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).
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.
Alicia Wade
Alicia Wade is a mom and wife that happens to have a passion for people using their brains, being self-aware and accountable for the energy they project. Imagine a world where everyone saw themselves and others as a whole and fully capable? That was her inspiration for creating The HR Source, a consulting firm in 2015. Her passion for effective teams was birthed during her childhood on sports teams. Alicia was blessed to be on winning teams enjoying District, Regional, State, Conference, and NCAA All-American honors. Alicia feels her curiosity for organizational behaviors and team efficiency began in college. She earned two degrees from the University of Oklahoma, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and one in Communication. She obtained her MBA from Baldwin Wallace College (now University). Alicia has over 15 years of management experience with Fortune 100 companies. She has lead teams across 21 states, over 500 direct reports and a portfolio of over $150 million. Today Alicia is a District Manager for an upscale clothing retailer. She attributes her success in the corporate world due to being open to risk and failure. She has always considered herself a lifelong learner and finding the teacher in all situations; that approach has helped her find gratitude in each day.Ashley Dedmon
Ashley is a proud BRCA2 previvor and was a teen caregiver of two parents with cancer. During her journey, she authored “The Big Discovery.” A children’s book that facilitates and guides families through a breast cancer diagnosis. Ashley and her journey have been featured in Voyage Houston Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine as well as several other magazines, blogs, and newspapers. In addition, she has appeared on FOX 26, RADIO ONE, Facebook Live, and podcast. Her speaking experience consists of a keynote speaker, guest speaker, panelist, emcee, and moderator.Felicia Sexton
Felicia Lee-Sexton - driven by purpose and tenacity is a recovering drug addict of twenty-four years. Felicia searched within the inner core of her soul to recreate a life no longer filled with darkness. Today, she is a light, shining bright and bringing life and purpose to others as an avid visionary Felicia went a step further and opened, “The Women’s Health and Fitness Center” where she caters to the mind, body, soul, and spirit of women. Felicia relived her dreadful past, to tell her truth in hopes that it would deliver and set others free from addictions. In November 2017, Felicia released her first book, “From Recovery to Discovery” which paints a very raw picture of her journey through drug addiction. Felicia is also known for her expertise in credit repair, which prompted her to begin a credit repair business and trucking company during her recovery process. Her unique business savvy has now propelled her to create “Feline Fitness Apparel,” a women’s fitness clothing line. Felicia is a world-renowned fitness expert, award-winning bodybuilder, powerlifter, and certified nutrition expert. She is a leader in the art of transforming women’s bodies and educating her clients about the benefits of developing their mental and spiritual capabilities. To date, Felicia has competed in several bodybuilding competitions and has won 24 trophies. Felicia Lee-Sexton is the embodiment of hard work, dedication, and a made-up mind. Every day she strives to be a living witness, that all things are possible with God if you first believe in Him and then in self. During this next phase of her life, Felicia’s Sexton has created a platform as an international motivational speaker and author. Felicia is the proud mother of one son, Donte and is a proud grannie to her adorable granddaughter, Cupcake.Hugo Guerrero
Hugo attended Waller High School and competed in the Debate team. While in speech and debate, he traveled to Stanford and Harvard Universities. He also competed at the Texas UIL State Tournament in Cross Examination Policy Debate. After high school, Hugo attended Lone Star College at Tomball. He just graduated from Lone Star College’s Honors College. Through the Honors College, Hugo got the opportunity to Intern at The Washington Center in Washington D.C and met with a Senator and governmental officials. Hugo is currently a manager at Tractor Supply Company in Waller where he gets to directly help the people in his community. Hugo is planning to transfer to the University of Texas in the spring to pursue a degree in Political Science and Communications.Jose Zelaya
Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya completed his Ph.D. in Urban Education at Texas A&M University. He is also a first-generation college student who in the year 2006 became the first one in his family to graduate from high school. Jose Luis will share his story of perseverance: “From a street-child to a Ph.D.” He describes experiences that shaped his upbringing, mentality, and character. From homelessness in one of the most dangerous cities of the world to migrating to the United States as an unaccompanied minor, he speaks of higher education as hope for our families and power to our communities. Jose Luis contributes his academic achievements to the great sacrifices of his family, numerous systems of support, mentors, and a strong personal desire to succeed. Today, Jose Luis aspires to open his heart, mind, and soul to have an interactive conversation about the transformational power of higher education; life success; and creating a generational legacy.Kimberly Wilson
