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).

South Dakota Art Museum
1036 Medary Ave
Brookings, South Dakota, 57006
United States

Angie Thompson

Lab Technician

Angie Thompson has lived in Brookings for about 20 years. She is a mother/stepmother to 6 amazing boys and has enjoyed her current career as a Lab Technician at Avera Medical Group Brookings. To add to her already hectic schedule, she owns a part-time cleaning business and instructs fitness classes at the ARCfit gym. Angie loves doing anything outdoors and feels most alive in nature. For the last 13 years, she has put her strength and heart into running. Angie is excited that this year she finally ran a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon 2023!

Cindy Venegas Mata

Graduate Student

Cindy Venegas Mata came to the United states from Mexico as a child in 2003. She has seen life through the lens of a first generation immigrant in South Dakota's ever-changing immigrant landscape. She is a student at South Dakota State University's College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions. Cindy is pursuing her doctorate in Pharmaceutical Science. This year, she presented her research on Metal-Organic Framework Microparticles as biomimetic Host-Directed Therapy Delivery Systems for Tuberculosis at the international 2022 meeting of The Controlled Release Society (CRS) in Montreal, Canada

Leah Hendrickson

Correctional Officer & Mental Health Professional

Leah Hendrickson is a 2021 graduate of South Dakota State University. She is pursuing her Masters in Social Work at the University of South Dakota. Leah is a correctional officer and mental health professional. Leah created the Sexual Assault Prevention & survivor Support Program in 2018. She has received numerous awards for her work including presenting at the American Public Health Association's 2020 National Conference. Leah is currently creating the Brookings County Detention Center's first in-house mental health program.

Megan Hendrickson

High School Student

Megan Hendrickson is a senior at Deuel High School in Clear Lake, South Dakota. She is involved in cross country and track. Running is Megan's passion; however, she has spent the majority of the last five years unable to run due to a debilitating pain condition in her legs. Through everything, she continues to push through and wishes to raise awareness and teach the world about the power of resilience.