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).

Southern Utah University
351 W Center Street
Cedar City, Utah, 84720
United States

Abby Holmgren

Abby Holmgren is a critical care flight paramedic who recently completed her bachelors degree in nursing. Returning to school after a 15 year detour has reminded her of how important it is for us to continue to reach for progression outside of our comfort zones and find the new beginnings that challenge us. Abby is passionate about family, caring for people, music and the outdoors.

Ashton Weagle

Ashton is a senior at Southern Utah University. He is majoring in Political Science and Communication and has also started his Masters of Public Administration. Hailing from Maine with a passion for travel, Ashton has had the opportunity to immerse himself in the cultures of Mexico and Kenya through study abroad. His experiences and interests in public speaking, politics, and philosophy have led him to speak at TEDxSUU about what it means to be human.

David Ngyuen

David Nguyen is an Aviation and Engineering Technology double major from Seattle, Washington. He is the President of the Asian American Student Association, an active member of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, as well as being the CDI SUUSA Representative. He believes in using one’s voice for activism especially for people of color. He ultimately hopes to use the platforms allowed to him in aid of making the world a more inclusive space whilst educating about the rich and respected differences between our communities.

Lawrence Mbaki

Lawrence Afindi Eugene Mbaki is from the beautiful City of Cape Town in South Africa. He is currently a junior and double majoring in Theater Arts and Music Education at SUU. Lawrence has served in a council capacity for a couple f years at his church which has allowed him to have the experience to listen to others with compassion and an eagerness to learn more. He is a student leader and his experiences being from South Africa have helped him write and speak on the topic of perspectives, opinions, and differences.

McKay White

McKay White was born in Coban, Guatemala and raised in Sandy, Utah. They are one of the Beacons for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Here they advocate for minoritized populations and LGBTQIA+ students while helping all the freshman students transition from high school into their college careers. McKay is also the VP of activities for the SUU Pride and Equality Club. The purpose of the PAEC is to provide education and awareness on queer issues, encourage positive change within our community, and provide service within our organization, on campus, and throughout the community. When not at school they are working for a residential mental health facility for teenagers. There, they work closely with teens from the LGBTQ community. In their spare time, McKay likes to spend time with friends in the CDI.

Rachel Trane

Rachel is a senior at SUU she is currently majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Family Life Human Development & sociology. She is also the President of SUU’s Black Student Union. Outside of school Rachel enjoys reading, writing, being outdoors & hanging with friends. Rachel also has a gift for reading tarot and has been studying and practicing astrology for 13 years. She has a vast hunger for knowledge and experience. She is so excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead… Today she will be speaking on the topic of self love. She, like many others, has struggled with self acceptance, perfectionism, self doubt and shame. She hopes that maybe in her sharing her experiences, she can inspire others to love themselves openly and fearlessly.

Sadie Sanchez

Sadie Sanchez is an alumnus of Southern Utah University where she received a B.S. in Political Science and Information Systems. She is fascinated with the study of perspective and is passionate about creating an environment of compassion, empathy, and understanding. In 2020, she founded a non-profit called Perspectuus meaning "perspective of us." She has interviewed over 100 people on their perspectives and has published those perspectives anonymously on the non-profit's website for the others to read and learn from. SHe is committed to providing a platform where people from all walks of life can share their thoughts and ideas. Her goal is to create a movement that restores mutual respect and understanding for others' humanity by broadening perspectives at an individual level, one experience - one story at a time.

Sarah Allen

Sarah Allen, Ph. D. is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Life and Human Development at Southern Utah University. She received her doctorate in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Over the past 20 years, her research and teaching have centered on individual, family, and community health and well-being. She has 50 publications in the domains of healthy relationships, divorce-ideation, fathering, health promotion, work-family balance, and Indigenous health. This research can be found in journal articles, books, and online formats. Her teaching approach and Montana State University and Southern Utah University has garnered multiple awards. Sarah is dedicated to promoting healthy relations and health equity through education, outreach, and public policy.

Tawny Hammond

Tawny Hammond has more than 30 years of experience in the public service arena, creating and implementing programs and services. She presents at conferences around the nation on leadership, public service, collaboration, and municipal solutions. Tawny has a proven track record of success, serving for more than 28 years in municipal government in Fairfax County, Virginia. She brought the Fairfax County Animal Shelter to a 90 percent save rate in less than two years by establishing lifesaving programs for the pets previously being killed. Tawny also served as former chief of animal services for the city of Austin, Texas. Under Tawny's leadership, Austin, Texas reached a new milestone, achieving a save rate of 98% for more than 17,000 animals. Tawny is devoted to ending the killing of pets in shelters and believes that how we treat pets, and people, is connected to social justice, community wellness, and our compassion as a society. Tawny, and her spouse, Amy, and their dog, Rosie, live in Traverse City, Michigan, where they enjoy beautiful Michigan outdoors.