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).

McKnight Hall
9205 University City Rd.
Room 320
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28262
United States

Brad Yeckley

Director of Niner Finances

Brad is a Penn State alumnus with a BS in human development, an MBA in corporate finance, and a Ph.D. in organization/human resource development. Brad is the Director of Niner Finances at UNC Charlotte. . Brad has received national credentialing and recognition for his work in financial literacy. Brad was named the 2021 Educator of the Year by the Institute for Financial Literacy during the Excellence in Financial Literacy Awards (EIFLE). He currently sits on the North Carolina Council of Economic Education board, is a directorate member of the Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance, and sits on the NASPA Financial Literacy Advisory Board.

Brenna Murray

Student

Brenna is a student athlete on the Women's Soccer team at UNC Charlotte, majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Linguistics. She is a two time President of Charlotte's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a three time Conference USA SAAC Representative and a two time Secondary National Division One SAAC Representative. Additionally, Brenna serves on several Chancellor and Dean's committees on campus, including the Chancellors Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics and the Dean's Student Inclusion Advisory Group. Brenna is the captain of the women's soccer team. Outside of school, Brenna love her cat Rory, hiking, and iced coffee.

Hasitha Kommera

Student

Hasitha Kommera is a student at UNC Charlotte majoring in computer science. She has been super passionate about technology and public speaking ever since she was a kid. Hasitha grew up seeing the impact of technology in our everyday lives. She believes that AI and robotics are the next big change in the world–that it is inevitable that we will be sharing the planet with robots and we need to be prepared for this future.

Janeva Tyree

Owner/Creative Director

Janeva Tyree is an artist residing in Charlotte, NC. Born in Washington D.C. with a paint brush in her hand, Janeva has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. She has developed storyboards, designed graphic logos, curated set designs, published children's illustrations, created three-dimensional art installations, painted murals, and taught arts and culture workshops. Noted works of Janeva include murals advocating for women's and civil rights in Charleston, Columbia, and Florence, South Carolina, storyboards used for educational tools at Harvard University, as well as projects giving back through art in public spaces. Janeva's mission is to create timeless art that documents history, breaks conventional chains, and starts conversations leading toward action.

Mahrukh Maqsood

Graduate Student

Mahrukh Maqsood is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Communication Studies at UNC Charlotte. Mahrukh is from Lahore, Pakistan, where she earned several degrees and taught university-level courses. At Charlotte, Mahrukh is an engaged leader, serving as the president of 3 graduate student associations and acted as a Graduate Life Fellow for the Center for Graduate Life. Mahrukh is passionate about advocating for food equity and religious freedom in Charlotte.

Makiah VanBracey

Student

Makiah VanBracey is an English major at UNC Charlotte where she is furthering her studies in pursuit of her dream of becoming an African American literature professor. Prior, Makiah dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion in Taekwondo, a sport she has trained in since she was 8 years old. Makiah was ranked top three in the country for her division and competed in a 2019 Olympic Team Trials event, where she was injured during a match to the point where she was unable to put weight on her leg. Makiah used her time in recovery to reflect on her dreams and the realities of her future.

Manav Majumdar

Student

Manav Majumdar is a UNC Charlotte student majoring in business analytics and computer science, but in his heart he is a photographer. Manav has been doing photography for over 6 years and has worked with almost every element of photography. Photography has become a consistent passion since he first laid hands on a camera.

Montina Myers Galloway

Therapist

Montina Myers-Galloway is an energetic and altruistic therapist who is passionate about healthy relationships and self development. Originally from South Carolina, Montina has lived In Charlotte for over 10 years. Montina is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Montina's speciality is working with Black women who were forced to grow up too soon, an experience she has navigated herself. Outside of work, Montina enjoys spending time with her family, finding creative recipes, and blasting gospel music in her car.

Othelia Lee

Professor

Dr. Othelia Lee is a Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte School of Social Work. Her personal experiences and professional work with people with disabilities and older adults fostered an interest in exploring how people cope with difficult life events and how they use personal and social resources to enhance their health and well-being. Some highlights of Dr. Lee's scholarship achievements include a book and over 60 refereed journal articles in the areas of mental health disparities, community engagement, mindfulness, and gerontology. Othelia's primary research focuses on development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative community-based intervention on health behaviors among older adults and people.

Taryne Mingo

Assistant Professor

Taryne Mingo, Ph.D., LPC (MO) is an assistant professor and director of the school counseling program in the Department of Counseling at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Mingo has a professional background in elementary school counseling and providing tele-mental health therapy for Missouri-based clients. Her research interests at the K-12 level of education include supporting inclusive classrooms and schools, specifically for elementary-aged students of color, and addressing the academic, social and emotional needs of children and adolescents. In addition, Dr. Mingo’s research interests at the post-secondary level of education include supporting future faculty in counselor education, incorporating Womanist theory into counselor preparation programs and exploring the long-term effects of racism on the health and well-being of Black citizens of the U.S.