Theme: Square One

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).

GCU Arena Grand Canyon University
3300 West Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, Arizona, 85017
United States

Cody Byrns

Cody Byrns is an internationally recognized speaker, burn survivor, professional juggler, and a number-one best-selling author. In May of 2013, Cody’s life drastically changed; while waiting at a red light on the highway, Cody was rear-ended by a box-truck that failed to stop. As a result, he was considered dead until first responders saw his hand move. He received many injuries that day, including severe burns to almost 40% of his body. After years of countless surgeries and rehabilitation, Cody has chosen not to allow his scars to keep him bound in bitterness and defeat. Instead, he uses his story to help people live free from the bonds of scars (physical and emotional), equipping others with the proper steps to walk out of their past hurt and defeat and to run towards their full potential. He has also been featured on many TV programs, and radio shows around the world, and commonly speaks at college and corporate conferences.

Dr. Arman Taghizadeh

Growing up as a child, Dr. T always wanted to become a teacher and a coach. After competing at the NCAA Division 1 level in wrestling, Dr. T ultimately chose to attend medical school and later did residency and fellowship in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry. Currently as a practicing board certified psychiatrist and sports psychiatrist, Dr. T has combined his knowledge and experience as a competitive athlete, medical doctor and mental health provider to come back to his “Square One.” He is privileged to provide mental health education, support and mindset training to patients, athletes, coaches, parents and competitive businesses.

Dr. Kristen Eccleston

Dr. Kristen C. Eccleston (The NeuroDiverse Teacher) is an award-winning education consultant, keynote speaker, published author, and mental health thought leader currently living and working in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area. Her areas of focus as an education consultant are K-12 and Corporate mental health and neurodiversity engagement. Dr. Eccleston’s education history includes a Doctor of Education in Mind, Brain, & Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Hood College. She is an Adjunct Professor at Towson University in their Secondary and Special Education Graduate Programs. Additionally, she is a former National Board-Certified Teacher, Exceptional Needs Specialist and holds an Advanced Professional Educator Certificate. Books and articles authored by Dr. Eccleston and her online courses designed for parents and educators can be found by visiting www.theneurodiverseteacher.com.

Maia Mae Huff

Maia Mae Huff studied Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at Florida State University. While there, Maia was inspired by the struggles and pains of everyday life and accidentally founded MM Designs, a lifestyle brand focused on spreading Love, Truth, and Light. This has led her to many opportunities, including giving a TEDx talk!

Nick Cutsumpas

Nick is a “plantrepreneur” who is passionate about all things green. As a full-time plant coach, urban gardener, and landscape designer, Nick’s mission is to leave the earth greener than when he found it - giving people the knowledge and confidence they need to create their own green spaces in the pursuit of environmental action and social justice. Nick has more than 150 clients in NYC + LA and has been featured in the NY Times, Vogue, Architectural Digest, Food Network and Business Insider. He can be seen on the Netflix original series "The Big Flower Fight” and as a host on Netflix’s "Instant Dream Home". He is also the author of Plant Coach: The Beginner’s Guide To Caring for Plants and the Planet.

Riley Bricker

Riley Bricker is a marketing and advertising student at Grand Canyon University. She was diagnosed with celiac disease early in her college career. While navigating this new lifestyle, she felt inspired to advocate for those with serious health conditions.

Riley Sewell

Riley Kehoe is an adventurer, writer, and public speaker whose life goal is to help others live courageously. Riley was born in England, raised in New Zealand, and is now embracing America as her home. In February 2023, Riley got married to a wonderful man named Jack! She has a degree in Commercial Law and Management from Auckland University (NZ) and graduated with her Master’s in Global Leadership with Honors from Fuller Theological Seminary (California). In 2004, Riley and her family were holidaying in Thailand when the Boxing Day tsunami struck. After living through an event that killed over 290,000 people, she set her future towards helping others, particularly those struggling with fear.

Simone Lipkin

Simone Lipkin is an 18-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician from New York City. By the age of 12, she was playing her original songs in bars, restaurants, and iconic music venues in her hometown. With her music, Simone displays promise and maturity well beyond her years, with an ability to write lyrics and stories that resonate across generations. Her passion for her craft has guided her through the years and given her the determination to take risks for her art: after graduating High School at 17, Simone moved to Los Angeles on her own to pursue a full-time career in music.