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).

Online Event (Details Pending)
400 W Beaufort St
Normal, Illinois, 61761
United States

Amy Aranda

Overcoming adversity unfortunately has become something I’m well practiced in. My latest obstacle becoming an Ostomate and my perspective on my new reality has provided a positive effect on my future. Inspiring others to look at their lives and find the positive in it is my mission.

Diane Wolf

Dr. Diane Wolf has lead schools for the last few decades with hope and clarity. Her passion for teaching and learning is evident in her daily work and she believes schools are the foundation for a community. Known for her candor and positivity, Diane gives hope to what can be while realistic about what is now.

Isha Gollapudi

Isha Gollapudi was born in Bloomington IL is fourteen years old and is a freshman at Normal Community Highschool. She paints mostly in acrylics and oils; which has sparked a passion for public art. To Isha art elevates everything around it; your mood when you look at it, the possibilities that are brought upon by a new train of thought conducted by the art, and subsequently the community as it is lifted by the arts presence.

Jamie Piña

Jamie is a husband, father, and agent for change. He started a live webshow on social media at the beginning of 2020. Now, he has a virtual production studio that is home to five live webshows.

Jetsabel Alcala

Mx. Jetsabel Alcala M.Ed (she,her,hers) First grade Dual language teacher in Belvidere Illinois 5 years teaching at Washington Academy Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education Endorsements – Middle School, LBS 1 and ESL Master’s Degree in Special education

Justin Sandler

Justin Sandler is a director, actor, drummer, writer, speaker, and cancer survivor. His cancer journey led him to a profound philosophy for overcoming obstacles and ever since, he has been giving keynote speeches on the topic as well as performing his one-man show “Embrace Love Free” and he is now writing his book “Embrace Love Free… 3 Steps to Overcome Any Obstacle.” Justin and wife Mary Lou Sandler own 3 cubed studios, LLC (photography/film studio) and have 5 adopted rescue cats.

Laura Sievert

Laura Sievert, MPA is the Executive Director of Arts Quincy: America's First Arts Council. She is interested in the intersection of public art, equity and the economic impact of a vibrant arts community. She has a master's degree from the University of Missouri, undergraduate education from the University of Iowa, and a DEI certificate from Northwestern University. She loves performing on trumpet and french horn, riding bicycles and exploring the world with her two curious young sons.

Myra Gordon

Myra Gordon, Executive Director of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. Myra Gordon enjoyed a wide variety of careers during her working life. Starting out as a Girl Scout Professional in St. Louis and later for Centrillio Council of Girl Scouts here, she went on to work first as a volunteer and then as Executive Director for Operation Recycle when it was McLean County’s full time recycling center. After graduate school at Illinois State, Myra enjoyed a career at State Farm, retiring in 2006. Beginning in 2007, Myra enjoyed a bonus career as the Executive Director of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. She continues to work as a volunteer for a number of non-profit organizations, including the Ecology Action Center and the Immigration Project.

Rae Hughart

Rae Hughart is a Middle Level Math Educator in Illinois, the CMO for the Teach Better Team, and author of “Teachers Deserve It” and “Teach Better” books. Growing up with IEP support after being diagnosed SLD in Reading, Writing, and Math, Rae has worked with other educators and districts on designing mastery learning classrooms nationwide to reach all learners. Rae continues to facilitate rich discussions with educators around mastering personalized learning, providing targeted student-focused feedback, and the impact of incorporating purpose into student daily learning. Through building partnerships with local businesses, Rae continues to support educators in designing dynamic, impactful, effective, and connected content - showing the impact of teaching beyond the four walls of a classroom and altering a community into an authentic resource for developing leaders. After being inducted into The Illinois State University Hall of Fame in 2017, Rae was awarded the 2018 First Place Henry Ford Teacher Innovator Award for her innovative educational impact through the Teach Further Model. Additionally, Rae serves on several Educational Boards including a board position with the Association of Illinois Middle Schools (AIMS).

Stacee Reicherzer

Dr. Stacee Reicherzer, LPC-S is the Chicago-based transgender author of “The Healing Otherness Handbook: Overcome the Trauma of Identity-Based Bullying and Find Power in Your Difference” (New Harbinger Publications) The San Antonio, TX native serves as clinical faculty of counseling at Southern New Hampshire University, where she received the distinguished faculty award in 2018. For more information, visit her website: http://www.drstacee.com