Theme: Change It Up

TEDxURI 2019’s theme is Change It Up. From the personal to the global, our speakers consider the possibilities—and the necessity—for changes close to home and in the world at large.

Change is hard. But now’s the time, our speakers suggest, to reflect on what’s possible if we’re willing to shift our perspectives, reconsider our assumptions, and open ourselves to the challenge.

The University of Rhode Island
7 Lippitt Road
Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881
United States

Amy Laurent

Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Educational Consultant

Amy Laurent, PhD, OTR/L specializes in the education of autistic children. Her work involves creating learning environments designed to facilitate children’s active engagement at home, in schools, and throughout their communities. She is a co-author of the SCERTS model and frequently lectures around the globe. She is passionate about neurodiversity and helping others to honor and understand the implications of "different ways of being" in relation to navigating the physical and social world.

Benjamin Leveillee

Instructional Technologist

Benjamin Leveillee is a proud husband and father, and is experienced in designing educational materials and helping to enhance teaching and learning through technology. Ben is most interested in exploring big questions about ourselves and our Universe and passionate about helping others to do the same. He holds a B.S. in Science Education from URI (2004) and a M.Ed. in Media and Technology from BU (2008).

Isabella Robinson

High School Student

Isabella Robinson is a junior at Rocky Hill High School and lives with her mom, dad, and little brother in Providence, Rhode Island. During the school year, she participates in all three seasons of theater. Isabella also heads her school's diversity club and pre-school craft club. Isabella recently completed an english class project on police brutality, and after hearing about TEDxURI from her teacher, she thought it would be a great chance to speak about an issue that has always been important to her.

Pete Hunt

High End Residential Construction Project Executive & Business Developer

A meandering and inquisitive soul, Pete Hunt enjoys creating in all forms. Whether by software, pen & paper, lumber, dirt, or anything else, he is gratified by creating beautiful and enduring things. Intrigued by the prospect of creating ideas through spoken word, drawn to present and perform, Pete is grateful for the opportunity to take the TEDxURI stage and share his ideas.

Rachel Ferreira

College Student

Rachel Ferreira is a junior at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in Health Studies and minoring in Leadership. She is a local of Kingston, Rhode Island. Rachel serves on the President's Commission on People with Disabilities at the University, and she is always striving to find new ways to change the way society sees people with disabilities.

Raquél Pérez

Registered Nurse

Raquél Peréz graduated cum laude from URI in 2017 as a first generation bachelor's degree recipient and earned a BSN. After graduating, Raquél spend the next year as an AmeriCorps member, aiding in affordable housing. During her time in AmeriCorps, she grew exponentially as a servant leader with the help of Smith Hill Community Development Corporation and College Leadership Rhode Island.

Sherenté Harris

Cultural Educator, Artist and Activist

Sherenté Mishitashin Harris intertwines the stories of his cultural path with his Two Spirit identity to evoke an emotion that sparks dialogue regarding ideologies that are too often silenced. Sherenté’s efforts oppose the prolonged issue of Indigenous Invisibility. Allowing his stories to manifest through writing, speaking, performance, and visual art, Sherenté can expand the audience of his message, educating and creating change within his communities. Sherenté attends Brown University & RISD.

Stephen Smith

Documentary Director, Arctic Region

Stephen's career in the Far North began four decades ago. Studying seabirds on remote Arctic islands led to a lifetime of polar exploration. After leading more than 50 High Arctic expeditions, he turned his attention to directing documentaries. His 2012 feature Vanishing Point bears witness to the challenges facing indigenous hunting culture in today’s Arctic (finalist for Best Documentary Feature at the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards). His current film project examines the role of Arctic sea ice in climate.