Theme: Beginnings

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).

2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa, 50311
United States

Anna Steenson

Anna is a junior at Drake University studying both Music and Digital Media Production. Anna has researched dyslexia since being diagnosed in 10th grade. Dyslexia:Vibrant Diversity aims to show that dyslexia can be an ability instead of a disability.

Claire Davison

Claire is attending Drake's law school next year. Claire has studied the topic of marajuana as a part of her senior honors thesis.

Jessica Booker

Jessica is a first year Honors Psychology Major from the south side of Chicago, who is passionate about mental health.

Karli Borcherding

Karli is a third year pharmacy student from Ankeny, Iowa. She has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 10 years old, which has led her to have many interesting experiences.

Nicholas Vollmer

Nicholas is a third year pharmacy student at Drake. He had the opportunity in January 2017 to travel across the world to Nairobi, Kenya, and Mount Kilimamjaro, Tanzania, with the organization Above and Beyond Cancer.

Tony Loyd

Tony is a former Fortune 500 executive, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of Crazy Good Advice: 10 Lessons Learned from 150 Leading Social Entrepreneurs. He is the host of the radio program and podcast, Social Entrepreneur. Every week he interviews passionate people who apply innovative solutions to society's most pressing problems. Tony believes the way we spend our time is the way we spend our lives. To live a meaningful life, we must have meaningful work.