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).

Sheraton Downtown Raleigh
421 Salisbury St.
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601
United States

Brooke Young

Communication Consultant

A multipassionate powerhouse, Brooke is the Founder of Brooke Young: Communication Consulting. A Publicist and Consultant, she works with clients across the Globe, focusing on creating, developing, and promoting powerful messages through heart-centered storytelling. She has formerly worked On-Air with FOX Sports, completed in the Miss America Organization, and owns a Midwest-Based Character Company. She trained her first Therapy Dog at 9 years old and frequently speaks in schools and educational facilities about Therapy Dogs and Volunteering using her Children's Book: Murray's Miraculous Mission.

Dallas Bonavita

Executive Director - Note in the Pocket

Dallas Bonavita is the executive director of Note in the Pocket, one of the most successful nonprofits addressing clothing insecurity in the country. She is considered a thought leader on the subject and is committed to improving the social, emotional, mental, physical and academic lives of children/students from birth to college or career.

Dr. DeShanna Reed

Special Education Teacher, Researcher & Professional Speaker

Dr. DeShanna Reed is a former Special Education teacher and campus administrator turned professional speaker, educational researcher, consultant, and Board-Certified Advocate for Special Education. She holds a Doctor of Education with a focus on Special Populations. She is the youngest of four siblings and a mother of four. She lives in Houston, Texas where she owns and operates an educational coaching, consulting, and advocacy firm.

Dr. Kaden Lebray

Correction Officer

I have my Doctorate Degree in Humanitarianism. I am a Receiver of the Lifetime Achievement Award, whereby President Joe Biden writes you a letter of acknowledgement, a degree, and a medallion in honor of my completion of over 4,500 hours of service in the community. I played professional basketball overseas in Canada.

Dr. Michael Cundall, Jr.

Professor

Mike Cundall (Dr. Mike) is a university professor, researcher, and author. His main research focuses on how humor is an important tool in helping us be more engaged, resilient, and finding enjoyment. His main goal is to work with people to help them find ways they can use humor to become more resilient, healthy, and engaged.

Elaine Marshall

NC Secretary of State

Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall became the first woman ever elected to a statewide, executive branch office in North Carolina and has served as President of the National Association of Secretaries of State. Voters re-elected her to a seventh term in 2020, and Governor Cooper presented her with the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in 2022, the Governor’s highest award for service to the State. A former teacher, small business owner, and private practice attorney. She has pioneered e-commerce in government, protected investors and intellectual property owners, and promoted financial capital formation in North Carolina. Secretary Marshall has been very active in many civic groups in the areas of child welfare, women' She credits 4-H as an important part of her youth and received Lifetime Achievement Awards from North Carolina 4-H and in 2014 was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame .

Josh Ether

Consultant & Coach

With over 15 years of experience and a track record of success, I am dedicated to helping organizations achieve excellence and surpass their goals. By employing human-centered methods and fostering collaboration, experimentation, and trust, I strive to create lasting progress and provide real value to my clients. My focus is on finding sustainable solutions that balance growth with the protection of existing achievements, paving the way for future prosperity.

Maxine Phillips

Author & Host

A pioneer in the field, Maxine created jobs that didn't previously exist, leveraging her unique insights and solutions. She holds a BA from North Carolina Wesleyan with Magna Cum Laude honors and a Business Coach certification from North Carolina State University. With over four decades of experience as an HR executive, she understands what corporations seek in candidates and guides individuals in positioning themselves for success.

Mikaya Thurmond

Public Relations Specialist

With 11+ years of communications experience as Public Relations Strategist and formerly as a TV news anchor at WRAL TV, Mikaya Thurmond helps companies master messaging. Mikaya holds awards/recognitions from the Associated Press, the Midsouth Emmy Awards, Cary Magazine, and Raleigh Magazine. Today, the Harvard University graduate also serves as a lecturer at North Carolina State University where she teaches students the importance of storytelling in 21st century.

Savio Clemente

Wellness Coach

Savio P. Clemente coaches cancer survivors and ambitious industry leaders to amplify their impact, attract media attention, and make their voice heard. He inspires them to get busy living in mind, body, and spirit and to cultivate resilience in their mindset. Savio is a Board Certified wellness coach (NBC-HWC, ACC), media journalist, best- selling author, podcaster, stage 3 cancer survivor, and founder of The Human Resolve LLC.