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).

Philip Lynch Theater
One University Parkway
Romeoville, Illinois, 60446
United States

Annie Calhoun

Faculty

Annie Calhoun is an actor, writer, improviser and theatre educator. She received her undergrad degree at Taylor University in Theatre Edu with an English minor and went on to get her MFA in Acting at DePaul's Theatre school. She is also in the process of completing her second MFA in Screenwriting. In addition to college teaching at DePaul and Lewis, she has spent 15 years in the middle school and high school world and was on the founding team of an arts middle in central Los Angeles and the first public arts high school in Chicago: The Chicago HS for the Arts. She performed stand-up comedy in LA, and has performed regularly with improv groups in both Chicago and LA. When not in the theatre, Annie is working on screenplays and playing "monster" with her two and four year olds!

Christie Billups

Faculty

Christie Billups, MAPS, D.Min., (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Theology, Chair of the department, Co-Founder of Peace and Justice Studies, and Co-Founder and Director of the Br. Jeffrey Gros, FSC Institute for Dialogue, Justice and Social Action at Lewis University. Christie has served in various ministerial settings: jails and prisons with incarcerated youth and adults, parishes and schools as a youth and campus minister, and teachers at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Dr. Billups received her Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union, a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from St. Michael’s College, Vermont.

Eric Alpin

Coach

Eric is passionate about partnering with individuals, teams, and organizations to close the gap between where they are now and where they want to be in the future. For over ten years, Eric served as a software engineer and has a deep understanding of business technology culture, strategy, and planning. Over time, he recognized that his interests and career goals had changed, which led him to transition into a role within Human Resources centered on employee engagement, culture, and recognition. Eric applies his unique skill set, knowledge, and outlook to serve his clients and partners each day. Eric is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Professional and Executive Coaching through Lewis University. His expected completion date is May 2023. Eric is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF). He considers himself a lifelong learner and is always seeking to understand something new.

Kay Bolden

Writter

A Joliet native, Kay Bolden is a writer, speaker, and global wanderer. At age 55, she solo-hiked 150 miles on the Camino de Santiago, where she spent a night trapped in a brothel, liberated a 17th-century ghost, and eventually came face to face with God. Undeterred, she journeyed on through Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, learning that a Gap Year is not for the young and unseasoned. In 2017, she retired from her first career in nonprofit management after decades of advocating for underserved youth and environmental justice at Warren-Sharpe Community Center in Joliet, Illinois. She received numerous awards for service to her community, including Lewis University’s 2014 De La Salle Award; the 2017 Woman of Distinction Award from Zonta Club of Joliet; and the 2018 Justice Award from the Black Bar Association of Will County. Kay writes about travel, relationships, race and equality, and aging adventurously.

Marissa Martinez

Strategic Corporate Manager

Marissa Danielle Martinez is a trailblazer in her industry. A Lewis University Alumni, Marissa is a strategic corporate manager for one of the largest food distributors in the country. This company is the leading organic, natural, and specialty food distributor. She is a leader in the supply chain, KeHE's Diversity and Inclusion Council, a voting member of the KeHE Cares Foundation, and is the founder of KeHE's Latina network. Marissa was a speaker at the Food Justice Summit hosted by the Chicago Food Policy Action Council and was featured as a change agent in an article published for International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Marissa is a daughter of immigrants. Her parents are Mexican from Tamaulipas and Durango. Furthermore, Marissa Martinez is an agent of change because she confidently takes up space in a place not meant for someone who looks like her- a young, first-gen Latina, who is often the only woman in the room.