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).

Lorton Performance Center
550 S Gary Pl, Tulsa, OK 74104
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74104
United States

Aaron Ball

Aaron Ball is currently an instructor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Tulsa, where he teaches introductory courses in geology and serves on the alumni Geoscience Advisory Board. He earned a Master of Science in Geology and a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences from the University of Tulsa. Some of his awards during his studies include the University of Tulsa NOVA Fellowship, Oklahoma Geological Foundation Graduate Fellowship, Chevron Graduate Fellowship, and Tulsa Geological Society Foundation Outstanding Student Award. He is an AAPG Department of Professional Affairs Certified Petroleum Geologist. He volunteers as the treasurer for the Geoscience Foundation of Tulsa, a charitable organization that recognizes outstanding students and teachers of earth sciences.

Anna Claire McMullen

Anna Claire is an aerialist of over four years, performing for the past three years. She is well-versed in circus arts, but she is most passionate about performing lyra, also known as the aerial hoop. She spends her time on the ground focusing on her studies at the University of Tulsa as a biochemistry and biology double major. She plans to continue her studies in veterinary school and hopes to conduct biochemical research in the veterinary field.

Charity Barton

Charity Barton is a former University of Tulsa cheerleader and TU alumna with a B.A. in Communications. She is a Director at TU's Collins College of Business and the TU Cheer coach. Charity is an entrepreneur who believes in the power of storytelling. She enjoys speaking in public and has done so many times. Charity will graduate with her Master's in Mass Communications in May 2023.

Ellis Gordy

Ellis Gordy is a graduate student at the University of Tulsa studying Museum Science and Management. He is a professional thinker and amateur researcher with an interest in bringing suppressed queer narratives into the spotlight. When he's not working towards a visible queer past and a safer queer future, he can be found playing TTRPGs, video games, and as a mediator between his partner and their cat in an ever-waging psychological war.

Elmer Dixon

Elmer Dixon is currently President of Executive Diversity Services, an organizational development firm in Seattle, Washington. Following many years as an executive in public and non-profit organizations, Elmer now applies his experience to developing and implementing solutions that help organizations fully value and benefit from the diversity of both their employees and clients. Elmer has over 30 years of experience in designing practical, innovative solutions to organizational challenges that increase the cultural competency of the organization and its executives, managers, and employees. Elmer is a certified administrator for the Intercultural Conflict Inventory and was instrumental in the development of the Inclusive Circles Process™ that has benefited EDS’s diverse clients. Elmer’s vision, energy, and creativity have contributed to his success in leading diverse teams, facilitating and implementing strategic plans for organizations, and providing outstanding training and consultation in the areas of cross-cultural communication, team building, and conflict management. As a former activist and current diversity consultant, he has served as a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for a variety of US organizations.

Erik Louis Soliván

Erik Soliván has invested over 15 years in housing policy, finance, development, and planning. He currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Tulsa Housing Authority, leading Affordable Housing, Rental Assistance, Development Services, Construction Services, and Compliance Services departments. Erik is a lawyer and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native, where he served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary for Community Development, Senior Analyst at Public Financial Management, Inc., and Senior Vice President at the Philadelphia Housing Authority. He is an avid runner, chess player and passionate advocate for housing.

Jamie Rhudy

Dr. Jamie.L Rhudy is a Professor, licensed clinical psychologist, and Director of the Psychophysiology Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience. Dr. Rhudy completed his Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 2002 at Texas A&M University and post-doctoral training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The overarching goals of Dr. Rhudy’s work are to identify mechanisms that contribute to and/or maintain chronic pain conditions, to develop non-invasive methods for assessing individuals at risk for developing chronic pain, and to improve the methods for studying pain. Since 2010, his work has focused on understanding the mechanisms of the Native American pain inequity.

Jia Hwei Ng

Dr. Jia Ng is a board-certified nephrologist and an Assistant Professor of Medicine. She is also the founder of PublishedMD Consulting, where she coaches clinicians on how to build their authority and achieve their academic goals. Currently, she is an active clinical researcher and has received more than $1 million of grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and Foundational Grants.

Jim Sill

As a futurist and senior business leader with more than two decades of progressively responsible experience working across varied business models, including working with some of the Fortune 100, Jim has a diverse understanding of what makes companies and individuals successful. For most of the past 15 years, he has worked in litigation as a consultant, problem solver, and forensic risk auditor. He graduated in 1990 from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education, and in 2022 with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity (with honors) and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Cyber Studies at the University of Tulsa (est. graduation of May '24). At TU, Jim is also a Team8 Cyber Fellow. Jim also holds multiple professional designations and certifications, in data analytics and information security.

Mikey Manghum

Mikey Manghum is the Founder/Owner of Manghum Consulting, as well as Senior Vice President of INSPiRE Financial Group. Mikey's purpose is to develop leaders that develop leaders. The most energizing work Mikey gets to do is cultivating "lightbulb" moments for others that improve their trajectory; most often, that centers around equipping first-generation wealth creators to live and leave their legacy. Born and raised in the UK, Mikey made his way to Tulsa in 2009 to play college basketball and study Finance at Oral Roberts University, where he also completed his MBA. Mikey credits his mindset and approach to business and leadership to his experience playing basketball at the collegiate and international levels.

Rhiannon Baker

After escaping from the hands of her kidnapper at age 19, Rhiannon suffered from PTSD for a number of years. While she used to be silent about her trauma, she now shares her traumatic experience and its aftermath so that it may be a learning tool for others. She is a local attorney and non-profit volunteer who advocates for other victims and survivors. She has a passion for mental health awareness and victims’ rights advocacy. Rhiannon is in the process of finishing her book—part memoir, part personal development—and hopes to have it published by the end of 2023. You can find her on LinkedIn as Rhiannon K. Baker.

Tracey Spears

Tracy Spears is an internationally sought-after keynote speaker, advocate, and host of the podcast "Shift Out Loud." She is a member of the National Speakers Association and the Founder of the Exceptional Leaders Lab. Her organization specializes in developing leaders, inspiring teamwork, and creating inclusive cultures. Her best-selling books-"What Exceptional Leaders Know," "The Exceptional Leaders Playbook." and "Leadership is a Verb"- provide much of the content in the workshops she teaches globally. Tracy's energetic and interactive approach has helped aspiring leaders all over the world improve their leadership skills, communication, and understanding of how people and organizations succeed. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and earned her college degree through a softball scholarship. She was a member of the U.S. National Softball Team and competed in the U.S. Olympic Sports Festival.