Theme: Possibilities

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).

Cape Canaveral
Cape Canaveral
Cape Canaveral, Florida, 32920
United States

Casey Covel

Casey L. Covel is a career center coordinator at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) by day and Batman by night (at least, according to her personality type!). She earned national honors while completing her associate degree at EFSC, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human communication through the University of Central Florida, and is pursuing a master’s degree in Media Psychology at Fielding University. Covel is an award-winning pop culture author of over 300 pieces, distributed through NACE, NCDA, AFC, and other publications. She also really, really loves sushi.

Clinton Hatcher

Always the thought-provoking communicator, Clinton works hard to partner with employers large and small to assist with finding and developing local talent. He loves to build relationships by helping employers solve problems and navigate within the workforce system. Clinton is a proud graduate of Eastern Florida State College, University of Central Florida, and the Leadership Brevard Class of 2021. Most recently, Clinton received the 4 under 40 Leadership Brevard Award 2023. In the community, Clinton is a member of his local church, Faith Life Outreach Christian Kathedral, Secretary of the National Space Club of Florida, board member of the Space Coast black chamber, Greater Palm Bay Chamber, and serves on the Young Professional’s Committee, Space Coast Young Professionals, for the Melbourne Regional Chamber. But most of all, Clinton is a family man to his lovely wife Tiffani, and beautiful daughter Myrrhiah (Mariah).

Daniel Kolodny

Daniel graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Aquaculture. He worked in fisheries management with the National Marine Fisheries and the Nez Perce Tribe for several years before witnessing the drastic changes to the Indian River Lagoon, which prompted him to return to FIT to earn his Master of Science in Environmental Resource Management. Daniel has also worked with Brevard County Natural Resources Department as a project manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Petroleum Restoration Program in groundwater cleanup. In 2019 he joined the IRLNEP as the Chief Operating Officer and Financial Officer and manages all budgets, grants, and contracts. He is an avid outdoorsman and can regularly be found on the Lagoon assisting in restoration activities and fishing.

Dr Synthia Doaks

With 23 years of experience in education for private, public and nonprofit sectors, Dr. Doaks is an expert in collaboration and working with community partners to improve the lives of residents by increasing their access to post-secondary education and sustainable employment. She has also served as the Community Partnership School (CPS) Director at Endeavour Elementary where she was part of the team that secured funding for the first school-based health center in the area (Brevard Health Alliance). She is also a business adjunct instructor for Eastern Florida State College. Dr. Doaks has a BBA from Northwestern State University, an MBA from Webster University, and an Ed. D. in Executive Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. She serves on multiple boards throughout Brevard, including Brevard Health Alliance, Academic Anglers, Sustainable Workplace Alliance, and Space Coast Health Foundation’s Dental Taskforce. She was the recipient of the 2019 Children’s Champion Award of Distinction, the 2022 Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Humanitarian of the Year in a Nonprofit, and was recently recognized by weVentures at Florida Tech as a 2023 Woman Who Rocks – Excellence in Community Service in Brevard County Florida. She is the mother of three adult daughters who are also educators and has two grandsons. She enjoys basketball, kayaking, camping and hiking, as well as reading, writing and researching.

Jarin Eisenberg

Jarin is an expert in community revitalization and ecosystem building. Over the past 12 years, she has facilitated over 100 million dollars in public-private partnerships and has led the expansion of a high-tech incubator that has resulted in over 150 million dollars in venture capital investment, the creation of hundreds of high-paying jobs, and an additive manufacturing lab. She specializes in developing strategies, organizing and operating through a collective impact model, and bringing together government organizations, citizen stakeholders, private equity groups, and developers to facilitate meaningful and systemic change. She was the 2016 recipient of Lead Brevard’s 4 under 40 award and most recently, received the City of Melbourne’s Exceptional Citizen Award.

Mike Mongo

Astronaut-in-training, artist, and Cape Canaveral resident Mike Mongo is the author of "The Astronaut Instruction Manual" (Penguin Random House) and co-founder of global graffiti art brand OBEY. His new book, "My Conversation with Sherlock Holmes (An Instruction Manual for Talking with AI)," is written with AI co-author “Sherlock Holmes.”

Rushil Shah

An enthusiastic advocate of financial literacy, Rushil is an accomplished young speaker, leader, and researcher. The combination of his keen interest in personal finance and a passion for helping others achieve financial success has led him to conduct multi-disciplinary research involving financial decision-making, as well as work tirelessly to educate young people about the importance of financial literacy through coursework and publishing a book on the topic. Skilled at explaining difficult financial concepts in a simple manner for peers and younger generations alike, he is committed to helping young adults achieve financial freedom and success through his charismatic presentation and personal endeavors.