Theme: Inviting Divergence

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).

Bethany Global University
6820 Auto Club Road
Bloomington, Minnesota, 55438
United States

Dan Sanchez

Marketing Director for Bethany International

Dan Sanchez is the Marketing Director for Bethany International and adjunct instructor at Bethany Global University with over a decade of experience in marketing for nonprofits, startups, and small businesses. He earned his MBA and BS in Marketing Management from Western Governors University.

David Hasz

Executive Vice President & Provost of Bethany Global University

David is the Executive Vice President & Provost of Bethany Global University. He serves as one of the classroom instructors for Lead Venture and gives executive oversight to the Lead Venture staff team. David has earned a B.S. in Education from Oral Roberts University, an M.A. in Intercultural Leadership from Bethany Global University, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Faith International University. He has 30 years of experience leading, teaching, coaching young people, and has ministered cross-culturally in 25 countries while serving in leadership on short-term mission trips.

Dirk Reichardt

Instructional Designer for Bethany Global University

MS in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University; BS in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University; BA in Theology and Missions from Bethany Global University; TOEFL Certificate from Bridge Linguatec; 14 years of experience church planting and managing an agricultural project in the Philippines; 7 years of teaching Business English and working with Bethany interns in Batam, Indonesia; currently working as an Instructional Designer for Bethany Global University’s online internship program.

James Carbary

Founder of Sweet Fish Media

James Carbary is the founder of Sweet Fish Media, a podcast agency for B2B brands. He’s been a contributor for Entrepreneur & Business Insider, and he also co-hosts a top-ranked podcast according to Forbes: B2B Growth. James’ first book, Content-Based Networking, will be releasing in the Fall of 2019.

Kenneth Freire

Dean of Work Education for Bethany Global University

Kenneth is the Dean of Work Education for Bethany Global University. He manages a variety of essential initiatives related to academic accreditation, campus life, student industries, curriculum development, and practical training development. Kenneth was the founder of the Lead Venture program, and he still serves as one of the instructors for the program as well as serving in a strategic advisory role. Kenneth has earned a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Liberty University and M.Div. from Regent University. Kenneth has many years of experience with leadership development and has trained 500+ men and women in leadership and apologetics. Kenneth is married with two kids.

Kenneth Ortiz

Director of Strategic Initiatives at Bethany Global University + author + podcast host

Director of Lead Venture as well as the Bethany International Ministry Internship program. Kenny is a dynamic communicator, gifted Bible teacher, and published author. He has a strong track record of mentoring young adults and nearly 15 years of leadership experience in local church ministry, para-church ministry, and business. Kenny has been a youth pastor, conference speaker, school administrator, and successful entrepreneur. He is also the host of a popular podcast, “Theology for the Rest of Us.” Kenny’s undergraduate work was focused in the areas of Organizational Leadership, Psychology, and Biblical Studies. He is currently pursuing an M.Div. degree with an emphasis in Christian Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as taking supplemental graduate courses at Harvard University. Kenny is an avid reader, history buff, sports fanatic, Disney enthusiast, and coffee addict.

Matthew Wyatt

Game Creator

Matthew Wyatt is a self-professed “creative geek with charisma” who works with people to help them improve their lives through creative problem solving and humor. Since 1996, Matthew has delighted audiences young and old alike while speaking on various social issues. As a game designer, he created the color blind friendly card game "Knock Knock." He has written various articles on technology, social media and one op-ed piece explaining why pet dogs are better than children. Matthew is also a husband and father of four. Matthew currently serves on the IT team at Bethany Global University in Bloomington MN and has a Marketing Management Degree from Western Governors University.

Melanie Hurlbut

Faculty for Bethany Global University

Prior to joining the faculty for Bethany Global University, Melanie served in cross-cultural ministry and as faculty for YWAM for over 20 years. She holds an MA in Religious Studies from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and a BA in Comparative Literature from the University of California.

Michelle Thompson

Founder, Executive Director, and Head of Hand in Hand Christian Montessori in Minnesota

MA in Education, Instructional Leadership from Argosy University; Certificate in Montessori Theory from Montessori Centre International in London, England; BA in Elementary Education and Business from Bethel University. Michelle Lee Thompson has 20 years of experience as the Executive Director and Dean of Hand in Hand Christian Montessori and is currently an adjunct faculty member for Bethany Global University and Sarasota University. She also served for 25 years as the co-owner and teacher at Kinderstudio of Musik. Most recently, she completed an AMI Certificate in Montessori for Aging and Dementia and co-founded Nonna's of Wayzata, an Intergenerational Christian Montessori Day program for infants, toddlers, and elders.

Sam Tarell

Founder and President of Divergent U

Sam Tarell is the Founder and President of Divergent U, an alternative to higher education that offers individualized learning for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and freethinkers. Sam pioneered the Divergent Leadership Model which he used to scale his first company into a global success helping over 5,000 clients internationally. Today he trains small to mid-sized companies on Divergent Leadership, emotional intelligence, and company culture.