Theme: Open

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." -Frank Zappa, Musical Icon

TEDxPleasantGrove 2020 is an independently organized event that seeks to open minds by sharing ideas worth spreading from transformational game changers and thought leaders who open doors to new possibilities. The theme is "open" - allowing access, not blocked.

TEDxPleasantGrove | EVENT SOLD OUT!!

ARSA Auditorium
3831 N. Prairie Creek Road
Dallas, Texas, 75227
United States

Brent Hines

Entrepreneur and Performance Coach

Brent knows first hand the overwhelm and frustration that come from years of searching for the formula of a high performing life. In July of 2008 Brent lost everything and it was his fault. His career, his dreams, his identity and his future literally disappeared overnight. Since surviving those scariest days, Brent has researched, tested, coached and mentored thousands of people who want more from life, who desire to live wholeheartedly while achieving high performance in all dimensions of life.

Carolyn Coker Ross, MD

Eating Disorder and Addiction Expert

Dr. Ross is an internationally known author, speaker and expert in the treatment of eating disorders and addictions. She is a graduate of Dr. Andrew Weil’s Program in Integrative Medicine. In her practice she treats addictions and eating disorders. She is the CEO of an online program for people with food and body image issues.

Dr. Lusia Fomuso

Community Pharmacist

Dr. Lusia Fomuso has worked her way through the world of pharmaceuticals in roles such as technician, intern, and pharmacy manager in retail pharmacies and in hospitals. She now serves the community of Dallas as a Pharmacist. Dr. Fomuso is passionate about helping people to lead healthier lives through health education. She focuses on Public Health challenges that arise from the lack of patient knowledge about the impact that prescriptions have on their health.

Dr. Summer Rose

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Summer Rose is a licensed psychologist with the Momentous Institute in Dallas where she provides therapy, assessment, training, and consultation services. She works in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers, and in schools where she trains community partners and influential leaders on social emotional health. Dr. Rose has been a featured speaker on KERA, NPR, and at various conferences such as Changing The Odds.

Kristen Geez

Founder, Advising Generation Z

Kristen Geez created Advising Generation Z, a non-profit social skills mentoring program that provides misguided students with safe places to learn and grow through programs in 32 schools, 4 truancy and municipal courts, 9 recreation centers and multiple outreach organizations across North Texas and Oklahoma aided by a digital series called AdvisingGenz with exercises and testimonials that help students to navigate life’s difficulties. Kristen is also an author and red carpet reporter for Women That Soar.

La'Ve Jackson

A Powerful Force for Change

La’Ve Jackson knows how self-destructive choices can create a downward spiral of negativity by erasing a lifetime of positive choices. He also knows the power of a single random act of kindness to shift a person from self-neglect to self-respect. He shares lessons learned on his journey away from a warm family environment to isolation and the desolation of homelessness and back again. La’Ve is now a positive and powerful force for change for everyone he meets.

Laura Ramirez

Director, Diversity and Inclusion

Laura’s elementary school teacher taught her that speaking Spanish in class would earn her a trip to the principal’s office for reprimand. It is from this early childhood experience of intolerance that her lifelong dedication to diversity and inclusion (D&I) emerged. Laura works tirelessly to unleash the power of D&I by building bridges, growing networks, transforming workplace cultures, and speaking engagements. Laura’s work and leadership have been recognized in USA Today, D-CEO Magazine, and Latino Style Magazine.

Poonam Patel

Founder, Urban Loop Studio

Poonam Patel is an award-winning visionary designer who operates on the philosophy of “simplify and amplify”. She created Urban Loop Studio to provide design services to high-end residential, select commercial, and large design projects specializing in modern and contemporary styles. As a first-generation Indian American, Poonam often battles traditional expectations in favor of charting her own course. Her ability to create great structures from simple ideas has given her a winning edge.

Sonya Dunbar

Registered Dental Hygienist

Sonya Dunbar is known as the “Geriatric Tooth Fairy” because of her passionate care for the oral hygiene of the nation’s greatest generation who reside in long-term care facilities. Guided by decades of dental experience in private practice, in skilled nursing facilities, and in academia, Sonya provides hands-on and in-service training to staff members to ensure proper oral care for aging adults. Sonya is a US Navy Veteran and is pursing a PhD in Gerontology.

Thomas Palmer

Aspiring Lawyer and Senator

Thomas Palmer is a graduate of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy in Southern Dallas where he was transformed in middle school. He is currently a student at UNT Dallas majoring in Political Science, where he is nurturing his passions and ambitions for law, politics, and life as a public servant in the US Senate. Thomas is passionate about increasing political awareness among young people and aspires to be a catalyst for change in his community and across the nation.