought-after authority in diverse industries, including health and fitness, indoor rock climbing, parks and recreation, and beyond. A prolific writer and thought leader, Chris published his first book, Fitness Facility Management, and he authors the owners/operators column for the Athletic Business Journal, among other publications. Beyond his business acumen, he has served as a board member and committee member, further enriching his holistic perspective on industry dynamics. When he isn’t entertaining and educating audiences, you can find him in the gym, on a snowboard, or cheering for his sons on the football field when he isn't entertaining and educating audiences. Chris’s unique ability to connect instantly with people and deliver actionable, engaging lectures ensures that every audience walks away inspired and informed.