Kimberly Wilson is a Terry Transfer Scholar at the University of Houston. While at the University of Houston Bauer Honors College of Business she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in interpersonal communications. Prior to the University of Houston, she was a Chancellor's Fellow of the Lone Star College-Tomball Honors College. She was the President of the Student Government Association, the Honors College Student Organization, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and Vice-President of Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa's Alpha Rho Mu chapter. She was also competitively selected to serve as a National Model United Nations delegate to represent the Lone Star College-Tomball campus for the past two years. After receiving scholarships to study abroad in Taiwan and China with Lone Star, Kimberly also plans to study abroad in the spring semester to better develop her education at UH. Through all of her adventures, she describes that she has developed leadership skills she never thought possible through her involvement on and off campus. "Leadership isn't something handed to you. It's developed through much trial and error over time, but the struggle is worth it," and she aims to instill this philosophy in all of her peers.Mia Wright
Mia Knight Wright is inspiring people around the globe to do the unthinkable and to pursue their passion for living. Released on March 6, 2018, Mia's book, UNTHINKABLE, has challenged readers to elevate their life's platform by demonstrating how to overcome boundaries and self-imposed limits. Mia is a powerful speaker, who encourages others with uplifting messages, relevant life stories, and life skills that apply in the faith-based and industry sectors. Her messages are inspiring as well as encouraging. With a call to action, Mia elevates others with purposeful thinking and action. People respond with stories of how she inspired them to begin again and complete unfinished plans. She is a sought-after speaker, having shared transformational messages in churches, town halls, conventions, corporate venues, schools, prisons, and mud huts around the world. Mia is the Co-Pastor and Executive Director of Ministry at The Fountain of Praise. She and her husband, Pastor Remus E. Wright, lead a mega-church with 20,000 members, one of the largest churches in the USA. In addition to her church leadership and professional speaking platforms, Mia fulfills her passion as the Executive Director of Metamorphosis, Inc., a women's empowerment organization. "Meta" encompasses a life-changing women's conference; compassionate projects; empowerment seminars; a mentoring program for young ladies; and international programs. Through her work, thousands have embraced life transformations. Her life's work is to help others formulate a foundation for change. Mia is currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership at The University of Southern California, which conjoins her passion and professional experiences. Mia graduated with honors with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While there, she participated in a Study Abroad Program in Tunisia, on the History and Relevance of the First Century Church in North Africa. Her Bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin in Biology and Chemistry prepared her for a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Mia worked for Merck and Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and was highly successful as a development-training specialist. Astra Merck's 1999 Corporate Report featured her project for innovative customer engagement. Beyond her impressive academic background and professional accomplishments, her most significant achievements are her family. She and her husband of 30 years are parents to three sons who are fulfilling their life's purposes as a minister, an attorney, and a medical doctor. Mia is a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum, Class XLV, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. For more information on Mia, visit her at www.miawright.com.Noelle Files
Noelle wants to see a world where people of every tribe and nation work together to build peaceful institutions. As a full time honor’s student and homeschooling mom, she’s been everywhere from Cub Scout meetings and day-long track and field meets to Intercollegiate conferences and the United Nations General Assembly Hall as a speaker during the Model UN. When she’s not teaching, learning or working on writing her book, you can find her running in her neighborhood, painting a scenic place or serving at church. Her book, a non-fiction novel based on the events of her great grandfather’s political work for the Flathead Nation before his untimely death is in progress. Her book project engages deep rooted policy abuses and requires in depth research on the reservation and collaboration with the Tribal Culture Committee. You can check out more on this project by email: noellefiles@gmail.com or by visiting her blog at: maxjbarnabyfiles.blogspot.com.Patrick Slaughter
