Theme: Intereconnected

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).

Performing Arts Center, Cal Poly
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, California, 93407
United States

Adam Dorsay

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist and a certified executive coach working in private practice in San Jose, CA. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults (including professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes) with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. He is also a resiliency expert who has created programs for companies including Facebook and DigitalOcean. He is the host of a psychology podcast called SuperPsyched. He is happily married with two young boys and a hypoallergenic 33-pound Australian Labradoodle therapy dog, who lives at his home and works at his office.

Aydin Nazmi

Epidemiologist & Professor

Aydin Nazmi is an epidemiologist and professor at California Polytechnic State University where he currently serves as Presidential Faculty Fellow to COVID-19 Response and Preparedness. His research focuses on food systems, public health equity, and policy as cornerstones for social justice. He is a leading voice in the California Higher Education Basic Needs Alliance, an intersegmental collaboration focused on improving basic needs and food equity for the 3.2 million California college students. Dr. Nazmi graduated from UC Davis and served in the US Peace Corps as a public health specialist in the islands of Micronesia before studying urban community health in Caracas, Venezuela. His master’s research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine earned him a prestigious Wellcome Trust international doctoral fellowship to study life course epidemiology at the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil.

Blake Leeper

United States Paralympic Athlete

Blake Leeper was born in Kingsport, Tennessee with both legs missing below the knee, and has worn prosthetics since nine months of age. In his childhood, Blake participated in various sports, baseball, basketball, etc. with his dad coaching. Blake credits his outstanding positive attitude to his family. Leeper made history by becoming the first double-leg amputee to compete at the USATF National championships! After qualifying for the semifinals with a time of 45.52 seconds in the 400m, Leeper was able to break Oscar Pistorius' world record in the event with a time of 45.25 seconds the next day.

Henry Broback

Account Development Representative

Henry Broback is a recent Cal Poly graduate. During his time as a Communication Studies student, Henry gained a breadth of experience filling roles being in charge of sales for VeriPic, a company leading innovation in police evidence management and body-worn camera innovation, to External Director of the Cal Poly Dance Marathon, helping lead a team that raised $50,000 for children at Cottage Children’s Medical Center in Santa Barbara. He also served as a Cal Poly College of Liberal Arts ambassador and was a Cal Poly Recreation Center Zumba instructor. Since graduating, Henry has focused on delving himself into two areas. He co-founded Scout Music, a startup focused on crowdsourcing musician success in a virtual environment. He also currently works at Samsara on a team providing logistics companies with AI-powered safety analytics and actionable plans to increase supply chain sustainability.

Joni Roberts

Certified Health Education Specialist

Joni Roberts, DrPh is a certified health education specialist with research interests in maternal and child health and global health issues surrounding the preconception, conception, and post-partum periods of a woman’s life. Dr. Roberts frequently volunteers for professional organizations both locally and internationally reflecting her passion for community engagement. She is an enthusiastic participant in cross-cultural work that changes perspectives and improves the lives of women globally.

Tania Israel

Psychology Professor

Tania Israel is a Professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Israel teaches about helping skills, leadership, and community collaboration, among other things. She has facilitated educational programs and difficult dialogues about a range of topics, including abortion, law enforcement, religion, and sexual orientation.