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).

Livonia Civic Center Library
32777 Five Mile Road
Livonia, Michigan, 48154
United States

Alphonso Amos

Founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Impact Youth Services

As the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Impact Youth Services, Alphonso Amos is committed to working for social justice and improving the quality of life for families. In 2015, at the age of 26 years old, Amos was elected to City Council in Port Huron, MI. Alphonso also leads the community initiatives Youth Voice and Mentors Matter. He is a passionate advocate for children and young adults, believing strongly in the power of volunteerism and service.

Grant Sobczak

CEO of Modern Mind Technology

Grant Sobczak is an enterprising entrepreneur and small business advocate who has owned and operated a business since the young age of fourteen. He is CEO of Modern Mind Technology, a technology conglomerate that provides digital marketing and consulting services to small and midsized businesses and operates eCommerce stores. Grant is a senior at Churchill High School and is a member of the Livonia AM Rotary club and the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys studying finance and investing, traveling with family, and flying airplanes.

Jay Johnson

Trainer specializing in communication and leadership development

Jay Johnson is a trainer specializing in communication and leadership development. Using a unique perspective of behavioral intelligence, Jay empowers people and organizations across the globe stretching from Main Street to Wall Street. Jay is a designated Master Trainer through the Association for Talent Development (ATD). He is a two-time Excellence in Training Award recipient from the National Association of Professional Communication Consultants and in 2017 he was named “Top Trainer” by the ATD Detroit Chapter. Jay has a devotion to teaching and learning, and is passionate about inspiring people to reach peak performance in work and in life.

Jesse Sparkman

Anti-bullying advocate

Jesse Sparkman has been empowered by his story and the impact it has had on his growth. His goal is to share his story with as many people as necessary in order to help others overcome their own stories of hurt.

Matt Fuller

Clinical Training Manager at ReWalk Robotics, Inc.

Matt Fuller grew up in rural Northeast Ohio, venturing down to the University of Cincinnati where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Biomechanics. Following his passion to help others he moved to San Diego, California to earn his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Knowing his passion was to work with individuals living with spinal cord injuries, he started a career with ReWalk Robotics in 2017. Matt enjoys exploring the world with his wife and staying active any way possible, including daily walks to the beach with his dogs.

Megan Fuciarelli

Educator and administrator with over 20 years of experience in the social justice realm

Megan Fuciarelli is an educator and administrator with over 20 years of experience in the social justice realm. As the Executive Director & Principal Consultant of US2, she works with a team to help unite society through equity and inclusion work. She has presented for local, state, national, and international audiences in the areas of Restorative Practices, Equity & Inclusion, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, and The Whole Child. She is very proud of her work with Teaching Tolerance as a contributor and the author of the Critical Practices Webinar Series. Fuciarelli holds a BS in Elementary Education as well as a MATL in Reading and MEd in Educational Administration. Fuciarelli has also completed an ESL Certificate and the Urban School Leadership Program at Harvard. Her passion directly correlates with providing insight into individuals in order to unite society.

Sarah Itoh

Student and anti-bullying advocate

Sarah Itoh has been empowered by her story and the impact it has had on her growth. Her goal is to share her story with as many people as necessary in order to help others overcome their own stories of hurt.

Teron Varner

Restorative Coordinator at a special-needs school for young adults

Teron Varner has a passion for supporting people. Most recently, he served as a Restorative Coordinator at a special-needs school for young adults. While there, he started working with the students on the power of owning their story and speaking through pain. The two young adults performing with him have both been empowered by their story and the impact of it on their growth. Their goal is to share their story with as many people as necessary in order to help others overcome their own stories of hurt.

Todd Reigelsperger

Computer Programmer

Todd Reigelsperger grew up playing whatever sport was in season, but life changed quickly when he was paralyzed in a car accident during his senior year of high school. Today, Todd uses a manual wheelchair in his daily life and a robotic exoskeleton to stand, walk, and enjoy the benefits of leaving the wheelchair behind...if only for a few hours. Walking 275 miles since obtaining the device in 2016, Todd advocates for increasing access and opportunities for people living with disabilities. Todd lives in Coldwater,OH, works as a Computer Programmer, and enjoys hanging out on the water kayaking and enjoying the sunshine.