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).

Davenport Central Auditorium
1120 Main Street
Davenport, Iowa, 52803
United States

Benie Toko

Benie is a 13-year-old attending Central high school. She enjoys reading, knitting, and sleeping in her spare time. Her favorite place is her room.

Haley DeGreve

Haley DeGreve is a John Deere Communications Specialist and 2020 graduate of Augustana College. Throughout her education, she was inspired to start a mental health awareness and suicide prevention non-profit called The Gray Matters Collective in 2018. The collective became a movement filled with hope, support, and healing for thousands – becoming a nationally recognized movement through the University of Michigan Depression Center. Since she began mental health advocacy in 2018, she’s spoken at many local schools, events, and workplaces to advocate against mental health stigma and educate crisis intervention. As current president and founder of The Gray Matters Collective, she hopes to change the world, one person at a time.

Josiah Blanton

20-year-old entrepreneur as well as a financial literacy strategist, mentor & also an Influencer. In his free time, he loves to travel with his family and on these adventures, his must-haves are Home Run Inn Pizza Apple juice and chocolate chip cookies, and my favorite Flaming Hot Cheetos.

Korina Smith

Korina Smith is a junior at Central High School. She enjoys the outdoors, learning new things, and finding ways to make the world a better place.

Megan Clark

Megan Clark is a senior at Central Dewitt High School. She has been involved with agriculture her whole life as she lives on a diversified crop and beef farm. She is fascinated by agriculture and the way that it impacts everyone’s lives. Megan is also heavily involved in media and agricultural communications. She has worked in media in Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Nevada, and many local places across the state. Megan sees communication as an opportunity to start a conversation about agriculture and a way to educate people. In her free time, she participates in FFA, livestock evaluation, 4-H, softball, and exhibits beef cattle at the local, state, and national level.

Netsanet Kantner

She is a sophomore at Davenport Central High School. At Central, she’s participated in robotics, volleyball, mock trial, track, and tennis.