In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

4069 Spokane Ln
Seattle, Washington, 98105
United States

Hollis Wong-Wear

Hollis Wong-Wear is a writer, performer and creative producer in Seattle. She is the lead vocalist of the The Flavr Blue and worked with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on their album “The Heist,” which was a Grammy nominee for Album of the Year. She has produced an array of live events from concerts to fundraisers to all-ages open mics, and has produced thirteen music videos including “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. With her roots in spoken word and slam poetry through the nationally-recognized Youth Speaks program, Hollis has facilitated youth creative writing workshops and mentored teenage spoken word poets, while continuing to write and perform poetry in her community and beyond. She serves on the Seattle Music Commission as well as the Seattle Center Advisory Commission and on the board of directors of 4Culture.

James Sun

James Sun is a proven technology entrepreneur with international media experience – hosting his own television show, radio show analyst in over 100 cities, and magazine publisher. He had his own hit program called “Sun Tzu War on Business” and was also a finalist on “The Apprentice” aired on NBC with 12 million viewers. He is the founder & CEO of Pirq, a loyalty application for small and medium sized businesses which was successfully acquired by one of the largest companies in the payment space. He was also the co-publisher of Koream and Audrey magazine - the longest running ethnic magazine for Asian-Americans. His newest project is as the co-founder and creator of Anomo, the newest social networking experience for college students where physical looks are hidden to encourage more authentic social interactions without prejudging a photo. James graduated Cum Laude from the University of Washington, and he was recently selected in the “Wonderous 100 Alumni Award”

Megan Roake

A student at the University of Washington Megan is not afraid to confront the difficult, controversial, and “awkward” topic of sexual assault and relationship violence. In fact, she concentrates extensively on crisis, trauma, and recovery in regards to sexual assault and mental illness; she even plans to focus her academic degrees in these matters, merging her personal experiences and professional interests. In response to her own rape, she partakes in and challenges informal and formal legal processes, prevention and advocacy organizations, and personal recovery. Her activism is grounded in her firm belief in the importance of challenging society’s ideas about consent and sexual assault itself as well as the extreme importance of creating strong and sustainable communities of survivors and allies.

Nikkita Oliver

Nikkita Oliver is poet, teaching artist, community organizer, and activist working toward a Juris Doctorate and a Masters of Education. She has competed in multiple National Poetry Slam Competitions and recently coached the Seattle Poetry Slam team to 7th of 72 teams at the 2015 National Poetry Slam in Oakland, CA. She has performed in venues in numerous cities and opened for Dr. Cornell West in Everett. Nikkita’s idea worth spreading brings to light the power of art to make change. It has been said, “In any war the first thing you do is kill off the poets and the philosophers…” Why?, she asks. Because these are the inspirers, the preservers of culture and record, the communal conscious, the deep thinkers and movement starters, the light bearers, and whistleblowers. Art has the power to open hearts and minds in unsuspecting and powerful ways to create the necessary internal and external climate needed for individual and systemic social change.