Theme: Hidden Lives, Amazing Stories

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).

Mitchell Hall
The Green
Newark, Delaware, 19716
United States

Catherine Osinubi

Student

Catherine Osinubi is a Sophomore majoring in Management Information Systems at the University of Delaware. She is interested in the intersection of business and technology and enjoys networking and public speaking. Her involvements include the UD Honors college, Delaware African Student Association, Women in Business, Central Programming Advisory Board, and Venture On.

Eric Hastings

Chief Policy Advisor

Eric Hastings is an experienced public servant in his home state of Delaware. Eric currently serves as the Chief Policy Advisor for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families. There, he leads the department’s legislative and policy agenda. Eric previously worked for the Delaware House of Representatives and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.

Karli George

Student

Karli George is a senior at the University of Delaware double majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems. Outside of her studies, Karli serves as the co-president of the Riot Act Improv Troupe, which specializes in long-form improvisational theater, and is an alumna of the renowned Blue Hen Leadership Program. She sincerely hopes you learn valuable insight from her talk and take the steps to IMPROVe your life!

Lavar Thomas

Non-Profit Leader

Lavar Thomas is a UD graduate alumnus and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, serving in Rwanda, East Africa. He is a Co-founder of Leaders of the Free World, a non-profit organization that provides international experiences and leadership development to young Black men.

Michael Lawrence

Leadership Coach

Michael Lawrence is a sought-after leadership coach and career development expert. He teaches people how to reach maximum performance levels and achieve transformational success in their careers. With thirty years’ leadership experience as a global corporate executive, entrepreneur, and higher education professional he has helped countless people create great careers.

Monet Lewis-Timmons

Doctoral Student

Monet Lewis-Timmons is an English PhD candidate and an African American Public Humanities Initiative (AAPHI) Fellow at the University of Delaware. She specializes in 19th and 20th Black women’s literature and personal papers with a particular focus on the cross-generational lineage of Black women’s archives.

Susamma Seeley

Adjunct Professor

Susamma Seeley is a crisis and disaster human services specialist, with a focus on social justice and inclusion. She is a certified emergency manager and adjunct professor and is currently working on her PhD dissertation in disaster science and management at the University of Delaware. Born in Kerala, India, and raised and educated in the USA, Susamma is a service-connected disabled veteran of the U.S. Army who is open about her PTSD and her experience as a suicide-loss survivor.

Tatiana Gomez

Eco-Entrepreneur

Tatiana Gomez is a First-gen Colombian American, scuba diver, and plant-based athlete turned eco-entrepreneur. She’s dedicated to sustainability and advancing circular economy solutions for a brighter, greener future.