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).

Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center
1700 First Colony Blvd
Sugar Land, TX, Texas, 77479
United States

Anna Reger

Anna is founder and owner of more than 5 companies - from real estate, to children's apparel, to wigs, to safety devices, everything she does revolves around her children and family. She is inspirational - Anna was born and raised in one of Houston's poorest neighborhoods and was the oldest of six children. After her father lost his eyesight to a rare illness and couldn't work, her mother worked multiple jobs to keep the family's lights on. As a teen, Anna worked at a foster home caring for children with disabilities. After multiple tragic car accidents left her seriously injured and on the verge of death, Anna underwent numerous surgeries and dealt with many difficult health challenges. These experiences instilled in her a deep humility and gratitude for life that she carries with her to this day. Despite these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Anna persevered – earning her GED, an associate's degree in science from Houston Community College and later a bachelor of science from the University of Houston. Today, Anna is one of Texas' leading entrepreneurs and is paving the way for other women in business.

Dr. Maria Burns

Maria G. Burns is the Director of the Technology, Leadership, and Innovation Management Program at the University of Houston, and an elected University Senator for Research and Scholarship, and elected Vice President of the Texas Academy of Science. A respected public speaker, she was featured in Reuters, Nasdaq Stock Exchange, Yahoo Finance, ABC13, CW39, Marketplace, Houston Chronicles, etc. Her Doctoral Thesis focuses on Human Trafficking, data analysis, and policy analysis. Her Government Grants with the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department exceed $1,650,000. A prolific author and course developer, she has authored 3 books on energy, maritime, and transport security; 10 Maritime Security Manuals, and numerous academic and training courses. Her writings have granted her a prestigious Honorary Membership at the U.S. Coast Guard Aux., and recognition by the Texas Department of Public Safety, TEMAC, University of Houston's Provost Office, etc.

Jatin Tekchandani

Jatin Tekchandani graduated from the University of Houston with a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. He has obtained multiple board credentials, including the Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist certification. Jatin currently serves as the Therapy Development Lead at Noctrix Health, a company that innovated a FDA-designated breakthrough neuromodulation therapy. Previously, Jatin worked as a systems specialist, configuring diagnostic systems at various facilities, including Baylor, Stanford, and multiple VA medical centers. His primary goal is to apply cutting-edge technology to treat various neurological disorders while optimizing clinical workflows.

Matt Jung

I am Co-Founder of Comfort Research. It is a company I started in 1996 while I was a Junior at Hope College along with my good friend, Co-Founder and current business partner, Chip George. Our first product was a new style of bean bag filled with shredded foam, originally called the Poof Chair and currently known as the Fuf Chair (long story…but we lost that battle.) We started our company by selling our Poof Chairs directly to college students during welcome week at colleges and universities around the Midwest, as well as at a store we owned and managed at a local mall. By the time we graduated we had a little bit of sales and not much to lose, so we went for it and pursued our dream of building a company full time. We still sell that original chair along with polystyrene filled bean bags, pool noodles, outdoor furniture, kid’s toys and more. Now, 23 years later, we have sold more than 25 million products all across the world to some of the world’s best retailers and created more than $1B in retail sales for our customers. Most recently I have taken a step back from my CEO duties at Comfort Research upon the hiring of our new CEO. I have started a private equity company, Orange Dot Ventures, that is focused on purchasing and growing consumer products companies throughout the nation.

Nilufar Ramji

Nilufar Ramji works in Public Affairs and Celebrity Engagement at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. With over a decade of experience in public affairs and strategic communications, she was the lead Communication Strategist for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. Nilufar has received many awards including a recent group achievement award for Johnson's strategic roadmap called Dare Unite Explore; her work in STEM Communications, NASA’s Response to COVID-19 and the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. Prior to joining NASA, her background includes work with the Aga Khan Council for USA, the Aga Khan Development Network and the Canadian federal government. She has also served as the President and VP, Education of her local Toastmasters chapter. Nilufar lives in Houston with her husband and two children.