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).

UAM Fine Arts Center
371 University Drive
Monticello, Arkansas, 71655
United States

Arturo Quintero Ferrer

Plant Scientist

Dr. Arturo Quintero Ferrer is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He is an expert in molecular plant virology, genomic sequencing, and epigenetics. Additionally, he works as a screenwriter, moderator, and host dedicated to making science easily accessible to the masses.

Brandy Boyles Bullock

Pediatric Cancer Advocate

Brandy Boyles Bullock is a mother of 5, a jiu-jitsu enthusiast, and a passionate advocate for childhood cancer awareness. Brandy's daughter, Bailey, is a two-time childhood cancer survivor. The personal battles that she fought while fighting against the disease trying to take her child from her, ignited the drive to help other families affected by childhood cancer. Brandy is the Co-Founder of Heroes and Angels, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to families affected by childhood cancer with non-medical needs and to military families in need.

Elena Rubino

Conservation Social Scientist

Elena Rubino is an assistant professor of conservation social science at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Most broadly, she is interested in how conservation of wildlife and habitat may be attained on private and communal lands worldwide. Her research explores how policy, decision-making, and communication can be used to improve conservation outcomes, and her work is frequently used by government agencies and conservation organizations in the design of conservation policy, management actions, and outreach.

Frances Ivy-Marie

Advocate

Frances is a mother of two. She has an Associates Degree in Communication and a BA in History with a minor in sociology. Advocating for children and youth in foster care including adoptees waiting to be adopted, and Adults living with invisible disabilities take up most of her free time. She is married to her best friend. She is passionate about traveling, breastfeeding, and Black History. If she could make birth safer for everyone in the United States, that would be her dream come true.

Jeremy Coleman

Pastor + TikTok Star

Jeremy Coleman is the lead pastor of Remain Community Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is known best as, “That Pastor from Oklahoma” on TikTok. He is passionate about seeing communities become stronger by loving one another better. Jeremy desires to see more inclusion, diversity, and equality in American churches. As a pastor, Jeremy focuses on challenging, empowering, and educating through the lens of his faith. His purpose is simple, "Love God and people passionately with no strings attached."

JJ Thompson

Educational Entrepeneur

JJ Thompson is the Co-Owner of TLC Tutoring Company and CaveCloth Clothing. TLC Tutoring is the largest private tutoring company in the state, with locations in Northwest, Northeast, and Central Arkansas. Mr. Thompson was the first high school student to win an International Public Debate Association National Championship and finished his career in Intercollegiate debate as a four-time National Champion. Since then, he has established himself as a powerful voice on topics ranging from educational policy to economic development. He is the Dean of the School of Commerce at Arkansas Boys State, where he has served as a counselor since being elected ARBS Governor in 2008. He holds a BA in Political Science, an MBA, and is currently finishing his Juris Doctorate at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Kelly Krout

Social Worker + Political Candidate

Kelly Krout is a licensed social worker, children’s book author, and former foster parent. She was a candidate for state representative in 2020 and a candidate for lieutenant governor of Arkansas in 2022. Kelly and her husband have seven sons and a dog named Veto. She spends her free time reading, running, and watching her kids play basketball.

Leron McAdoo

Educator

Leron (Ron Mc) McAdoo has motivated, inspired, and empowered people from young to old since he was in elementary school. But he concentrated his effort and focus into making educational motivation his priority in 2014. With the experience of being a public school teacher since 1994, the expertise of being a workshop facilitator since 2001, and the ability to move and energize a crowd with his creativity, McAdoo decided to get people Mctivated. Although he has worked and continues to work with community groups, businesses, and churches, Ron Mc has seen a need for schools to GET McTIVATED! because teachers and students are what he's most passionate about.

Tim Campbell

Service Coordinator

Tim Campbell grew up in the urban inner-city of Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Central High School in 2010 and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Upon graduation, he was successfully accepted into the U.S. Peace Corps Program. He served as a Community Health Facilitator in the Gambia, West Africa, and subsequently served as Chair of the In-Country Diversity Commission for a three-year stay. Tim was recognized in the Arkansas Business 2020 ‘250 Most Influential Leaders in Arkansas, The 2022 Arkansas L.E.A.D. Award Recipient from the Martin Luther King Commission and The Clinton School of Public Service’s higher honor, The Shannon Butler Award. Tim'9;s life story can be viewed in a PBS documentary titled "Connected Search for Unity. ‘The Rose That Grew from Concrete."