Theme: TEDxTullahoma

Micro: The Power of Small. Join us at the historic South Jackson Civic Center as we explore how to impact our world right here at home and abroad.

South Jackson Civic Center
404 South Jackson Street
Tullahoma, Tennessee, 37388
United States

Ashlei Laing

Co-Founder Co-Director Regenerative School

Ashlei Laing is the co-founder and co-director of Rē: The Regenerative School. She developed an early and deep love for the environment. Ashlei’s path has been hands-on and deeply entwined with the soil; she practiced nature-based Raku ceramics in Tuscany, worked as an regenerative farmer in the US and Italy, and has had a long-term interest in nature-based art therapy. She has studied alternative forms of education which seek to empower learners and the community as a whole. A big piece of Ashlei’s preparation for building Rē was her service in Peace Corps in Bulgaria where she focused on teachers’ leadership and educational development. Deciding the best way to create a new form of education was to start a school from scratch, in 2018, she and Felix Bivens co-founded Rē with an aim to build a new kind of educational experience that will help prepare students and community partners to build a more just, peaceful and sustainable future. Ashlei lives in Fayetteville, TN.

Becky Buller

Bluegrass Singer

Becky Buller is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from St. James, Minn., who has traversed the globe performing bluegrass music to underwrite her insatiable songwriting habit. Her compositions can be heard on records by Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, to name just a few. Becky proudly calls Manchester, Tenn., her adopted hometown, where she lives with husband, Jeff Haley, and daughter, Romy.

Betram Edmonston

Master Engraver

Also participating in Tedx Tullahoma 2021 is world-renowned firearm engraver Bertram Edmonston IV. Originally from Maryland, Bertram graduated from Fredrick High School. He then attended the local community college and received an AA degree, at which time he began working full-time at his family’s jewelry store. While working at the jewelry store he earned the prestigious Graduate Gemologist title from the Gemological Institute of America. In 2014 his wife was offered an HR management position in Colorado. The couple decided to go for it, at which time Bertram made engraving his full-time occupation. Since then, he has worked with firearms manufacturers as well as private collectors – and collaborated with other artists. Bertram’s artwork has made it into private collections as well as museums – and is regularly published. As a firearm engraver, Bertram is known and recognized internationally. He is married and has two children. View some of Bertram’s work on his website

Felix Bivens

Co-Founder Co-Director Regenerative School

Felix grew up in Fayetteville, TN on his family’s farm. After graduating from Sewanee, Felix became interested in community development and social change. He spent several years building houses for those in need and managed student volunteers as part of Sewanee’s community service program. This started Felix on a life-long journey of re-imagining higher education. His vision included a way in which universities and colleges would be true assets to and partners with the communities in which they are located. Where student learning would be based in the real world; Working daily to make lives better as part of the educational experience. In 2018, he and Ashlei Laing co-founded Rē with the aim to build a new kind of educational experience. One which would help prepare students and community partners to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future. Felix continues to live and work in Fayetteville, where the Regenerative School is based.

Jermaine Dunlap

CEO and Founder of New Day Smoothie, Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker

Tullahoma native and a graduate of the class of 2000, Jermaine Dunlap attended UTC & TSU and played football while also becoming a member of the first collegiate Black Greek Letter Organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He studied Communications and minored in Marketing. After college, Jermaine became a tour manager for successful artists – opening the door for him to travel the country. Jermaine then took his talents to the hospitality industry where he oversaw 4-star hotels while also managing million-dollar portfolios. On March 21, 2019, he decided to walk away from the hotel industry and open his own business. The New Day Smoothie Café was started with his 15-year-old son, a blender, and a lot of faith. Their menu items are handcrafted by the father-son duo. Within a year has become remarkably successful and created jobs for the community. They are looking to open their 2nd location by the end of 2021. Jermaine lives in the Nashville area with his wife and 5 sons.

Justin Terry

Entertainer, Songwriter

Justin was born and raised in a musical family. His father – a talented singer/songwriter, and his mother an incredible vocalist in her own right. Justin began to take music seriously when he was 18. Justin began his professional singing career in 2006 when he joined a touring gospel quartet, Cross4Crowns. He was regarded as one of the top bass singers in gospel music. In 2012, Justin left Cross4Crowns to embark on a solo career. His first album, Inspired, received rave reviews in the gospel music industry. The album included his first single, Love Song, which spent several months on the charts. Since then, Justin has released three more studio albums which each showcase his artistic versatility: Countryfied, A Christmas Love Song, and Vintage. He has toured and shared the stage with legendary groups and performers, including Aaron Tippin, Ed Enoch, Gary Puckette and the Union Gap, the Blackwood Quartet, and the Stamps Quartet.

Kyle Mitchell

Mental Health Speaker, Podcaster, Advocate, Social Media Influencer

Kyle is passionate about mental health, especially in regard to the youth. He is concerned about solving the problem of poor mental health in the world as well as the impact that mental health has on people. Kyle struggled with his own social anxiety in the past and now helps others take back control from their social anxiety and become socially confident. Kyle is a member of NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illnesses) Louisville and is a certified Ending the Silence Speaker for NAMI. He visits schools and spreads his message about mental health and his struggles with social anxiety.

Lauren Martin

Business Owner

Lauren Martin grew up never realizing that she had choices until she became a mother. But through wanting more for her children, she realized the same opportunities were available to her. She now owns two businesses with her husband and is a student at Motlow State Community College. A local speaker, Chamber Ambassador, and board member for local districts’ tourism board. She has also served as an Executive Director for her local Downtown organization, held several positions in the financial world, and owned/operated a holistic healing/yoga studio. Lauren is a Yoga Instructor, Meditation Coach, Reiki Master, and Self Development Mentor. But, her favorite life role & title is “Mom” to 17 and 1 yr old daughters, Taylen and Rylin. Becoming a mother was the turning point and the first step towards a life of purpose. Her daily mantra “One step in front of the other” reminds her that no matter what you must keep moving forward.

Molly Anderson

Advocate

Molly has a nonverbal disability called “Apraxia”. She graduated from Maryville College in 2018 and recently received a Political Science Management degree from the George Washington University. She currently works at the Arc of Tennessee. Molly has learned valuable life lessons in overcoming the challenges due to her disability.

Royce Massengill

Entertainer, Podcaster, Social Media Influencer

Royce has had tours in both the music and acting industry and has travelled extensively across the US for radio and television events. Best known for his ability to bring life and breathe creativity into any project, he has worked collaboratively with celebrities and artists such as Missy Elliot, Soulja Boy, iHeartMemphis, CEO Miami Mike, K-Marzzz, amongst others. He currently serves as the A&R for Soulja Boy's management Palm Tree and SODMG. His keen insight for creativity has leverage as a judge in Atlanta for auditions for BET Live Experience in Los Angeles.

Temple Kemezis

Dancer + Festival Founder

For the last 14 years, Temple Kemezis has worked in New York City as a professional dancer, with repertoire including classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works. She began her training at the School of Nashville Ballet and continued in Seattle. She has performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Dances Patrelle, and Texture Contemporary Ballet. Her repertoire includes Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and new works by Cherlyn Lavagnino. In 2016, she joined the cast of Isaac Mizrahi’s Peter and the Wolf choreographed by John Heginbotham. Temple has performed at Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, New York Fashion Week, the Guggenheim Museum, and Lincoln Center. In 2015, she co- founded the Higher Ground Festival in NYC with Pablo Francisco Ruvalcaba, HGF has brought over 150 Northern Manhattan artists together through its Meet & Greet Series and performances and has produced 38 interdisciplinary collaborations presented free to the uptown community.