Patrick Slaughter would say that he is living proof that God has a sense of humor. In 1991, after finding himself down on his luck and homeless in Chicago, Patrick turned to performing magic shows on the streets for tips. With a tireless work ethic and his addiction to this thing called food, Patrick honed his skills to the point that he was able to come in out of the cold—literally…he was able to rent an apartment! Patrick’s magic career eventually took off and allowed him to perform at various events and venues around the world. Patrick has been a featured performer for Club Med, BF Goodrich, Clear Channel Entertainment, Busch Gardens, and Aflac. Somewhere along the way Patrick attempted semi-retirement. It was the worst two years of his life. To help ease the boredom, he enrolled in law school. Four years later he graduated summa cum laude with a law degree, eventually passed the Tennessee bar exam, and had no idea what he was going to do next. Somehow, through luck and happenstance, Patrick met Jim LaFevor, who taught Patrick the ins and outs of Divorce and Family law practice in Tennessee. Patrick also took an interest in immigration law and developed a family immigration practice on his own. A year later Patrick and Jim formed the LaFevor & Slaughter law firm in Knoxville, Tennessee. A year after that Mr. LaFevor suddenly had to retire due to unforeseen medical reasons. Patrick found himself on his own, managing a law firm. Patrick has a reputation for being kind but relentless when advocating for his clients. Patrick was selected to be a “Super Lawyer” and also designated as a “rising star,” by the prestigious Thompson Reuters Super Lawyer organization. (An award bestowed on less than 2% of Tennessee Lawyers). Additionally Patrick and his firm have received awards from the American Institute of Legal Counsel for client satisfaction in the areas of Family law and Immigration law for the past several years running. Five years later with gross revenues around $1M, Patrick is starting to focus on what is next. Currently, Patrick is assisting other lawyers develop their own practices. Patrick has written a number of articles for the Knoxville Bar Association’s Dicta on developing a paperless practice and working remotely. Patrick has also delivered legal education presentations on such diverse topics the impact of criminal please on immigration status for the Knoxville Bar Association; An Introduction to Immigration law for the Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association; and UIFSA and Complex Child Support Issues for the National Business Institute. Patrick will also be teaching business operations principles at Law Firm Auto Pilot’s Total Transformation Workshop in New Orleans in August. So why does Patrick find all of the above so funny? He will be the first to tell you that if you would have told him 10 years ago he was going to be a lawyer, he would have laughed at you!Pricilla Martin
Priscilla Martin is a Lone Star College graduate, earned a BS in Psychology from Sam Houston State University and an MS in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Priscilla has worked in higher education for over nine years. She began her career with Cameron University in Lawton, OK working for the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Accountability. In 2012, Priscilla began working for Lone star College with the Office of Strategic Planning and Assessment. In fall of 2018, she began teaching Psychology as an adjunct for the LSC – Houston North Fairbanks Center. Teaching has allowed her to share her love for Psychology and connect with the students. Along with her professional moves within the Lone Star College organization, she has become a leader with volunteer organizations and leadership development programs at LSC. She was the President of the Professional and Support Staff Association (PSSA) for both the System Office Woodlands and the System Office University Park locations. Pricilla has also served on multiple Leadership Development Steering Committees to help grow the LSC leadership programs and build up the next generation of leaders within the college. These programs are essential to her as a participant and graduate of The Academy 2018 cohort. Her service to the college has earned her the Chancellor’s All-Star Award, a Staff Excellence Award, an LSC 20/20 Award, and an award for the LSC Cultural Belief of Trust. Her passion for higher education and the Lone Star College organization runs deep, and she looks forward to a long career alongside the many amazing people who work there.Rafael Sanchez
Rafael Sanchez is a home schooler who works with his parents to create a personalized education system that allows him to pursue his passion projects while taking advanced coursework. Rafael believes that everyone has the power to follow their interests and create a system of education that covers more than just the basics. He envisions “school” as any place that allows students to explore topics that are relevant and meaningful to them, at their own pace, and to the level which they can go. As an aspiring filmmaker, Rafael was featured in the Loud and Clear! Film Festival in Austin, Texas. He is also a competitive rower with a nationally ranked crew. He was recently awarded a National Security Administration scholarship to participate in a cyber-security training camp at Texas A&M University and looks forward to gaining more experience coding. Rafael is currently training in Adobe Premiere, After-Effects, and DaVinci Resolve applications. He is continuing to create new content for a multi-channel YouTube platform while pursuing college courses in addition to his required curriculum as a home schooled high school freshman. To find out more about the life of a home schooler, check out his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrYc7EggCIl5pTcnpf4Uaxg/featuredSaida Desilet
