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).

Janikies Theater
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, Rhode Island, 02917
United States

Emily Cisek

After witnessing how difficult it was to wrap up the details of a loved one’s life, Emily Cisek knew there had to be a better way. She soon discovered there wasn’t a single digital platform that could help people simplify how they organize their lives or stay on top of ever-changing data—because of this founded The Postage, a digital estate and legacy platform, in late 2019, with a mission to help families navigate and collaborate on life and legacy planning. Since then, The Postage has helped thousands of families effectively gain control and protect their wealth and wisdom, now and for generations. Emily received her BS degree in Business Administration from Bryant University. Then she grew her professional career in Houston at Bounce Energy (acquired 2013) and Direct Energy as a Digital Marketing & Innovation Manager before spending several years in Austin leading a branch of Integrate Agency. Emily was named the 2021 Women Who Mean Business Honoree by Houston Business Journal and a finalist for Top Founder Under 40 for the InnovationMap Awards.

Jack Scott

Jack Scott is a finance and economics major at Bryant. Jack has become a leader during his time at Bryant, exemplified by his positions as President of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Founder and President of Bryant’s Real Estate Investment Club, and involvement in the Finance Association. When Jack is not on campus, he serves as a wrestling coach and mentor for underprivileged middle schoolers in Providence. His teams have produced multiple state champions. His passion for helping others grow and achieve success have been crucial to finding success himself. When he is not coaching or at school, Jack enjoys cooking, traveling, spearfishing, and a good game of monopoly.

Jaime Diglio

Jaime Diglio is the Founder of inFirst Coaching where she trains leaders and sales teams on how to WIN at work and in life. With a master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology combined with 20+ years in leadership roles at Gartner, Microsoft, Slalom, and various high-growth startups, her proven coaching techniques have become a secret weapon for her clients’ success.

Kristen Falso- Capaldi

Kristen Falso-Capaldi is a literary studies and writing professor at Bryant University who loves to inspire others to reach their full creative potential. She began her career at TV stations in Providence, RI, and Boston, where she was a writer/producer for promotion, advertising, and short-form programs, one of which earned her a Boston/New England Emmy nomination. After pursuing her master's degree and spending nearly two decades as a public school teacher, she transitioned out of the classroom in order to fully focus on her creative endeavors. She is a novelist, represented by Jill Grinberg Literary Management, an independent filmmaker and a 2021 finalist for the New England Film Star Award as well as a visual artist whose recent commissions can be spotted on utility boxes on the North End of Providence, RI. Kristen believes in the incredible power of lifelong learning and remaining open to new experiences as a means to success. She has built her entire professional life around the idea that you need not wait till you feel “ready” to do something and strives to encourage others to follow their passions.

Louise Barro

Louise Barro is a senior at Bryant University majoring in International Business, Human Resources. She is an international student from Dakar, Senegal who grew up in a multicultural household, where she gained her first exposures to different native languages. She began to nurture a love for the linguistics from an early age and hopes to describe herself as a polyglot one day by using different ones in her professional career. She is a strong believer that languages are keys that open the door to individuals who are willing to take in the challenge and learn about new cultures. She herself had to break the language barrier twice and hopes to help the ones the might be hesitant to do so through her talk. She holds experience as a modern language academic peer tutor and currently works as a student assistant manager at the Office of International Students and Scholars, and as a resident assistant for first year students.

Michael DiBenedetto

Mike DiBenedetto is a freshman at Bryant University currently enrolled in the 3 + 1 program and Honors Program at Bryant. Mike has many involvements on campus, including five clubs and a job at the Honors College Office. Mike's position entails working on the budget for the Honors Office. Mike is also involved in Finance Association, Financial Planning Association, Residents Hall Association, Best Buddies, Honors Council, and a Student Ambassador. Mike is the National Communications Coordinator (NCC) for the Residents Hall Association. Mike enjoys helping others, expanding his knowledge, and being his best version. Mike loves to give back to the Bryant Community due to his background and love for community service, and one day aspires to be a motivational speaker. Mike also has a passion for bodybuilding and is looking forward to competing in a competition soon. Mike loves to lift others up and help support his friends and classmates in their endeavors.

Robert Massoud

Robert Massoud spent the majority of his working life in major corporations such as Fidelity and CVS Health, where he used his interpersonal skills to advance his career in both operations and project management. He believes that the best manager is someone who empowers their team to succeed rather than directing them every step of the way. Robert now brings those years of experience to the classroom where he provides students -- both young and old -- with the skills needed to be successful managers and team players.

Steve Fiore

Steve’s passion is to help others gain measurable value from data and analytics. This value comes in a variety of different areas including work, teaching, mentoring, and at home. At Teredata, Steve and his co-worker work with customers to tackle their toughest business challenges through the employment of leadership tactics, technology, and consulting. While at Bryant as an adjunct professor, Steve enjoys sharing his passion for data analytics by teaching his students how it can help businesses improve revenue, decrease cost, and improve outcomes. At home, Steve has helped his two children start profitable small businesses through the power of data analytics. He expresses how fortunate he feels to have begun in the industry out of college. After twenty-five years of learning, and working with great customers he is excited to see what the next twenty will look like. Outside of work, Steve enjoys traveling to Aruba, Newport RI, and Bar Harbor, cooking, and hiking with his wife Mary Beth, and three kids, Mathew, Michael, and Emma.