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).

Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55403
United States

Lambers Fisher

Relationship Strategist

Lambers Fisher, MS, LMFT, MDiv, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, author, and renowned national speaker, but also a relationship strategist. With two decades of experience, Lambers expertly counsels diverse individuals, couples, and families, fostering positive, shame-free, and empowering relationships. His award-winning book, "Diversity in Clinical Practice," and transformative 'Diversity Made Simple' training have empowered over 15,000 professionals nationwide, enhancing their cultural competence. Lambers' impactful work amplifies understanding, competence, and confidence in serving diverse needs.

Ruby Mathiason

Non-binary Educator

Ruby Mathiason is a passionate non-binary educator, deeply immersed in queer studies, anthropology, sociology, and politics. At sixteen years old, they have stepped onto the red dot to convey the importance of self-expression and exploration. Their diverse talents span theater, spoken word, public speaking, and music performance, enabling them to skillfully communicate research findings and insights on equal rights and freedom of expression.

Sarah Kraning

Synesthetic Artist

Sarah Kraning, an American abstract artist, playwright, and speaker, possesses a unique perspective due to synesthesia, a rare neurological condition. This extraordinary trait enables her to visualize sound as vibrant colors, patterns, and motion. Drawing from her sensory experiences, her abstract creations beautifully translate music into art. Sarah’s TEDxMinneapolis talk explores the stigma surrounding synesthesia, and her own slow process of recognition. She also shares how she courageously unveiled her lifelong creations during the pandemic, gaining global recognition. Her TikTok (@SarahKraning) boasts viral videos, establishing her as a leading advocate for synesthesia on social media. Featured in renowned platforms like Guggenheim Museum, Beatles museum, and Wired Magazine, she collaborates with musicians to paint live, aiming to celebrate music's allure through her innovative art and embrace the splendor of neurodiversity.

Terry Esau

Philanthropeneur

From small town punk, playing in a garage band with his Fender amp cranked to eleven—stomping on his wah-fuzz pedal, to becoming the Jingle King of Minneapolis, Terry Esau has written and produced thousands of pieces of music for TV commercials…from Target to McDonalds, Pepsi to Perkins, Harleys to Hondas, and Golden Grahams to Billy Graham. Terry, a certified bike-o-holic, started a non-profit organization in 2010 called Free Bikes 4 Kidz, and has given away over 150,000 bicycles to kids in need. He holds the Guinness World Record for most bikes collected in one day—nearly 10,000 in Minneapolis! FB4K is now active in 20 cities with a goal of being in 100 cities and 1,000,000 bikes given away in the next five years. Recently Terry co-founded a new non-profit, Free Guitars 4 Kids, where he hopes to duplicate the success he has had with bikes, putting old guitars in young hands.

Tru Pettigrew

Bridge Builder

Tru (he/him) is a celebrated author, experienced public speaker, committed community leader, and award-winning marketing executive with over 20 years of experience at top advertising & marketing agencies. Tru currently serves as the Chief Impact Officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx. He is the founder and President of Tru Access, a Community Bridge Building consultancy that serves organizations by helping them to build bridges of trust and understanding across various divides. His first book “Millennials Revealed” serves as a guide for countless individuals and organizations across the country to help them build meaningful connections across generations. As a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion advocate and committed Community Bridge Builder, Tru has established a strong reputation for healing divides across racial, cultural, gender, and relational lines of all kinds.

Zinet Kemal

Cybersecurity Advocate

Zinet Kemal is an immigrant from Ethiopia, a mother of 4, a multi-award winning cybersecurity advocate and a four times best-selling author. She currently excels as a Cloud Security Engineer at a Fortune 500 organization and Board member at a non-profit, Black Girls in Cyber. She is a Georgia Tech University graduate with a Masters of Science degree in Cybersecurity. Zinet's award-winning children's books, including "Proud in Her Hijab", "Oh, No ... Hacked Again!” and "See Yourself in Cybersecurity" promote empowerment, online safety and cyber careers for children. Recognized as 2023 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40, SC Media Women in IT Security Cyber Advocate, CyberScoop Most Inspiring Up and Comer, and Women Who Code Applaud Her Award recipient, she has been featured in various media outlets including Good Morning America, 11Alive, BBC and CBS Minnesota - WCCO.