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).

1108 Park Street
Roberts Theatre
Grinnell, Iowa, 50112
United States

Kamal Hammouda

Kamal Hammouda is a restaurateur and Imam at Grinnell College. Seeing a lot of hunger in their own community inspired Kamal and his wife to form a non-profit organization, The Iowa Kitchen, in 2021 to serve a free community meal each week.

Robin Shields-Cutler

Robin Shields-Cutler is a microbiologist at Macalester College. Understanding how microorganisms interact with humans is a unifying theme in the microbiology courses he teaches. In his classes, students have cultured sourdough starters and made bread, visited sewage treatment plants, and toured a local brewery. His research interests include microbial biodiversity in humans and non-human primates and how gut bacteria affect health.

Sarina Farb

Sarina Farb is a vegan educator, public speaker, and liberation activist working to make the world a better place for all beings. Being born and raised vegan in Kansas taught Sarina to think for herself and stand for justice even when it’s unpopular. Today Sarina focuses on combining heart and science to empower individuals to think critically, see past corporate propaganda, and to live ethically and sustainably. Her projects include digital content creation, hosting the Science is Gray Podcast, and touring the country in her vegan campervan while giving lectures and workshops about veganism. She is also the co-founder and international march coordinator for the 2023 Vegan Climate March. Sarina previously spent several years teaching high school chemistry and environmental science in Kansas City and holds a degree in biochemistry with a concentration in policy studies from Grinnell College. She is passionate about bringing nuance and ethics into conversations about science in society. Her work and writings have been featured in numerous publications and books.

Scott Turley

Scott Turley, CCE, AAC, is the executive chef and chief culinary officer for Grinnell College, managing all culinary operations and overseeing all of the College's catering function. Turley began his career as a youngster who developed a passion for cooking. His first job was as a line cook in an Italian restaurant. From this humble beginning at the Italian restaurant, he progressed to become a chef at a French restaurant, a major hotel chain, and a major university before joining Grinnell College to develop a professional culinary department. Turley has a long list of accomplishments in the culinary industry, including his most recent selection to the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) prestigious American Academy of Chefs (AAC). The AAC is the honor society of the ACF and represents the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, society, and industry. Turley continues his passion as a professional culinarian by his contributions to the industry and by sharing his talents and expertise with young people desiring to become professional chefs. He remembers his humble beginnings.

Stephanie Snow

Ms. Stephanie BadSoldier Snow was raised on the Meskwaki Settlement with traditional Meskwaki beliefs and language and is a member of the Swan Clan. She is an enrolled member of the Ho Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Along with her Meskwaki and HoChunk heritage, Stephanie is also Lakota and Umohon. As an independent scholar and public speaker, Stephanie presents at schools, colleges and universities, for corporate organizations and at diversity conferences. As a performer in a local Native American song, storytelling and dance troupe she’s also had the opportunity to work with acclaimed Native American artists, performers and actors. At present, Stephanie is the Education Coordinator for the Meskwaki Nation. She has held positions as the Office Manager for the Meskwaki Settlement School District and as part of the administrative team as Community Learning Center Grant Program Manager. Previously she was employed as Assistant Director of Intercultural Affairs at Grinnell College, an institution known for its dedication to Social Justice around the world. Grinnell is also where she earned a degree in Anthropology with an independent focus in Native American Studies. Research in healing Individual Trauma and Historical Trauma through “indigenizing” the diet and physical activity, as well as reconnecting through ceremony, is among the many interests she pursues. As assistant to the director of Meskwaki Historical Preservation and Museum, Stephanie was directly involved in the inception of the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Initiative in 2012, and worked closely with the program for years, including representing the Meskwaki Nation at the National Conference for Women in Sustainable Agriculture in 2013. Since 2008, Stephanie has been involved in the Meskwaki Anthropological Symposium as a committee member and speaker/presenter/facilitator.