Theme: Catalyst

It takes a catalyst to create meaningful change. The people who are catalysts are the ones who shake up the status quo. they add new ideas, new dreams, and new perspectives that can shift the societal dogma. They can change the perspectives of those that disagree, and can elevate the minds of those who are receptive. A catalyst can transform an existing narrative, even if only a little, by proposing new ideas, and telling stories that matter deeply to them.
It is imperative that we listen to each other to solve the problems of today and tomorrow. TEDx Catalyst hopes to inspire you to make change when you can, and make the world what you want it to look like.

Virtual Conference
5000 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
United States

Miracle Jones

Director of Policy Advocacy

Miracle Jones is a community organizer and queer activist who works in the Pittsburgh area to advocate for equity along the intersections of gender, race, and class. She currently serves as the director of policy and advocacy at 1Hood Media. She received her Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Pittsburgh. Her work focuses on implementing abolition-based principles and transformative justice through writing, policy, and advocacy.

Sanna Legan

Conceptual Social Justice Artist

Sanna Legan is an activist artist, using social justice and her creative practice to make a difference. Her practice is focused around women’s rights, discussing issues such as eating disorders, abortion rights, cosmetic surgery, menstruation rights, and other injustices. For her work she has been a Young Arts Finalist, National Scholastic Winner, Instagram Ambassador, and United States Presidential Scholar.

Shriya Boppana

Miss India America 2020, Carnegie Mellon Student, Class of 2021

Shriya Boppana is an undergraduate business student at Carnegie Mellon University. Crowned Miss India America 2020, she hosts her own TV show, “Becoming a Voice with Shriya Boppana”, on Fox 5 Plus spotlighting social justice causes with depth. As a Wall Street Journal and New York Times published author, multiple award-winning actress, and cofounder of Uncle Harvey LLC, she deems herself as a scholar, creator, and advocate.

Vicky Bennison

Creator of Pasta Grannies

Vicky Bennison is the creator of the Pasta Grannies project, a renowned YouTube channel archiving traditional Italian cooking and the culinary dexterity and artistry of Italian 'nonne' or grandmothers. She spent many years working in international development in countries as diverse as Russia, South Africa and Turkmenistan. The next decent meal was always on her mind and she began writing about her gastronomic adventures, going on to write critically acclaimed and multiple award-winning food books. She and her husband, Billy, have a home in Le Marche, central Italy, and she divides her time between there and London.

Victor Muthama

1HOOD Artist

Victor Muthama is a Kenyan born Pittsburgh raised artist. Music and science were early interests of his from a young age. He has been classically trained in piano for over 5 years and vocal performance for over 15. He currently is a 1HOOD artist but has not left his love for science. Victor coordinates the CVC at UPMC and also works for Bank of the West California.