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).

Farber Hall | Old Main | USD Campus
414 E Clark St
Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069
United States

Benjamin Aaker

Benjamin Aaker, MD is a physician and has been practicing emergency medicine since 2008. He has been a physician leader as the president of the South Dakota State Medical Association and has been featured on CNN and BBC's Channel 4. An active blogger, he has also written for The Washington Post and has published a self-help book, Your Authority Problem. He enjoys teaching medical students at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, where he has been awarded the Anton Hyden Memorial Award by the students.

Jamie Wehmeyer

Jamie is the Clinical Director for The Battle Within, a non-profit dedicated to helping Veterans, First Responders, and Frontline Medical Staff begin healing from the traumatic injuries they’ve experienced. . Jamie is the owner of Jamie Wehmeyer, LLC, and co-founder of MJM Consulting: Our Journeys Matter, where she conducts seminars, training, and consultation on trauma, traumatic loss, trauma-informed practices, and resilience. Throughout her career, she has studied trauma’s impact on health and wellness. Trauma-Informed Practices provide a clear lens for her work in helping individuals heal from trauma. Jamie received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Kendra Gottsleben

Kendra is the marketing communication specialist at the Center for Disabilities at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She is an author and spokesperson on living a life with a rare disease and disability. Kendra is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization, Rare by Design. She is an Augustana University graduate with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. Her career blends the two worlds in which she grew up: medicine and education. Kendra’s memberships on numerous boards, advisory groups, and professional societies keeps her actively engaged locally, state-wide, and nationally. She has defined her life by a positive outlook and success in overcoming obstacles. Kendra refuses to be defined by Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)—the rare genetic condition she has had since birth. Kendra enjoys a stylish outfit and shoes to match as she strives to make a difference. One of her favorite colors is yellow which embodies her life motto: When life hands you lemons, make the BEST lemonade possible!

Kory Zimney

Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, Ph.D., has been practicing physical therapy since 1994 after graduating from the University of North Dakota with his Master's in Physical Therapy. He completed his transitional DPT graduate from the Post Professional Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Des Moines University, Class of 2010. He also earned his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2020. Dr. Zimney is an Associate Professor within the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota and the Director of the Ph.D. in Health Sciences program at USD. He also serves as a Senior Faculty member with Evidence in Motion, a post-professional continuing education company, and is a researcher with the Therapeutic Neuroscience Research Group and USD Center for Brain and Behavior Research. He has treated thousands of patients in pain, published multiple peer-reviewed research articles, and co-authored books in pain neuroscience education.

Kristin Malek

Kristin Malek is an expert in designing transformational experiences. After 10 years in higher education, she realized that engagement without behavior change is useless at best, and dangerous at worst. The only way to enact real change and inspire action is to first design a transformational experience that would inspire change from within. Kristin has won international, regional, and state awards to include international Educator of the Year and Excellence in Teaching and Training. She has received recognition from both the meeting and events industry and within higher education for her transformational design work. Kristin is an award-winning leader in the industry, recognized as a two-time Hospitality Hero during National Travel and Tourism Week and Top 20 Meetings Industry Trendsetter - among many others. She has been featured in major industry publications including Meetings Today Magazine and is a sought-after speaker bringing her passion and practicality to every talk she gives.

Marcus Destin

Marcus Destin has called Vermillion home for seven years. Born in Aurora, Colorado to Myesha and Lamont Sellers and raised in Houston, Texas with his siblings Mason, Mea, and Myles – along with a spoiled spring spaniel named Lily, Marcus’ journey had stops in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Colorado, and North Carolina before putting down roots in Vermillion. This young man has made a big splash in his short time in Vermillion. Marcus is the Coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Affairs at USD. His commitment to making a difference has been recognized as he has received many accolades such as The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV- West Undergraduate Rising Star 2020 Award; South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) Organizational Leadership 2019 Award for the Union of African American Students; and the 2018 USD President’s The Champions of Inclusive – University Leadership Excellence Award.

Melissa Dittberner

Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is a lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. She has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies, and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is also a public speaker, prevention specialist, and peer support. She is the president of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer supports. Dr. Mo is a co-author of the book Shift Mindset. She does research on college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos and healing and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery and her mission is to help people learn to help themselves.