Theme: VISIONARY

To be visionary is to perceive the intangible—to imagine possibilities beyond the accepted norm. How can we cultivate the unseen to create a more vibrant future?

Join us for Bethesda’s next TEDx event at Strathmore’s beautiful Concert Hall. Global thought leaders from Google, Forbes, ABC’s Shark Tank, A&E, and more will take the stage to share their strongest ideas. Not to mention, almost all of them are from the local area! Each of these live TEDx Talks will be recorded and uploaded to the official TEDx Youtube channel, which currently has over 16 million active subscribers.

You can also look forward to a dynamic musical performance, an enticing intermission, TED Talk video screenings, and much, much more. Here’s a chance to co-create an unforgettable gathering of minds—determined to play our part.

TEDxBethesda.com

The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, Maryland, 20852-3385
United States

Aerica Shimizu Banks

Ecosystem Builder

Aerica Shimizu Banks is a co-founder of BEACON: The DC Women Founders Initiative. Banks creates initiatives to improve inclusion and equity in tech, the law, and entrepreneurship. She is a champion of women entrepreneurs and an ecosystem builder. Aerica was named a Tech Titan by Washingtonian Magazine and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. She also works in Policy at Google and served as a political appointee in the Obama Administration. She graduated from Oxford University with a MSc. in Nature, Society, and Environmental Policy, and from Seattle University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Public Affairs.

Brandice Heckert

Education Trailblazer

Mrs. Heckert is principal of Winston Churchill High School, the #1 rated public high school in the state of Maryland. She is known to value student leadership and actively works to cultivate a sense of school spirit. Principal Heckert was the assistant principal at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School before being appointed principal of CHS. She was previously a math teacher, Student Government Association (SGA) sponsor, head cheerleading coach and principal intern at Clarksburg High School.

Dr. Kevin Chan

Sight Saver

Dr. Kevin Chan is the Center Director of Treehouse Eyes, the only specialty medical practice in the U.S. that is dedicated exclusively to myopia management for children. Dr. Chan obtained his undergraduate degree in Pharmacology at Western University in London, ON, Canada. He later graduated with distinguished dual degrees of Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) and Masters of Vision Science (M.S.) from the New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA. Dr. Chan is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry; and is a guest contributor in the Review of Optometry.

Jay Frost

Over the last three decades, Jay Frost has worked to identify and pursue billions in fundraising opportunities for thousands of charitable organizations around the world. Jay is one of the leading voices in the field. He has been recognized as one of America's Top 10 Fundraising Experts by Philanthropy Media, one of the Top Eight Fundraising Influencers by Elevation Media, and one of the Top Thirteen Excellent Fundraising Consultants by Double the Donation. A popular speaker, Jay has addressed hundreds of meetings in the US, UK, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East. He has been described as “a master of innovation” and “a beacon of light and inspiration” whose “humor filled and thought provoking” talks, training and consults leave groups “energized and informed.” Jay is also a consultant to nonprofits and an advisor to companies serving the philanthropic marketplace. He advises organizations at all stages of their efforts, from startup through capital campaigns.

Julian Mitchell

Mover + Maker

Julian Mitchell is an award-winning multimedia journalist with a passion for using content to design culture. He has held editorial and supervisory producer roles at industry-leading pop culture entities including REVOLT, HuffPost, Complex, Forbes and Beats by Dre. He has also spearheaded campaigns and content for brands like American Honda Motors, Wells Fargo, Google, and Magic Johnson Enterprises. As a LinkedIn Top Voice and a frequent panelist in national and international discussions about media, Julian possesses an acute understanding of the impact content has on real-world culture.

Karen Civil

Media Maven

Karen Civil is the need-to-know media mogul behind some of the most notable names in entertainment. As a global marketing maven, she has developed powerful influence in culture, and bridges the gap between powerhouse brands and musical artists. Karen has become a humanitarian for charitable causes that specifically benefit children, Haiti, and women of color. Her first book, "Be You & Live Civil: Tools for Unlocking Your Potential & Living Your Purpose," has sold over 300,000 copies and spawned a 40-city tour across the globe. Karen Civil has become synonymous with innovative thinking and positive results. She remains a driver of the culture and a force to be reckoned with.

Matt Paxton

Extreme Cleaner

Matt Paxton is the founder of WayForth, the nation’s largest downsizing and senior transition company. Matt is the host of Legacy List and former extreme cleaning expert on the hit television show Hoarders. Paxton started cleaning out houses after his father and grandfather passed away in the same year. The experience allowed him to recognize the immense impact physical items have on a person’s life and he focused the last 20 years helping others solve difficult living situations caused by excess possessions. Matt is an renowned speaker on downsizing and aging, and appears regularly on television and radio to speak on our emotional attachment to items.

Peter Franchot

Community Champion

As Maryland’s chief fiscal officer, Comptroller Franchot is a tireless champion for working families and small businesses, and is a stalwart advocate for fiscal policies that strengthen our state’s economy. As chief executive officer of a 1,100-person state agency, Comptroller Franchot is focused on delivering respectful, responsive, and results-oriented taxpayer service, and the Maryland Comptroller’s Office, under his leadership, is considered one of the most effective and efficient Comptroller’s Office in the nation. Comptroller Franchot is also statutorily charged with executing other critical duties – including regulating alcohol, motor fuel, and tobacco and a seat on the Board of Public Works, which is comprised of the governor and state treasurer and is responsible for reviewing and approving billions of dollars in state contracts annually.

RDGLDGRN

Band

RDGLDGRN ("Red Gold Green") is an American band based out of the D.C. Metro Area. They have worked with a wide range of notable musicians, including Dave Grohl and Pharrell Williams. Band members Marcus Parham (Red), Andrei Busuioceanu (Gold) and Pierre Desrosiers (Green) met through mutual friends in Reston, Virginia. In the fall of 2011, RDGLDGRN recorded their breakout song "I Love Lamp", and uploaded their self-produced and directed music video to YouTube, where it reached over 100,000 hits within days. An additional Virginia native became involved when Pharrell Williams co-wrote and co-produced "Doing the Most." RDGLDGRN made their television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March 2013 performing both "I Love Lamp" and "Million Fans." The band performed at SXSW in March 2013, and the Vans Warped Tour 2013. RDGLDGRN released their debut album in 2013.

Sharmi Albrechtsen

Robotics Aficionado

Sharmi Albrechtsen is CEO of SmartGurlz, a fast-growing start-up company focused on making STEM, coding and digital learning more accessible to girls. Sharmi was recently featured on a special episode of ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank, where Sharmi battled more than 40,000 companies to face celebrity sharks including Richard Branson and Mark Cuban, and closed a deal with Daymond John. Sharmi was recently given AdWeek's Disruptor Award.