Theme: Illuminate

Madison College and community members alike join together to present TEDx talks that will Illuminate you. From learning to pause to live a better life, to enjoying entrepreneurial and immigration adventures, to leading with gratitude and becoming more resilient join us for inspiration and insights as we navigate together towards a brighter future.

TEDx MadisonCollege
1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin, 53704
United States

Amie Heeter

Yoga & meditation teacher; photographer

Amie Heeter is a nature enthusiast, adventurer, and lifelong learner particularly motivated by what sparks our drive for connection and purpose. Drawing from tools found in Eastern mind-body traditions such as yoga and meditation, as well as from modern neuroplasticity research and mindfulness, since 2004 Amie has taught individuals ways to sustain health in the body, cultivate stability and resilience in the mind, and open pathways to the heart and the possibilities life holds. She hosts group courses, private counseling, and regularly leads retreats regionally and internationally. Also a lifestyle photographer, Amie is a visual storyteller who loves to capture the wonder of the world around her. She recently took part in documenting the release of wolves into Isle Royale National Park and photographed an intimate tour in the south of India. She lives in Madison with her husband and two daughters.

Isaac Showaki

Owner - Octopi Brewing

Coming to this country as an immigrant was a challenge. Isaac made inspired choices that helped guide him through the twists and turns of immigration, love and business. Failure is part of success. Every successful person knows that. You need more than one way to cope with failure. If you really want something you have to go for it. Isaac's story is full of failure. But when he failed, life led me in the right direction. He was smart enough to listen.

Jorel Dray

Instructor of Graphics Design & Creative Director at Levee Labs

Jorel is an instructor of graphic design at Madison College and creative director for Levee Labs—a small, but mighty, web design and software development agency. He has nearly 10 years of experience under his belt from his time at Hiebing, where he started as an entry-level interactive designer and left a senior art director/partner. Jorel’s a hard-working, lifelong learner with a skill-set ranging from traditional print and branding to website design, animation, and just about anything in-between. His design work has been globally recognized by thedieline.com, Graphis, and Comm Arts. In his role as an instructor and creative director, his mission is to grow young talent to help them achieve their dreams. His never-ending passion for design inspires and motivates each and every designer that crosses his path. He loves sharing knowledge and has presented at events such as the Better By Design conference and the Adobe Creative Jam

Julie Ann Wood

Chief Cultivator - ESeedling, Author, Entrepreneur

Julie Ann Wood is the Chief Cultivator of E-seedling specializing in youth entrepreneurship and experiential learning curriculum. She is the author of More Than a Lemonade Stand and You’re Never too Young to Start a Business. Julie teaches youth entrepreneurs at Grand Parents University at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Children's Business Fair and E-seedling. She previously ran the youth entrepreneur camp at UW-Madison for 10 years. The curriculum she developed is currently being used in 20 states and 10 countries. Julie also presents and trains at local, regional, state and national conferences on youth entrepreneurship, productivity and process management. She is a Franklin Covey facilitator, a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a board member of the NSA-Wisconsin chapter. Julie’s education includes an associate degree in accounting from Madison Business College, and a B.S. in Elementary Education and M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction from UW-Madison.

Shana LaFore

Mom of 2, Instructor, Speaker, Yogi ,Traveler, Lover of all things Creative

Shana LaFore has been life-long advocate for authenticity and human connection. She has served in many roles in her professional career, most commonly as a teacher. She has worked with children from preschool to high school both locally and abroad, has taught for several years in higher education, and has run her own consulting business. The subject matter Shana has taught has grown and evolved from art, design, personal branding, sales and communication, customer service, leadership, and emotional intelligence to most recently include mental health and emotional well-being. A salient thread throughout her career, regardless of subject matter, has been “believe in yourself and believe in the power of human connection”. She is a proud mom of a 3rd grader and a toddler. They are her heart and soul.