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).

Ferrara Theater at America's Center
701 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, Missouri, 63101
United States

Charli Cooksey

Charli is the Founder and CEO of WEPOWER, an organization that envisions a future where systems are accountable to powerful communities that have been historically oppressed, and nurture our freedom, well-being, dreams, and joy. She has a history and evolving commitment to being a culturally responsive leader in both the space of programming and among the greater community.

Colin Rohlfing

Industry expert on Sustainable / Regenerative Design. He facilitates sustainable design integration among all departments and business units and is acutely involved in refining the firm’s design process through the creation of new sustainable tools and processes.

Emily Lohse-Busch

Emily Lohse-Busch is passionate about actively strengthening the greater St. Louis region by helping to build and sustain a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. In her career, Emily has worked extensively in the nonprofit and social sectors, helping organizations around the world to achieve their mission.

Jim McKelvey

Serial entrepreneur, author, artist, Co-founder of Square, CEO of Invisibly

Josh Allen

Josh started Companion Baking in St. Louis in 1993 at the age of 24. His vision was clear and concise: create wholesome and delicious European breads with simple ingredients. Starting with just six breads in its product line, Companion quickly made a name for itself, receiving orders from various local restaurants and specialty stores. Today, Companion’s award winning bread is served in more than 200 local restaurants, grocery stores and businesses around St. Louis and beyond.

Katarra Parson

From serenading ballads at jazz lounges to championing all women beat battles, pianist, producer and singer-songwriter Katarra Parson has performed in venues across the nation. This St. Louis native brings a variety of talents and styles to the table, pulling audiences into her impassioned performances with vocals and keys that blend Jazz, Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Classical influences.

Mvstermind M

St. Louis native Mvstermind is an emerging star with an expressive flow that both speaks to the reality of contemporary America and offers hope to audiences.

Sarah Schlafly

Sarah's passion lies in building a clean protein supply to sustain the world's exponentially growing population. She founded Mighty Cricket to harness the mighty potential of overlooked food sources - like crickets - by turning them into delicious meals and snacks.

Sukanya Mani

Sukanya Mani is a highly qualified leader with experience in both community engagement and arts, and cultural landscape in nonprofit institutions. She has a deep appreciation of the role of arts in the community and works with respected organizations where she can continue to make an important contribution to the American cultural landscape.