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).

Helen Bader Concert Hall
2419 E. Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211
United States

Brandon Gross

Earthwise Environmental, Inc.

I am a Milwaukee native, born to blue collar parents and the first in my family since the Mayflower to attend college. I pursued biology in college and traveled around the U.S. during my graduate career, doing bird banding with the U.S. Geological Survey in Western Wisconsin, studying wild dolphin populations in the Gulf Coast after the BP oil spill, tracking populations of river otters on a Mississippi River Wildlife Reserve, and presenting educational material about wildlife to crowds of thousands. I received my Master's degree in ecology from Western Illinois University. After receiving my M.S. I joined the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences as a research specialist, where I help study the deep-water chemistry and ecology of Lake Michigan, especially as it relates to the invasive quagga mussel. I currently serve as the Advocacy Director for the Milwaukee Area Science Advocates. We are dedicated to increasing science literacy and science-based policies in the Milwaukee area.

Christine Smith

Student at Marquette University, co-leader of November Project Milwaukee

I am a student at Marquette University, studying biomedical engineering. After my graduation in May, I'll begin physical therapy school at Marquette in the fall, hopefully pursuing pediatric physical therapy, ultimately working with children with physical and mental disabilities. I am also a co-leader of November Project Milwaukee, a free, international, grassroots fitness group that fosters a love of community, city, and fellow athlete through positivity, consistency, and inclusivity. I love running, reading, writing, playing guitar and piano, and good craft beer. I have one brother, two loving parents, and a family dog (golden retriever). I'm a perfectionistic, type-A-who's-becoming-less-type-A, goofy, loud girl who loves moving, dancing, and spreading joy.

Christopher Willey

Lecturer, Peck School of the Arts - Art & Design; Creative Director, Immersive Media Lab

"Husband, Friend, Creative, Educator, Foodie, and Technophile. 1/2 Hippie & 1/2 Geek. I am here, as in on this planet, to 'help.' Specifically I help others by helping them share their stories visually. I am a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I teach at the intersection of art and technology. Specifically, I teaching courses in Digital Arts, where I have been tasked to teach all freshmen at PSOA the connection between culture, technology, and critical theory. I am the creative director of the Immersive Media Lab at UWM which focuses on data and processes that become profoundly powerful empathetic experiences. I am grateful because I'm working my dream job! I am lucky, I have a wonderful wife, family, and close circle of friends that give meaning and value to my life.

David Pate

Professor, UW-Milwaukee

"I am an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, and an Affiliated Associate Professor of the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Faculty Affiliate of the Institute for Child and Well-Being at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I received a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Detroit, a Masters of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration and a Ph.D. in Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003. My research projects involve the use of qualitative research methods to examine the relationship of non-custodial fathers of children on welfare and their interaction with their children, the child support enforcement system, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the well-being of African American adult males.

Deanna Singh

Dohmen Company Foundation

Deanna Singh is recognized as a leading authority in building innovative opportunities within underserved communities. As Chief Change Agent and Founder of Flying Elephants, Deanna is a highly-respected thought leader, who has spent almost 20 years researching, designing and building asset based solutions to complex social challenges. A gifted communicator, Deanna’s interactive style combines personal stories with authenticity, vulnerability and humor that takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery. An entrepreneurial businesswoman and trailblazer, Deanna also serves as the President of the Dohmen Company Foundation. Her 15 years of education administration, entrepreneurship and advocacy experience also included leadership positions with the Burke Foundation, Robert W. Baird Foundation, Milwaukee Renaissance Academy, Legal Action of Wisconsin and The Milwaukee Street Law Project. Singh recently published a children’s book, I am a Boy of Color.

Dominic Inouye

Self-employed writer / Founder & Director of ZIP MKE

"During my 22 years as an educator, I worked in different capacities with students ranging from 10-50 years old, high school students at two quite different schools, and college students in almost every discipline. I taught middle school creative writing; high school literature, writing, communications, and film studies courses; first-year writing classes at Marquette; and writing courses for non-traditional students through WCTC. I chaired two English departments, facilitated a unique service learning program called C.L.A.S.S. for 4th-12th graders, founded a city-wide high school student film festival, and wrote a writing manual for Marquette’s Physical Therapy Department. The students I worked with came from all socioeconomic backgrounds and learning levels, the classes I taught ranged from remedial to AP, and I served a diverse range of clientele at Marquette’s Writing Center and hundreds of academic advisees at Pius XI High School and The Prairie School. But no matter who the s

Katie Rasoul

Team Awesome (Self-Employed)

"I am a Millennial, mom, coach, and high-achieving introvert that enjoys finding awesomeness in all areas of life. I grew up as an honor roll kid, an over-achiever who had to do it 150% and do it myself if I wanted it to meet my standards. I worked up the corporate ladder for the big jobs, only to find out it didn’t make me happy. I thought long and hard about what did, and so I started my own company where I get to do exactly what I love every day. I place an inordinate amount of value in the power of music, art, writing, and stories. Words most used to describe me include trustworthy, quirky, authentic, funny, and “all in.” If macaroni and cheese in on the menu, I buy it. I spend my weekdays growing my company, Team Awesome, in its first year of business. I help high-potential Millennial leaders, high-achieving introverts, and other fascinating “outliers” find what’s important and help them level up. To see me in website form, visit www.teamawesomecoaching.com."

Kayla Buszka

Hanging Gardens, LLC

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI and currently reside in Cedarburg, WI where I spend most of my time at the gym, walking my two Shih Tzu's, cooking up a delicious vegetarian meal, or diving into a new book. I consider myself a “Certified Hippie” with a Degree in Conservation and Environmental Science, and every chance I get I try to convince people that your life is way too short to try and do things the “easy” way or the “normal” way, if there really is such a thing. I am infectiously optimistic, and inspired by the world I live in every single day. Most who meet me would agree I am a 75 year old woman in a 25 year old body, small lap dogs included. Growing up, I had minimal exposure to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, but my love for the outdoors, nature, and our natural environment sprouted within me during endeavors to our Wisconsin State Parks throughout my free time in college.

Margaret Noodin

Faculty, UW-Milwaukee

I am currently an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where I am also the Director of the Electa Quinney Institute for American Indian Education. I teach and write about American Indian languages and culture in the Great Lakes, especially Milwaukee. I am a poet and songwriter and love to help people see and hear the continually unfolding history of the land and water around us.

Reggie Jackson

ResCare

Reggie Jackson, is a graduate of Concordia University and Head Griot (docent) of America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) and 2015 winner of the Eliminating Racism Award from southeast Wisconsin's YWCA and 2016 Courageous Love Award from the First Unitarian Society. In August 2016 he accepted a position as Community Relations Writer for the Milwaukee Independent. For over a decade, Reggie has been a much sought-after speaker for ABHM at local churches, public venues, and businesses. He also travels around the Midwest conducting diversity and race relations training. Reggie presents untold and seldom-told stories in African-American history and frequently conducts programs on the Black Holocaust, African American history and race relations for schools in the region.He currently serves as Educational Liaison Coordinator for ResCare in Milwaukee. He currently serves on the board of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, RID Racism Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Humanities Council.