Theme: Wonder

This year’s theme, WONDER, embodies the present perfectly. In “Wonder,” lies uncertainty that carries with it feelings of surprise, curiosity and sometimes, doubt. Also in “Wonder,” there is a sense of marvel and amazement as we explore what’s possible. We live in a time where almost any idea can come to life. This year TEDxGreensboro celebrates our curiosity to explore what’s possible and the wonderment found in the unexpected.
Spend a day with other curious minds, filled with wonder.

Triad Stage
232 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401
United States

Deonna Kelli Sayed

Sayed is an experienced researcher of the paranormal. She has authored a book about paranormal obsession and a second book about emerging ethical and research design issues around paranormal investigation. She is currently writing a memoir about faith, love, and ghosts.

Derrick Parker

Derrick Parker is a Greensboro-based film producer and actor who began his training at East Carolina University. He was later chosen to enter the classical training program at the University of San Diego/Old Globe Theatre where he earned his MFA. Regional credits include Othello and Hamlet.

Elizabeth Wayne

She co-hosts the PhDivas podcast and is featured in the Super Cool Scientists: Women in Science coloring book. Her work in advocacy for girls and women in science led her to be chosen as a national TED Fellow in 2016. As a Fellow she has spoken at the national TED conference and has participated nationally in TED events. With a Ph.D. from Cornell University in biomedical engineering, she’s a postdoctoral fellow at the Carolina Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery.

Graymatter .

Rocking acoustic music and harmonies from Barry Gray (acoustic guitar), Brad Gray(acoustic & electric guitars), Dave Gude (acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandolin), and Bev Gray Gude (12-string & highstrung guitars, flute, tambourine & bodhran).

Hari Jones

Jones is an expert on the Civil War; a museum curator and consultant; and, a lecturer. He is on the Board of Directors of the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA. Previously he was assistant director and curator at the African American Civil War Freedom Foundation and Museum and content adviser for the National Archives exhibit “Discovering the Civil War.”

Jessica Kay Ruhle

Ruhle is the Director of Education and Public Programs at the Duke University Nasher Museum of Art where she founded “Reflections,” a program for visitors with dementia and their care givers. She is a graduate of Davidson College with a masters from George Washington University.

Joseph Starobin

Starobin is an Associate Professor at the Greensboro Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering . He is working to improve the quality of electrophysiological data collection that will lead to smaller, smarter and less costly devices for monitoring and predicting heart activity.

LaShon Hill

Hill is a High Point native who made her Carnegie Hall debut in April 2017. A featured soloist and actor in the NC Piedmont Triad, she has also toured abroad with The Gospel People in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Hill studied Vocal Music Performance at Winston-Salem State University.

MaryAnn Luedtke

Artist, actor

MaryAnn Luedtke is a veteran performer who has appeared with local, regional and off Broadway theatre groups as well as in films such as the ward-winning Federal Hill. She is also an avid photographer whose work features theatrical performances, special events, and headshots.

Nancy Vaughan

COMMUNITY LEADER • MAYOR Vaughan is the 48th mayor Greensboro, now serving her third term. She also served three terms as At-Large representative on the City Council. In addition to her civic leadership, Vaughn has previously worked at Talley Machinery and as Executive Director of the Guilford Green Foundation.

Nir Kshetri

Raised in a rural area of Nepal, Kshetri is now a professor of management at the Bryan School (UNCG) and a research fellow at Kobe University. He focuses on modern technologies’ role in fighting poverty and the potential for applying Bitcoin and Blockchain to help the world’s poorest people.

Shared Madness .

Shared Madness is a a trio specializing in “pure drop” traditional Irish music. The group includes Haley Richardson, a 15 year-old prodigy and All-Ireland fiddling champion and composer, and Megan Irby (vocals), and Don Penzien (percussion and accompaniment)

Shelley Segal

Segal trained at The Drama Studio London and the Classic Stage Company in New York. My Son, her play about autism and race, won special recognition in the New Works of Merit International Playwriting Competition and premiered in NYC in 2010. She is also an instrumental musician.

Stephen Sills

As Associate Professor at UNC Greensboro and Director of Center for Housing and Community Studies, Sills uses statistical analysis of large data sets, GIS mapping, and in-depth ethnography to assist nonprofit and government agencies in visualizing social issues for decision-making.

Stephen van Vuuren

Founder of SV2 Studios, van Vuuren has written, directed, photographed and/or edited feature films, commercials, music videos, sound, music and web. His project “In Saturn’s Ring” has used over 7.5 million photographs and is destined for the IMAX and planetariums in May, 2018

Theater of Movement .

Theatre of Movement is a performing and visual arts collaborative that explores cultural values that are rooted in Black American and Caribbean culture through dance and movement.

Walsh Kelly School of Irish Dance .

The Walsh Kelley School of Dance teaches traditional Irish step dancing. The school holds over 50 first place regional titles and has earned numerous awards.