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).

Akron-Summit County Library
60 South High Street
Akron, Ohio, 44326
United States

Allyson Strickland

"Allyson Strickland was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and has been dedicated to the field of education for the past 12 years. While in the classroom, Allyson spent most of her time in the secondary realm teaching 9th grade English. Having high expectations for her students, she averaged a 90% student growth rate or higher on an annual basis and received “accomplished” status specifically in classroom routines and procedures, classroom climate and cultural competency, connections to prior and future learning and communication with students. Although there were many ""bright spots” in Allyson’s teaching career, she quickly noticed the inequities that served as barriers making it difficult for students to be successful while in school and to ultimately graduate. This realization led Allyson to want to help a larger number of students through the lens of creating opportunities for all to become successful despite any barriers they may face. As such, she became heavily involved in various committees and programs that support equity work in the school system. For instance, Allyson became an intercultural development trainer, a member of her school district’s diversity, equity and inclusion training team, and became a coordinator of The Path to High School Success: a program that works to provide students access to various resources, so they are successful holistically while in school. Allyson currently serves as the Director of the Outreach ministry at The Remedy Church and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her amazing family who continue to inspire her to push towards greater heights on a daily basis."

Bineta Ngom

Bineta is an author and philanthropist, a mother of 4 who came to the USA in 1994 for a 2-month visit. After watching The Oprah Winfrey Show for one week, Bineta unpacked her luggage and decided to stay in America to follow Oprah. Hoping to find the real meaning of her existence and an opportunity for her children to have better lives, Bineta felt powerful, inspired, and energized, and her whole life took a completely new direction. By trial and error, Bineta took action and created her non-profit organization, wrote her book, and inspired many of her friends and her community to make a global change in their own unique ways.

Brittany Dawson

Brittany Dawson (she/they) is the Founder of Brittany Dawson Coaching LLC, a Denver based Coaching & Consulting business who’s mission is to help organizations and the talented people within them to thrive in career and life. Brittany has hosted workshops and keynote speeches for organizations like Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Constellation Brands (the name behind Modelo & Corona Extra), and 50+ organizations across the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Brittany’s superpower is facilitating spaces with empathy, humor, and joy to inspire action. When she’s not coaching you can find ordering a large amount of sushi on UberEats, listening to Afrobeats, and going for hikes! You can learn more about her work by connecting with her on LinkedIn and www.brittanydawsoncoaching.com/.

Crystal Wooten

Crystal's natural gift for encouraging others has been with her from a very young age. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals reach their full potential, both personally and professionally. As a seasoned Human Resources Management professional, Crystal is also the founder of The Journey...Back to Me where she serves as an Authenticity and Mindset Coach. She is a certified Behavioral Health Consultant and Mental Health Advocate, who provides individual coaching and trains organizations on talent identification to create a healthy and profitable workplace. Crystal's creative talents extend beyond her coaching expertise, as she is the owner of Aura Luxe Management LLC, an Event Planning and Boutique Décor company that brings her clients' visions to life. Her tagline - ""Be a Guest at Your Next Event!"" - captures the essence of Aura Luxe Management's mission. Her community involvement is equally impressive, as she holds the position of Vice President of Let's Get Healthy Cleveland, Inc., a non-profit organization that produces community programs to educate on health epidemics and disparities. In addition to these accomplishments, Crystal's most fulfilling role is being a mother to her two children. She is motivated by them to continue pursuing her passion for helping others. Her daily mantra - ""Today is a New Day, A New Chance to Get it Right. Just keep God first and keep Moving Forward!"" - serves as a reminder of her purpose."

Jamar Blackmon

"It’s only right we start this bio by stating Jamar’s famous quote “ I feel them 3 words coming… I’m EXCITED!!! YEAH!!!” Jamar Blackmon who’s also known as J Black or THE GOALGETTA is a national Motivational Speaker, Author, Behavior Health Specialist, Educational Consultant, Non Profit Leader and Entrepreneur. His humble beginnings, strong willed principles, and passion to make a difference has attracted judges, lawyers, principals, teachers, pastors and the community to his movement. His logo GOALGETTA sums up his message. One finger to the brain, the other pointing to the sky. All he’s saying is with the right mindset you can go to the top! Jamar graduated high school with a 1.8 gpa. A year later he was running a million dollar company in Brooklyn, N. Y. Having the right mindset has also led to him breaking barriers in corporate America by becoming the first black supervisor at Georgia Pacific’s Akron office. Something that he was told would never happen. Three months after LeBron James I Promise school opened Jamar was a featured speaker. Inspiring, Exciting, Electrifying, Life changer are words often used to describe Jamar Blackmon. He displays these characteristics through Motivational Speaking, his mentoring program GOALGETTA ACADEMY, GOALGETTA APPAREL, GOALGETTA PODCAST WITH J BLACK, motivational speaking albums, writing books and consulting. Jamar has achieved many goals but none are more important than being a husband and father of 4 despite coming up in a single parent household without the blueprint. Jamar’s goal when speaking is to inspire his audience to become the best version of themselves. He’s on a mission to change the world!!! The best is yet to come and SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION!!! www.jblackinspires.com"

Jennifer Borrero

"Jennifer Borrero is a Global Ambassador for the United Nations Association and the Founder of Youth Housing Coalition, the nation's largest nonprofit organization providing training in Sustainable Development to youth. She is a futurist with a passion for championing Latinx representation. In 2015 Jennifer began working on international human rights issues in Nicaragua, since then, she has specialized in advocacy for affordable housing and youth activism across the globe. She currently serves on the Disaster Action Team with the Red cross, traveling to provide humanitarian aid when natural disasters strike. Her work sits at the intersection of Political Theory and Social Justice. She holds a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration. You can find her baking in her free time."