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).

Dollarhide Community Center
301 North Tamarind Avenue
Compton, California, 90220
United States

Abril R. Villanueva

Grassroots Organizer| Activist | Culture Bearer

Abril R. Villanueva is an Afro-indigenous woman born in Morelos, Mexico. She is also a descendant of the Tlahuica people from Cocoyoc, Morelos. Abril has a Bachelor of Arts In Psychology and a Certificate of Multicultural Leadership from California State University, Los Angeles. She is a Disabled Veteran, Mental Health Advocate, Grassroots Organizer, Barnstormer for America, Activist, Culture Bearer, Mother, and a Compton Homeowner.

Andre Spicer

Entrepreneur| Community Activist| Politician

Andre Spicer is a successful entrepreneur, community activist, politician, and catalyst for change. He has continually overcome obstacles in order to create positive change. As a lifelong Compton resident, Andre fills voids in the community by providing jobs through his businesses, all which are focused on improving the quality of life for community members. He also established The Hub Radio Station to elevate local voices and as a platform to address ongoing issues in urban society, locally and globally. Taking action is something Andre is well known for. As a well-reputed entrepreneur, community advocate, and citizen of Compton, Andre was elected as the City of Compton’s Councilman for District 2. He continues to use his various platforms to promote the social and economic wellbeing of Compton’s residents. On any given day, you can find Andre improving one of his businesses, volunteering in the community, or working with others to solve problems in the Compton area.

Anthony D. Mays

Tech | Humanity

A former abuse victim and foster kid straight outta Compton, Anthony D. Mays wears many hats as a public speaker, DEI consultant, writer, tech career coach, and software engineer. Teaching himself how to code at the age of 8, Anthony went on to obtain a degree in Information and Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine and started his tech career as an INROADS intern, winning the Lorenz Tovar Intern of the Year award and earning a spot as one of the Top 50 alums in the organization’s 50-year history. Anthony’s journey from Compton to Google was featured in a viral BuzzFeed documentary in 2018. After spending 8 years at Google, he left the company to pursue full-time entrepreneurship as founder of Morgan Latimer Consulting. He wanted to bridge the gap between the underrepresented and companies. Anthony's inspirational story is one of perseverance that provokes conversation about inclusion in tech, using humor, and vulnerability.

Denzell O. Jordan-Perry

Elected Official

Denzell Jordan-Perry is a person who has “walked a mile” in the shoes of Compton’s youth. Denzell successfully navigated a challenging upbringing, sat in classrooms uncertain of his future and was told he had a learning disability. Denzell’s experiences mirror many of today’s students. Despite Denzell’s hardships, He graduated from Dominguez High School with honors, became a National Youth of the Year Finalist for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a first-generation college graduate from both Menlo College and Pepperdine University School of Law, a Doctoral Student, a Human Resources Executive in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, while being a mentor for countless teens and young people. In addition, Denzell is a motivational speaker and poet. Denzell works to be an example for students born and raised in Compton so they may see that their beginning does not determine their end. Denzell is committed to being an inspiration, role model and advocate for students.

Dr. Brandi Powell

Geriatric Wellness| Minister| Physical Therapy| Doula

Dr. Brandi Powell is a licensed Physical Therapist in California. Her educational experiences include a bachelor of science degree in Natural Science with a Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy emphasis from the Loyola Marymount University of California and a doctorate's degree in Physical Therapy from the Azusa Pacific University of California. She has experience working briefly with the pediatric population but found her niche with the geriatric population by working in varied settings for going on 13 years. Dr. Brandi is also an ordained minister and currently teaches a monthly Bible study at her church home. Dr. Brandi has been a Birth doula since 2021 and an end of life coordinator (death doula) since 2020. She is also co-host of "It's the Discussion For Me" podcast, co-creator "Permission to Grieve" course, and published co-author of 'Perspectives of Wellness: Navigating the Waves of the Pandemic'.

Isha Price

Film Producer | Philanthropy

Isha Price is a Media Producer for Film, Television, and Documentary. Ms. Price got her career started doing transactional work, negotiating contracts and the like, for some of the world's most prolific and talented athletes. This transactional work led Ms. Price to developing and redefining her work as her life took on several iterations. Ms, Price states "Most of us end up having 3 careers before it is all said and done. The ultimate hope is that you are able to do something that you love, but also enjoy, as sometimes those two things don't always connect." She feels blessed to be operating in her purpose and she loves giving back to communities that are underserved, because giving brings her joy.

Sharrica Miller, PhD, RN

Speaker | Author | Advocate | Joy Seeker

Dr. Miller is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with over 18 years of experience in nursing and nursing education. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Howard University and most recently earned her PhD from UCLA in 2017. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and chair of Diversity at Cal State Fullerton. Dr. Miller spent 12 years of her childhood in foster care being shuffled across 7+ different placements beginning at age 6. She is now an active advocate and mentor whose community service efforts earned her the 2021 Casey Family Foundation Foster Care Alumni Award. Dr. Miller is a nationally sought after speaker and consultant who has delivered over 20 keynote presentations for child welfare organizations and nursing programs. She is the author of a self-published memoir titled Verses, Lessons Learned from Foster Care, and was recently featured in the documentary Still Waters Never Crash which chronicled her journey from foster care to PhD.