Theme: On the Edge

TEDxSouthwesternAU is an exceptional event, hosting speakers from all walks of life. Speakers will present thought-provoking ideas covering a variety of topics, such as entrepreneurship, history, science, and education. Southwestern Adventist University is privileged to host the first TEDx event in Johnson County, organized by a select group of devoted students and faculty. The goal and mission of this event is to create a vision, inspire ideas, and promote action in the community.

The theme for the TEDX conference hosted by Southwestern Adventist University is “On the Edge”. Our goal for TEDxSouthwesternAU is to present novel ideas and viewpoints that have the potential to enhance the North Texas Community. The aim of this event is more than just entertainment—it is one of service. We want the presentations to hit home with the audience and pave the way for positive changes in North Texas. We welcome presentations that challenge our long-held assumptions, help us see the world through new lenses, or inspire us to serve our fellow Texans.

100 W Hillcrest Street
Keene, Texas, 76059
United States

Allen Forte

Executive Development and Performance

Allen Forte has been a leading people and business performance developer and strategist for more than twenty years. He has built a strong reputation for designing and implementing transformational executive development processes necessary to enhance the performance of people and to better align people to the inherent purposes of business. Allen has excelled at excellence across many business industries as well as government and not for profit sectors. He brings his uncommon and unparalleled knowledge and experiences in leadership effectiveness and transformational business development to people and businesses across the US and internationally through his consulting practice, People Programs Group Inc., (PPG).

Candace Thompson

Director of Community Outreach at Jubilee Park & Community Center

Candace Thompson, a native Texan, is the Director of Community Outreach at Jubilee Park & Community Center: a private Dallas nonprofit dedicated to working with community members to bring about revitalization and enrichment in Southeast Dallas through a comprehensive approach focusing on education, housing, economic development, public safety and public health.  She serves as a catalyst promoting transformational community change by building and nurturing community leaders through the practice of generous listening, walking in solidarity, and advocating for needed changes identified by the community.  She has over 10 years’ experience serving in the nonprofit sector.  Candace earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas, and while working full-time achieved a dual Masters in Public Administration and Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Errol Bryce

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of North Texas

Errol B Bryce MD., FACP. Is an internist in private practice in Fort Worth, Texas. He is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of North Texas, Health Science Center and Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Founder and President of Newsteps To Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to help patients combat lifestyle diseases .Dr. Bryce is a Diplomate of the American Board of internal Medicine, and a graduate of the Physician Executive Leadership program at SMU. COX School of Business.

John Bramblitt

Artist/Writer

John Bramblitt is an artist living in Denton Texas, his art has been sold in over thirty countries and he has appeared internationally in print, TV and radio. He has appeared on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, ABC, NBC, FOX, Discovery Channel and BBC Radio and TV to name a few outlets, and he's been featured in The New York Times and Psychology Today as well as designed the artwork for numerous magazine covers and even the artwork for major film productions. He's the subject of the award winning documentary shorts "Line of Sight' and “Bramblitt.” His work has received much recognition including the ‘Most Inspirational Video of 2008′ from YouTube and three Presidential Service Awards for his innovative art workshops. And John lost his sight in 2001 but his vision for art continues to inspire.

Pam Masters

Director of Outreach and Development for Community Opportunities Inc.

Pam is the Director of Outreach and Development for Community Opportunities Inc.(COI). For that agency she works in the community to help locate resources, develop opportunities and facilitate education programs for those who serve the special population of adults and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her work with COI in 2005, and since beginning there has helped to create fundraisers and community engagement for Johnson County neighbors. She also works with other local agencies as a volunteer, advocate and consultant. Pam is the agency instructor for all local police academies where she instructs new officers on best practices when responding or serving someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also facilitates refreshers with existing officers who are attending weeklong Crisis Intervention Training.

Tenisha Polk

Licensed Master Social Worker

Tenisha Polk, LMSW is the Clinical Director at the Johnson County Children’s Advocacy Center. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s of Psychology and the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Social Work. Tenisha’s experience includes working with adolescents in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities. She is intensively trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and practices Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT).