Theme: Human Potential

What exactly is it that makes humans different from any other species on the planet? Is it our language? Our ability to adapt? Or perhaps it is the empathy we hold for one another and the rest of the living world. The list seems endless. We suggest another answer: potential. Humans have proved time and time again their unique ability to create, inspire and persevere. Through the development of our imaginations, our skills and our interactions with the world around us, potential has propelled us towards unimaginable quests.
Our community at CSUN works together to reach new heights and break through the adversity we’ve faced to create a campus as diverse and accepting as ours. We confront obstacles head-on, unified as one, exploring all that we can become.
At this year’s TEDxCSUN 2017, we will show the awe-inspiring power of human potential. Through dynamic performances, inspirational speeches and “ideas worth spreading,” we hope to show you what being human really means.

Little Theatre
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA, California, 91330-8320
United States

Caleb Bigler & Blake Kasting

Caleb and Blake are both former and current Berklee College of Music students who pursue full time careers in music. They've been playing together for nearly a year, and are inspired by artists like John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Ed Sheeran.

CSUN Salsa Libre

CSUN Salsa Libre is an on-campus student dance club and community that welcomes all levels.

Aaron Atchison

Graphic Designer / Creative Director

Aaron Atchison is the founder and creative director of Farm Design, a Pasadena based branding agency. With over 20 years experience in graphic design, he has led and influenced a wide range of award-winning branding projects spanning from start-ups to industry leaders. Having grown up on a family farm in rural Montana, Aaron has implemented his small town values of strategic foresight, hard work and community to guide his creative process and inspire his team and clients. Aaron continues to share his life lesson stories through teaching and lectures to help guide students on their personal and professional journeys. When not designing, he can be found surfing, training for obstacle course races or seeking the perfect breakfast burrito.

Alexander Salazar

Alexander Salazar is a 2017 graduate of Cal State University, Northridge, where he obtained his degree in Communication Studies. While a student, Alex was the Slam Poetry team captain, leading them to the CUPSI17 Semi-Finals for the first time in 6 years. Through innovation, passion, and talent, Alex brings heart into each poem that he writes, causing all who hears his words to get a few goosebumps and shed a couple tears.

Ariel Boone

Student

Ariel Nicole Boone is a student, avid knowledge seeker, social activist, poet, and above all else a story teller. As a woman, immigrant, and Pinay she seeks to create a safe space and comfortable environment to all that surround her and welcome them as family as hers taught her to be. She believes in the greater good and that all people are capable of good and change and that conveys heavily in her works.

Arteen Arabshahi

Venture Capital

Arteen is obsessed with efficiency. He was first drawn to tech after seeing the profound and widespread impact one could make by streamlining antiquated industries and now loves working with founders who are taking innovative approaches to solving large problems. Arteen is currently a venture capitalist at Fika Ventures, a boutique seed fund in LA he helped form. Before Fika, he was #2 at Karlin Ventures, an LA-based early stage venture fund. Prior to becoming a venture capitalist, Arteen launched BuiltInLA.com and worked at Techstars Chicago, one of the places where he now mentors. Beyond startups, Arteen explores much of what LA has to offer. On a typical weekend, he’ll either be on a hike, at a concert, or at an open mic poetry slam. He is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, a board member for multiple TEDx communities, and an active supporter of TWLOHA, a non-profit raising awareness for those struggling with mental health.

Bridget Sampson

Communications

Bridget Sampson, CEO of SCC, has been designing and delivering cutting edge professional development programs for over 20 years. Having earned her Master’s Degree with Distinction in Communication Studies, Bridget’s areas of expertise include presentation skills, leadership, influence, teambuilding, managing change, conflict resolution, coaching skills, and more.

Donald "Avi" Steward

Student

Donald "Avi" Stewart is a fourth year music major at CSUN. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the University Student Union's Board of Directors. Avi shares his experiences through his artistic endeavors in music, acting, and literary composition.Upon graduation. Avi will pursue a Master's of Fine Arts in Acting.

Genein Letford

Professor

As the 2015 Charter School Teacher of the Year, Genein Letford is a driving force in student equity access, arts education and financial literacy. She believes every child deserves the opportunity to develop their talents and contribute positively to the community. She speaks around the nation on the intersection of creative and financial literacies and remains committed to preparing the next generation for a life of success. In addition to directing the mentorship program Alumni360 and teaching music full time, she is also a part-time professor at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), a board member of the national non-profit Donorschoose.org and a financial literacy coach at her local church.

Laura Tenenbaum

Scientist

Laura Faye Tenenbaum is an innovator in science communication. As the Senior Science Editor for the Webby Award winning website NASA’s Global Climate Change, a member of the Earth Science Communications Team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the author of the Earth Right Now blog, she develops interactive new media products to engage the public in climate and Earth science. She has also held a faculty position in the Physical Science Department at Glendale Community College for 13 years. Ms. Tenenbaum studied Marine Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz as both an undergraduate and graduate student. She worked as an Underwater Researcher on the Kelp Forest Project at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Santa Monica Baykeepers, and the World Wildlife Fund in Thailand. Her goal is to bring science, multimedia and education together to attract a highly motivated and enthusiastic new generation that will be ready to take on the huge environmental challenges we face.

Leni Ma'ia'i

Blockchain

Leni Ma’ia’i is an Account Executive at Melrose PR where he runs public relations for companies innovating in the emerging technology, blockchain. A CSUN Journalism graduate and writer, Leni is helping bridge the communication gap between start-ups working in the disruptive technology and the wider public. He currently spearheads PR strategy for blockchain clients changing the face of commerce, advertising, and healthcare. Leni believes that blockchains will inevitably underpin much of life as we know it, and wants to spur this universal adoption through greater mainstream awareness