Theme: Build a Better Community

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).

TEDx StroudsburgLibrary
1002 N. Ninth Street
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 18360
United States

Amy Leiser

Executive Director, Monroe County Historical Association

Amy Leiser is the Executive Director of the Monroe County Historical Association. She earned both her bachelor and master degrees in history from East Stroudsburg University. Amy's talk will examine what local history can teach us about building a great community

Debra Scocozza

Chief Operating Officer, Fitzmaurice Community Services

Debra Scocozza is the Chief Operating Officer of Fitzmaurice Community Services and has worked in the behavioral health field for over 25 years. She holds a bachelor's degree from Kean University and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Seton Hall University. Fitzmaurice Community Services is an organization that has been working for over 50 years with adults with behavioral health and developmental disabilities and their families. Deb's talk will examine the far reaching positive effects of an inclusive community.

Michael Albert

Executive Director, United Way of Monroe County, Pennsylvania

Michael Albert has served as the Executive Director of the United Way of Monroe County since 2015. He has worked in the education and health sectors in countries around the world, including Bangladesh, Mali, Malaysia, Liberia, Haiti and Thailand. He holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University and a master’s degree from the University of Oslo. Before coming to work in Monroe County he served as the Director of Foundations and Public Partnerships for Right To Play — an international not-for-profit organization using sports and play to educate and empower children facing adversity.

Michael Tukeva

Executive Director of the Pocono Alliance

Michael Tukeva is the Executive Director of the Pocono Alliance. He holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and a master's degree from Lehigh University. The Pocono Alliance is a non-profit dedicated to one important goal: to provide essential services and resources for people who need it most. From promoting early childhood screenings and education, guiding individuals in need to find resources to improve their lives, or helping those in poverty take control of their future, Pocono Alliance is determined to help Monroe County become a community of self-sufficiency, strength, and pride. To that end, it works to break the cycle of poverty, empower the powerless, and impact future generations.

Nathan Johnson

Physician

Nathan Johnson is a family physician in practice here in Monroe County. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Cornell University and his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He is also serves a commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. His work in the Navy has taken him around the world, including posts in "blue zone," communities known for health and longevity, such as Okinawa and Italy. His talk will examine what makes a community a blue zone, including the community of Rosetto, Pennsylvania, a former blue zone.