Theme: Thrive: Cultivating Resilience & Connection

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).

JBSA-Lackland Gateway Club
1650 Kenly Avenue
JBSA-Lackland, Texas, 78236
United States

Alexandra Carlton Mahanna

Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive)

Alexandra Carlton Mahanna, of San Antonio, Texas, is a Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) who has been with the U.S. Navy since 2015. She is a knowledge-driven professional with experience in personnel management, project management, change management, and process development. She has an innovative passion for organizational development geared towards positive change.

Chris Kinion

Operations Research Analysist, Air Force Personnel Center

After a long series of personal and professional failures, Chris Kinion received the diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder at the age of 40. The diagnosis explained the multitude of miscommunications and frustrations that had plagued his personal and professional life. However, it also gave him a toolset to better resolve conflict, face complicated challenges, and accept his true self. Now, Chris is remarried, has a daughter and three stepsons. He enjoys travelling and riding motorcycles with his wife. He serves as an operations research analyst for the Air Force Personnel Center in the office of Integrated Resilience supporting programs like Violence Prevention, Sexual Assault Prevention, and True North.

CMSgt Jewell CMSgt Jewell Hicks Jr.

Senior Enlisted Leader of the 93d Intelligence Squadron

CMSgt Hicks is responsible for 350+ Cryptologic Airmen assigned at seven operating locations championing their career progression, professional growth, development and combat readiness. He advises leadership on the health, welfare and status of the unit, ensuring the Commander can effectively and efficiently organize, train, equip and develop the SIGINT warfighter. Prior to his current position, CMSgt Hicks was the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Headquarters 16th Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, Texas.

CMSgt Nicole D. Hicks

Senior Enlisted Leader of the 37th Training Group

CMSgt Hicks is the principal advisor to the commander and senior staff for the professional and technical training of more than 26,000 military and civilian students in the armed forces, international community and other Federal agencies. Training subjects include security forces, combat arms, recruiting, services, TEMPEST, safety, logistics, contracting, and the enlisted aircrew undergraduate course. She entered the Air Force in 1999 and has held a variety of key management and diverse leadership positions across the personnel career field. Her assignments include bases in Texas, Illinois, California; as well as overseas locations in Korea and the United Kingdom. She has also deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, and OPERATION NEW DAWN.

Col. José E. Jiménez Jr.

Commandant, Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), JBSA-Lackland, TX

Col Jiménez Jr. is responsible for providing military education and training, primarily in Spanish, for more than 900 students annually to eligible military forces and governmental partners of 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries. IAAFA consists of 112 personnel in the 318 TRS, 837 TRS and Student Affairs Flight. He is from San José, Costa Rica, and entered the Air Force in 1998 as a graduate of the University of New Orleans. He is a three-time commander and Master Intelligence Officer with tours as an Air Staff Division Chief, Joint Staff Branch Chief, Numbered Air Force Inspection General, Major Command Functional Manager, Special Activities Programs (SAP) Senior Collection Manager, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Senior Intelligence Officer as well as assignments in Basic Military Training, AFROTC and OTS.

Heather Pitamber, MS, LPC, NCC, QMHP-CS

Licensed Professional Counselor

Heather Joy Pitamber is a licensed professional counselor with a passion for service, learning and growth. With degrees in Philosophy, Psychology, French Literature, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Heather has dedicated her diverse career, both in Europe and the United States, to education and human services. She is passionate about helping her clients and students find the awareness, insight and empowerment they desire to create lives of meaning and purpose. As an educator with a heart for wellness, Heather has cherished serving students and their families in public and private school settings, from elementary school through the university level, and also as an independent academic consultant. She is thrilled to continue serving her community's diverse clientele through her private counseling practice in San Antonio, TX.

Morgan F. Hildebrand

Resilience Operations Program Manager, Integrated Resilience Operations Division, Air Force Personnel Center

Ms. Morgan Hildebrand is the Resilience Operations Program Manager, Integrated Resilience Operations Division, AFPC, Randolph Air Force Base, TX. In this role she is responsible for developing field guidance, business practices and strategies for integrating resilience and prevention programs supporting the welfare and readiness of approximately 700,000 Airman, Guardians and Dependents. Beginning her career enlisted active duty, F-16 Armament in 2006, Ms. Hildebrand transitioned to a civilian career in 2010. Her passions focus on developing streamlined pathways, systems and services to both promote the personal and professional growth of individuals as well as to optimize human performance capital for mission success.

Sam Caballero, ACC, CPTD

Co-founder, CEO & Pivot Coach

Sam is a Talent Development professional providing a variety of learning programs and whole-life coaching support to enhance one’s contribution and value proposition in the workplace. A Senior Advisor for the Professional Development Center – Air Force Reserve Command, Co-creator of the Emerging Leaders Series, and VP Finance for the Association of Talent Development – San Antonio. Sam has his Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation and Certified Professional in Talent Development with the Association for Talent Development. San Antonio is home with his wife Yorka, their two kids and two dogs.

Todd Simmons

Courageous Leadership Alliance, Chief Vision Officer

Chief Vision Officer for Courageous Leadership Alliance (CLA). With over 25 years in the United States Air Force, Todd served in various leadership capacities, concluding as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of Air University. Known throughout the world, his expertise within the field of leadership development has garnered credibility and increased admiration from a wide range of colleagues, as well as both government and corporate institutions to include Amazon, NASA, Next Jump, and many others. As an author, leadership expert, professor, and internationally known speaker, Todd aims to deliver experiential knowledge to help the leaders of tomorrow decipher the art of leadership. He shares an incredible passion for helping the community and loves guiding individuals in their pursuit of happiness & success.