Theme: Explorer

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).

Lander Community Center
950 Buena Vista Drive
Lander, Wyoming, 82520
United States

Arlen "GRIFF" Griffin

Founder of The Process Success Foundation / Comedian / On-Air Personality

Orator, US Army Military Intelligence Veteran and Nationally Syndicated On-Air Personality “GRIFF” is the founder of the Process Success Foundation an organization that teaches young people steps to be great. With an unforgiving wanderlust spirit “GRIFF” became the first American to tape Comedy Central Africa and recently celebrated 25 years of Stand up Comedy. This author of 'Cats and Puppies' (a book for moms raising sons from the perspective of a boy raised by his 15 year old mother) and father of five has forged his career at the intersection of faith, philanthropy, and humor. With an infectious energy and unmistakable voice, “GRIFF” contributes laughter, sincerity, and a real world approach to living inspiration out loud.

Gabi Robledo

Co-founder of Nomads With A Purpose and Creator of Flow State Warriors

Gabi Robledo is an entrepreneur, athlete & flow state coach who aims to help people unlock their inner warrior. Gabi grew up with a very unconventional lifestyle and has been nomadic for more than 6 years. At the age of 14, her parents decided to ditch the rat race, sell everything they owned, and move into an RV to travel the world full time with her and her 4 other siblings. In spending the majority of her high school years out in the wilderness, climbing, surfing, and hiking with her family in 26 different countries, she naturally discovered what it took to lead an intrinsically fulfilling life. At the age of 16, she co-founded the blog, Nomads With A Purpose, which has grown to be a multi-media adventure travel & wellness brand with over 70 thousand readers per month, and has evolved to become a mindset coach for athletes and adventurers.

La Rhea Pepper

Managing Director, Textile Exchange

La Rhea Pepper is the Managing Director and a co-founder of Textile Exchange. A fifth generation farmer and the co-founder of two successful organic cotton businesses, Ms. Pepper’s unique perspective helps her lead Textile Exchange along with its pioneering Members to create preferred fiber and material strategies, strengthen integrity in the market place through the adoption of standards and promoting deeper engagement within the supply network. Prior to Textile Exchange, Ms. Pepper and her late husband, Terry, were founding members of the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative (TOCMC) in 1993. Today, TOCMC is the largest organic cotton cooperative in the United States. Together, they built and demonstrated a sustainable business model for farmers creating strategic partnerships with various manufacturers and “value-added” programs including Cotton Plus (organic fabric) and Organic Essentials (organic personal care products).

Leigh Hall

Professor; Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowed Chair in Literacy Education; University of Wyoming; Literacy Research Center & Clinic

Leigh A. Hall is a professor at the University of Wyoming where she holds the Wyoming Excellence in Higher Education Endowed Chair in Literacy Education. She taught middle school language arts and social studies in Houston, Texas before returning to graduate school to earn a doctorate in literacy education. Dr. Hall's research centers on helping adolescents improve their academic reading and writing abilities. She has examined how engaging with adolescents as partners in their own reading development can allow them to take greater control over their growth and improve their motivation and desire to read. She has received multiple international awards for her research and is committed to understanding how we can support youth in their reading development.

Mary Shores

President & CEO of Midstate Collection Solutions and Shores Communications, author, and speaker

Mary Shores is a second-generation collection agency owner, a bestselling author, and an international speaker. Her current passion in life is promoting communication training and development through extensive studies into neuroscience and the power of empathy to teach professionals how to speak with compassion and humanness.

Michelle Motherway

Store Owner

Michelle Motherway is currently Co-Owner of Mr.D's Food Centers located in Lander and Powell Wyoming. Michelle is also is the owner and creative force behind Motherway Photography. She also is an independent retailer for LuLaRoe Motherway (her side hustle). Michelle is in the people business she just happens to sell groceries. Born in the Lander Valley, and a graduate of Lander Valley High School she is passionate about all things local and maintaining a healthy local economy. She is a graduate of Rocky Mountain College (BS Psychology), Montana State University-Billings (Paramedicine), Front Range Community College (Associates of Nursing). Although all of these degrees are used daily the education she relays on most is the lessons learned each day at the school of life. Michelle currently can be found in her third generation business herding cats and throwing rocks at Giants, or on Facebook live selling stuff and things.