Theme: BOLD + BRILLIANT

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).

West Ashley Theater Center
1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd #11
Charleston, South Carolina, 29407
United States

Carson Kosar

High School Student and Inventor

Carson Kosar is a high school student at Palmetto Scholars Academy. She will talk about her experience on a trip to Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic. Regarding her talk, she said, "I want to show people that even though I am only 17 years old, my age does not define the impact that I can make."

Debra Nelson

Certified Financial Planner

Debra Nelson, CFP has been private practice for over 30 years providing financial planning services in Charleston, SC. Debra wants to make it popular to complete your Life and Exit planning along with a financial physical every year so you can clearly communicate your personal legacy and live in the hearts of your loved ones forever. Debra provides tools and to offer supportive options to “Get your House in Order” for the good of those you care about the most. Live your best life on purpose!

Dr. Donna Roberts

Physician and NASA-funded neuroscientist

Dr. Donna Roberts studies the brain and changes and unusual symptoms experienced by returning space station astronauts and help identify key issues in the planning of longer-duration space exploration.

Dr. Heather Collins

Cognitive Neuroscientist

Cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Heather Collins, says, "It's no secret that women are underrepresented as leaders in the legal profession (19%), medicine (16%), academia (30%), financial services (12.5%), and tech (13%). These numbers show that women in all professional areas are impacted and will benefit from being bold. Women are just as qualified, but are often not as bold as men. Our brains didn’t come with user manuals. Therefore, it is critical to understand how scientific research can teach us how to be bold every time. By understanding the neuroscientific principles underlying the process of being bold and taking a chance, we can hack our brains to achieve success."

Heather Holmquest

Business Leader and Change Agent

Heather Holmquest is President of the Maritime Association of South Carolina. Her path has led her to the TEDx stage as a result of a challenge she made to herself to dive head first into experiences that scare her. She has found herself where she is today, largely as a result of observational curiosity, or as she defines it, a way of being open and receptive to person to person connection and interactions with the strangers among us. She has experienced big magic in her life, resulting in life altering changes, challenges and even big rewards. “With the advancement and pace of technology and communication platforms, we are increasingly pulled away from real human connection and free flow of thought. Our sense of observational curiosity has waned with our distraction. The magic happens when we create the space for moments of pure presence.”

Henrietta Woodward

Community Planner

Community planner, Henrietta Woodward will tell you how laughter has changed her life. "I was able to overcome obstacles through the use of laughter. Scientific evidence confirms that laughter is a non-forming medicine for many ailments. If taken and used on a regular basis it provides a brighter outlook on life and literally can heal emotional and physical malady."

Irene Rose

Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Performer

Irene Rose is a singer-songwriter, producer and performer. She has been featured on 13 albums and has had 20 songs on the radio. She says, "Too often, in efforts to be accommodating we adjust who we are and what we really want to be agreeable. When we stay true to our purpose, we attract our ideal audience that promotes our message and subsequently yields more meaningful and authentic results. Walking away from record deal in Nashville to pursue her true passion of children's ministry, she encourages us not to change our message to appeal to everyone. She exhorts us to boldly proclaim your message and have the courage to be yourself.

Nichole Myles

Nonprofit Executive, Community Activitst, Museum Executive Director

Nichole Myles is a solo mom of 3 children and Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry who will tell her personal story of unlikability. "We have all been in situations where we've been told to 'tone down' or set aside an essential part of ourselves so that others can be comfortable. We politely call this 'likability' but it is really an attempt - too often successful - to change us. Rather than showing women how to ignore those words, how to overcome them or avoid them, I am encouraging women to run toward their 'unlikable' descriptors and use them to find within themselves their hidden superpowers."

Patrice Witherspoon

Women's Advocate

Patrice Witherspoon is a women's advocate, who works to empower women through access to health care and education. She manages the health initiatives of the YWCA Greater Charleston as well as She Strong, a young women's empowerment and leadership program. She believes in the power of intergenerational influence and that women of all ages and walks of life can empower each other." Empowering women not only betters the quality of life for individuals and families, but creates leaders that develop equitable communities. Empowered women create empowered communities."