Theme: Breaking Barriers

TEDxBryantU will be hosting its 4th annual event on Febuary 20, 2021. This years theme is breaking barriers. The Legendary Michael Jordan states “Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” Talks should consider the various ways we can improve and better serve the world we live in by “breaking barriers.” In a divided and polarized global climate, fresh perspectives can unlock a world of opportunity for change.

A committee of students organizing the event will choose speakers from among Bryant’s faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Please share with us if you have an idea worth spreading. Interviews to become a speaker will take place after the application window has closed.

Please visit https://tedx.bryant.edu for more information. If you have any questions, please email us at tedx@bryant.edu.

Janikies Theater
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917
United States

Liv Sain

Motivational Mental Health Speaker and Bestselling Author

Liv Sain is a mental health speaker and bestselling author of Liv To Tell. Her own story makes her the perfect advocate, educator, and influencer for those who are looking for a way out of their own misery. Her struggles through repeated loss, failing out of college, and a myriad of diagnoses—Tourette Syndrome, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, depression, ADD, OCD, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts—resonate with people. Liv overcame all of these obstacles, including speech and language delays, to find her voice as a motivational speaker and to fight for suicide prevention. She is the founder of LGBTQ support group The Butterfly Talks in Orlando, Fla.

Melissa Hernandez

Student and Venture Capital Fellow

Melissa Hernandez, a Bryant University Senior, is a goal-oriented problem solver who is passionate about venture capital. At a young age, she was exposed to entrepreneurship and developed a fascination for how startups were created. She spent the last 6 years learning, traveling, and collaborating with founders, innovators, and investors from the US, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Her diverse global experience inspires others to go after their ambitious ideas regardless of the odds.

Olivia Valenti

Student

Olivia is a senior at Bryant University with a major in Management concentrating in Leadership and Innovation and Women and Gender Studies. She was the first female student government president in over a decade. In this role, she strove to expand gender representation and bridge gender gaps within the organization. She is passionate about creating a future where women feel confident and empowered to pursue their passions and shape their future.

Ramon Luis Fille

Student

Ramon is a junior at Bryant University who would someday like to change the world in a positive way. As an immigrant, he has faced an unexpected amount of adversity which has led him to learn many valuable lessons and experiences. He uses this wisdom to be a resource for others and to educate those around him. At Bryant University he inspires his peers by serving as an orientation leader, peer counselor, and residence assistant.

Rita Williams-Bogar

President & CEO Personal Development Solutions, LLC.; President, Bryant University National Alumni Council and Chair Board of Trustees Diversity Equity, & Inclusion Committee

Rita graduated from Bryant University in 1976 and currently provides consultative services to organizations and individuals in the areas of leadership development, team building, emotional intelligence, diversity, ethics and insurance education. She is a keynote speaker and a highly sought-after conference presenter. Using a client-centered approach, Rita provides workshops, webinars, and sessions custom tailored to her clients’ needs. Her mission is to share proven strategies to better leverage individuals’ talents and skills to reach their full potential.

Stefanie Boyer

Sales and Marketing Professor and RNMKRS Co-founder

Stefanie is a sales and marketing professor at Bryant University who loves to help people grow to see their potential. Her vast experience with previous professions such as firefighting, US Customs, and selling financial services have led her to a path of understanding how to help herself and others find their voice, build confidence, and make the most out of their lives. She strongly believes in the power of sharing knowledge and does so through her literary publications and speaking engagements. Currently, Stefanie trains students and works with organizations by providing sales training that improves process, performance and success of salespeople, managers and organizations.

Steven Craffey

Healthcare Entrepreneur

Steve has worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and is a Principal with Island Creek Partners, LLC which he founded in 2016. He is dedicated to improving and sustaining human life through affordable solutions. Steve played a lead role in the deployment of the largest virtual cardiac rehabilitation program in the United States. He is also an FAA Certified Flight Instructor helping pilots become safer by developing their skills. Supporting and coaching others be the best version of themselves is a core value.