Dr. Saida Désilets is an author and thought-leader in women’s psycho-sexual health and the founder of the Désilets Method. She facilitates transformational workshops around the globe, empowering women of all backgrounds and ages to come home to themselves and live in right relationship with their sensual/sexual nature. Saida’s gift is in shifting cognitive paradigms while assisting women in repatterining cellular memory, especially in their vagina and pelvic floor, resulting in greater sexual wellbeing, sexual function and sexual satisfaction. Saida Désilets, Ph.D is a transpersonal psychologist certified by the International University of Professional Studies. She is also certified in Qi Gong, the Five Elements Theory of Chinese Medicine, and Ayurvedic Medicine through The Universal Tao School and Dr. Light Miller’s Ayurvedic School. Since 2001, Saida has been facilitating leading-edge workshops on the topic of the Jade Egg practice brought into modern-day use to suit the needs of each individual woman. Her work was recognized by the founder of the Universal Tao, Mantak Chia, and she was invited to share her philosophy and her uniquely designed Jade Egg practices at his training center in Thailand. This is where, in 2003, Saida met Dr. Rachel Abrams and contributed to her book, The Multi-Orgasmic Woman. In 2006, Dr. Désilets published her first book, Emergence of the Sensual Woman and was approached by Dr. Christiane Northrup to contribute to the revised edition of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, and again in 2008, asked for Saida’s contribution to her book The Secret Pleasures of Menopause. In 2011, Dr. Saida contributed to the European Transpersonal Psychology anthology: Different Views on Human Sexuality and Intimate Relationships from an Integral and Transpersonal Perspective. In 2018, her second book, Desire, was published as well as contributing to Dr. Abrams newest book, BodyWise. She has been featured on many panels, including two Ecstatic Birth panels along with Dr. Northrup, Ina Gaskin, and other incredible birth professionals. Saida is constantly interviewed and consulted for articles, books and research on the impact of particular practices on the sexual wellbeing of women. Dr. Désilets’ method incorporates somatic movement, meditation, self-inquiry, journaling, and specific tried-and-true Jade Egg practices that invite all women into their birthright of sexual sovereignty. This mind-body method has been refined over 18 years and has been endorsed by physicians, pelvic physiotherapists, and psychologists from around the world. Heart-centered, sexual sovereignty is at the core of this method, reintegrating women’s sensuality and sexuality into it’s natural expression and vitality.Sandra Martinez
Sandra Martinez is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications. Currently, she works for Lone Star College (LSC) in the Office of Human Resources as Client Relations and Communications Manager. Sandra credits her training as a cadet in ROTC during high school for her foundation for developing grit and project management skills. Sandra has spearheaded cultural projects at Lone Star College, such as the publishing of Voices, a diversity magazine that showcases the talent of faculty from around the world. She is a first-generation college-educated daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. She is passionate about personal development and modeling the abstract mystery of spirituality. During her free time, she gives generously, in time and resources to community organizations. Sandra lives in Houston and is a proud mother of two sons she calls her genius baby bears.Tammie Denyse
No stranger to tragedy and loss, Rev. Tammie Denyse has been navigating trauma, tragedy and loss both personally and professionally for more than 40 years. She uses intersections of faith, education and her lived experiences to create a heart-centered approach to healing and wellness. Rev. Tammie is co-founder and president of Carrie's TOUCH, a 501(c)3 nonprofit breast cancer organization established to enrich the lives of African American women diagnosed with the disease. She is a 15-year breast cancer survivor and has spent the past 13 years coaching cancer patients and their families through the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. She is recognized as an expert in the field of breast cancer and black women and is the Co-Principle Investigator for Project SOAR (Speaking Our African American Realities) in partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Project SOAR examines the unique experiences African American women face who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Rev. Tammie’s work has been recognized locally, nationally and globally for its innovative approaches to breast cancer survivorship and overall wellness. Rev. Tammie earned her degree in Human and Community Services from St. Mary’s College, Moraga, CA. She earned her Master of Divinity and Master in Community Leadership from the American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, CA. Rev. Tammie received her cancer coaching certification from The Cancer Journey Coach Training. She is a master group facilitator for those facing tragedy, grief and loss, preacher and mentor and spiritual advisor to those seeking a deeper understanding of God. Rev. Tammie Denyse was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN and currently resides in Sacramento, CA. She is a CEO, ordained minister, coach, international speaker and bestselling author. She is the mother of three adult children and the grandmother of one. Rev. Tammie is a number one best-selling author of, “The Power of Hope; Reclaiming Your Life After Tragedy,” the story of how she daily navigates the murky waters of trauma.Organizing team
