Emily Belle Freeman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
December 31, 1969
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Brigham Young University (attended)
- University of Utah (attended)
- BYU-Idaho (attended)
| Emily Belle Freeman | |
|---|---|
| 16th Young Women General President | |
| August 1, 2023 | |
| Called by | Russell M. Nelson |
| Predecessor | Bonnie H. Cordon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emily Belle Oswald December 31, 1969 Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Alma mater |
|
| Spouse(s) |
Gregory Garth Freeman
(m. 1989) |
| Parents | McKinley McVichie Oswald and Leslie Anne (James) Oswald |
Emily Belle Freeman (née Oswald; born December 31, 1969) is the sixteenth Young Women general president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). She has served in the role since August 2023.
Born Emily Belle Oswald in Boston, Massachusetts, she was raised in Sandy, Utah, by parents McKinley McVichie Oswald and Leslie Anne (James) Oswald.[1] Her parents were called to lead the California Ventura Mission during her senior year of high school.[2] She has taken classes at Brigham Young University (pre-nursing major),[3] the University of Utah, and BYU-Idaho (university studies),[3] but has not earned a degree.
Freeman is the author of over twenty published books, including the bestselling "The Ten Virgins." She has also spoken at a variety of conferences, workshops and gatherings. She taught for many years in the Church Educational System.[4][5]
In 2022, Utah Valley Magazine named Freeman "Person of the Year" for her approach to connection amidst challenges.[6]
LDS Church service
Freeman previously served as the president of both the Young Women and Relief Society organizations in her local ward.[4]
A new Young Women general presidency was announced on April 1, 2023, during the church's general conference. On August 1, Freeman, along with her counselors, Tamara W. Runia and Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, replaced Bonnie H. Cordon, Michelle D. Craig, and Becky Craven.[7]
As of December 2024, Freeman has spoken twice in general conference. An October 2023 address was entitled "Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ"[8] and her October 2024 talk was entitled "Live Up to Your Privileges."[9]
Personal life
Freeman married Gregory Garth Freeman in the Los Angeles California Temple on December 19, 1989. They are the parents of five children,[4] including taking in and unofficially adopting one of Greg's high school lacrosse players, Garett Bolles, who has lived as one of the family since that time. Bolles has played professional football for the Denver Broncos since 2017.[10] Bolles compares his experience to the film, The Blind Side.[11]
