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).

415 South Street
Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453
United States

Abeer Pamuk

Motivational Speaker

Abeer Pamuk was born and raised in Aleppo, Syria. She had just finished her first year of study at the University of Aleppo when war broke out in Syria. After being displaced to Lebanon, Pamuk received word that her university had been bombed, and that she had lost four friends. The event compelled her to return to Syria despite the risks, continue her education and start her career in the humanitarian field. For many years in Aleppo, she had to navigate her life without access to water or electricity. She was forced to use a fainted candlelight to study for her exams and walk around her home. Despite the circumstances, she had a dream to travel to New York City. In 2017, she came to the United States on an Atlas Corps fellowship to New York. The opportunity to be in the city and be surrounded by people who believed in her story changed Abeer's life forever.

Ben Greene

Transgender Educator

Ben is a sophomore studying elementary education and computer science! He teaches after school kindergarten robotics program and yes, it’s adorable. He wants to be a teacher, but is also passionate about theater. He does stand up comedy, and has played roles such as Lefou (Beauty and the Beast), Lloyd (Noises off), and the female gender (Life, Birth-16).

Nakul Srinivas

Motivational Speaker

Nakul is a sophomore from New York City. He is planning on majoring in English and Biology. He serves on the Social Justice and Diversity Committee of the Student Union and the E-board of the French and Francophone Club. In his free time, he enjoys learning trivia about countries from all over the world including their capitals, major cities, and official languages.

R Matthews

Software Engineer + DJ + Peer Advisor

R Matthews is a senior at Brandeis University graduating with bachelors degrees in both Computer Science and African & African-American Studies. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Atlanta by two Jamaican immigrants, R came to Brandeis as a Posse Scholar. He is passionate about helping others through technology and innovation. He also aspires to bring his leadership, critical analysis, and technical skills to companies that strive to make the world a better place. R holds positions on campus as an academic peer advisor, tour guide, and mentor to other students of color. In his spare time, R loves to DJ, dance, edit videos, and spend time with his friends.

Shaquan McDowell

Historian

Shaquan McDowell is a recent Brandeis University graduate and academic in Early American History and American politics. As apart of his concentration, he studies community building and evolution of Free People of Color communities, and their impact on contemporary communal relations. Shaquan enjoys helping others learn who they are, through connecting them with their heritage genealogically.