Theme: IMAGINE THAT

On March 27, 2014, eight rising innovators, explorers and educators brought ideas and concepts worth spreading to the stage at SUNY Buffalo State. Speaking on a wide range of topics that explored diversity, leadership and the art of music and dance, these young educators shared stories of struggle, thoughts on navigating the world, and ways to become better global activists in your own community.

Creative, imaginative and thought provoking, 2014’s lineup included a young immigrant entrepreneur, a beauty queen, a rapper/urban gardener, and a professional break dancer. Each speaker shared in the mission and vision of TEDxYouth@Buffalo, creating a collaborative forum meant to inspire and encourage conversation at 2014’s “Imagine That Buffalo,” conference. (View images from the event here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124072395@N06/)

Working in cooperation with the State University College at Buffalo TEDxYouth@Buffalo is an annual youth focused TED style conference that unites innovators, explorers and teachers for a full day experience centered on the unleashing of powerful concepts and ideas. Our conference would not be possible without the efforts, talents and contributions of our incredibly diverse team and corporate and private partners who continually commit their passion, financial and practical support to create the TEDxYouth@Buffalo experience.

2015’s conference, “#InnovationNEXT,” will take place on March 30 from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm at SUNY Buffalo State’s Mildred Campbell Social Hall.

Find out more by visiting www.tedxyouthbuffalo.com or contacting our team at TEDxYouthBuffalo@gmail.com.

SUNY Buffalo State
Mildred Campbell Social Hall
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, New York, 14222
United States

Charles "Chuckie" Campbell Ph.D

Chuckie is a musician, poet, fiction writer, editor, publisher, and educator. He holds a Ph.D. in English Literature and Creative Writing from University of Southern Mississippi and is a professor at Bryant & Stratton College. In addition to his academic achievements, he is the recipient of the 2014 ALL WNY Music Awards for “Best Hip Hop/Rap Performer” and “Best New Artist.” He is also the founder and editor of Sunsets and Silencers, a print journal for art, literature, and culture.

Eric Crittenden

Eric is an award-winning saxophonist, keyboardist and vocalist and educator. He has played with The Waz, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, The Roots, and Michael Franti. “Critt” earned his BA in Jazz Performance and MS ED in Career and Tech Education. In 2003, he co-founded the IMAGE Urban Arts Workshop, a life-mentoring program. He currently serves as Arts Director for the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology.

Erika D. Gault, Ph.D

Erika received her B.A. from New York University, her M.A. from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and her Ph.D. from the American Studies Department at SUNY at Buffalo in American Religious History. She has been writing and performing poetry for most of her life. She currently performs with the Buffalo based Njozi Poets and has two self-published books: Crying Out Loud and So I Said to the Mountain, “Move” and a CD entitled More Than.

Julian Love

Julian’s love for performing started when he was just 3 years old, dancing for family and friends. Today, he continues to perform utilizing his dance skills not only to entertain, but also as a form of therapy. At just 16 years of age, Julian struggles with severe depression. He hopes that his passion for dance and his story will inspire other young people to pursue their dreams and use them as positive outlets for their lives.

Raquel Ireifej

A freshman at Manhattan College, Raquel is a part of the Roots and Shoots College Council, of the Jane Goodall Institute. She is co-founder of Greenwich High School’s Roots & Shoots club which has completed service projects including building wells and creating text books for students in schools in Mali. She is also actively involved with Invisible Children and raising awareness about wars in Uganda, South Sudan, and the D.R.C.

Steven Cornelio

Steven pegs himself as a new age “visual-ist”. Committed to executing his creative mindset through the media, he has curated many websites, digital campaigns, and marketing campaigns. A current student at SUNY Buffalo State, Steven keeps himself busy with his studies in Broadcast Journalism while minoring in Public Relations. Born in Manhattan, he credits his fast-paced, never sleep lifestyle to his experiences and determination to become a media maven.

Thomas Dreitlein

A sophomore at SUNY at Buffalo, Tom is currently pursuing a joint degree in English and Communication. A two time winner of the Pure Ink Poetry Slam, he has competed as a member of the Pure Ink and Nickle City Poetry Slam teams. Most recently, he placed 1st at the Youth Buffalo Niagara International Poetry Slam, and currently serves as a member of the Living Poet Society, a premier feature of Buffalo Poetry.

Zandra Cunningham

At 14, Zandra is TEDxYouth@Buffalo’s youngest speaker. At 9, she created her own line of bath and body products to encourage young women to be beautiful young leaders. An ambassador to the “Educate A Girl,” Program, Zandra works outside of the box to spread her message of being a strong, confident and educated woman. When not tackling the challenges of being a kid entrepreneur, she keeps busy with her studies at Nardin Academy.