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).

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Abdelwadood Daoud

Microsoft Program Manager and Entrepreneur

Wadood is a recent mechanical engineering graduate from Iowa State University whose experiences align more with computer science, energy systems, and entrepreneurship. With experiences ranging from teaching English to homeless men in New Delhi, India to working at Tesla in California, Wadood has proven that where you start does not dictate where you will end up. Within the last 2 years Wadood has: started his career as a program manager at Microsoft, studied abroad in India, researched at the National Energy Technology Laboratory, started 2 businesses, and currently serves on the board of directors of a multimillion-dollar non-profit organization. While he takes pride in his successes, he is most passionate about helping others around the world achieve whatever goals they may have in mind. Regardless of the goal, he genuinely believes that anything can be achieved with the right mix of learning, confidence, and networking.

Alex Klein

Student

Alex D. Klein is a 21 year old LGBTQ+ political activist, former candidate for mayor of Mason City, as well as a junior majoring in History at Iowa State University. Alex graduated from Mason City High School in 2016 and North Iowa Area Community College in 2018, becoming the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college. While at NIACC he became president of the Equality Alliance, a GSA style group focused on project based work, as well as an executive board member of MC Pride, a pride organization based in Northern Iowa. Alex was born and raised in a low income Iowa family, and his experiences within that environment inspired him to become more involved in politics directly. In 2017, Alex ran for mayor of his home town earning 485 votes, but losing to former (and now current) Mayor Bill Schickel. Although he lost, Alex hopes that his run is able to inspire more young people to run for public office, and to get involved with the political process.

Jeff Brinkley

Police Chief and Sociology Department Lecturer

Lecturer in the Sociology Department at Iowa State University and Police Chief at the Mason City, Iowa, Police Department, he has the opportunity to impact a community and help shape tomorrow’s law enforcement recruits. He has a genuine interest in people and in working cooperatively with others for better outcomes. Jeff has been a certified Iowa peace officer for 24 years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Iowa State University, attended Session 239 of the FBI National Academy, and graduated from the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police. In 2017, Jeff and MCPD staff worked with local community stakeholders to complete a community mental health planning guide after being awarded a $75,000 grant by the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.

Jenny Tan

Student

Iowa State student and Chicago land native, Jennifer Tan, is pursuing a degree in Architecture, Environmental Studies, and Entrepreneurial Studies. In addition to balancing her education and part-time job, she is the captain of the Iowa State Cheer team, mentor for the BUILD Program, and member of The Fashion Show Set Design Committee. Based on her wide range of experiences, Jennifer envisions a flourishing future led by those willing to push their boundaries of comfort for the betterment for our future society. She hopes to inspire others to strive for the exceptional, rather than settling for the safe and expected.

Michael Giles

Performer and Lecturer

A native Iowan, Michael is a vibrant and accessible musician. He is in constant demand as a performer and clinician, both domestically and abroad. He has fused his varied skill set and diverse musical background into a unique perspective which he shares successfully in the classroom and on the stage. He stays active as an improviser and writer, working with eclectic mixes of personalities and instrumentation. His enthused commitment to original music and inventive approaches make him a recognizable voice. He currently teaches Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Iowa State University.

Sabah Ali

Best Selling Author and Innovator

Sabah is a recognized millennial who is the Founder of Unforgettable by Sabah. We influence others to see their life and themselves through a different perspective, recognize potential, and inspire them to turn their dreams into a reality; in business, life, and relationships, so they find fulfillment, purpose, and leave an unforgettable legacy. Unforgettable brands, focuses on teaching people how to craft their story, brand message, and build their presence online to attract the RIGHT type of audience. Yes - You can build a successful brand and business just on Instagram. Sabah is also the #1 Best-Selling Author of the book, Enrolling in Confidence: How to Live the Lifestyle You Want in College, keynote speaker, and has contributed to or has been featured in publications such as TEDx, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, Thrive Global, Accelerant Magazine, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, Iowa State Daily, and many more. Follow her @thesabahali

Sara Merritt

Professional Artist and Educational Programmer

An introvert who habitually does extroverted things, Sara found her way to artistic expression through body dysmorphia and an initial desire to both define beauty and become invisible. Her passion for exploring connections between people and the strange spectrum of perception – especially through distortion. Sara believes in the power of visual expression and informal education; for her, it all begins with just an inkling – a compulsion to move, make a mark, or share something unspoken with others. She views artistic expression as a human necessity. From a weird and winding education and career path, and with over 20 years’ experience teaching everything from photography, painting, and problem-solving, to martial arts, dance, and science communication, she is now a professional artist and belly dancer, arts and dance instructor, and develops educational programming at Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens; and will continue to create, to dance, and to teach as long as she is able.

Yoko Ambrosini

Assistant Researcher in the College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU)

Yoko M Ambrosini is currently an Assistant Researcher at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a veterinarian scientist from Nihon University, Japan, who received her Masters and Ph.D at the University of California in Davis where she studied animal models for human autoimmune hepatobiliary diseases. Following her Ph.D, she transitioned to clinical work and she successfully completed Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency at Tufts University with induction to Veterinary Honor Society in 2018. Her current research focus is on the development of translatable non-rodent canine intestinal models to investigate both veterinary and human chronic diseases.