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).

Philip Lynch Theater
One University Parkway
Romeoville, Illinois, 60446
United States

Abbey Keane

Acquisition Manger

Abbey, a Purdue University graduate, boasts over 10 years of Sales and Operations expertise with stints at Twitter, Experian, and Amazon. As the Acquisition Manager for Amazon's Hub Delivery Partner program, she piloted the initiative in 2021, leading the team's strategy and recruiting over 800 small businesses in 2022, targeting a 10x YoY growth. Abbey's sales journey began in Chicago, fostering a love for sales at Meeting Tomorrow. In Nashville since 2017, she contributed significantly to JumpCrew's success, holding diverse roles and expanding her career. Passionate about helping others navigate career changes, Abbey runs Keane Career Consulting alongside her role at Amazon. She cherishes time with her goldendoodle, Bedford, and indulges in travel, reading, and running.

Ben Schellenberg

Lewis University Student

Ben was raised in a low income household, so the value of money became very apparent at a young age. that's why he worked full time in high school and then began to work multiple jobs after graduation. once he realized he wanted to go to college that's when he knew he had to begin to budget my time for certain things. Ben is an elementary education major in his junior year of college working full time in a warehouse and part time at a grocery store. in 2021 he graduated from heartland community college and transferred over to Lewis University. Post high school he worked as a cafeteria manager for a school district and that's what lead him to pursuing education.

Gloria Sherrod

Mental Health Counselor

Gloria Joy Sherrod is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Author, and ADHD expert. She has worked as a counselor in K-12 schools, higher education, and private practice. With her expertise in ADHD, she provides consultation to help promote neuroinclusion in the workplace and in schools, provides ADHD coaching services, and creates educational content about neurodiversity.

Maureen Keane

Professor, Parent & Professional People-Promoter

Maureen owns Keane Communication & Consulting. Among the organizations that she has worked with; Advocate, ATI, Martin-Brower, McCormick Spices, McDonald’s, Reyes Holdings and numerous others. Maureen is an ICF-ACC credentialed Coach – whose coaching niches include Leadership and Life. She has a Master of Science in Managerial Communication from Northwestern University and has extensive experience working with all aspects of communication. An INTP, she spent almost twenty years at IBM – in technical support, marketing, management, people-professional development and team-building. She is life-time certified to administer and interpret the MBTI, DiSC, KTS, and FIRO-B. She is also experienced in facilitation with EI Strengths-Finders and 360 assessments. Importantly, she genuinely hopes that through her work and life, she will be able to help make a positive impact with people, programs, places and processes.

Michelle Clifton

Director of Prison Education

Michelle Clifton earned her PhD in theology and social ethics at Loyola University Chicago and holds two master’s degrees in similar fields. She served for almost 20 years at North Park Theological Seminary as Professor of Theology & Ethics and Dean of Faculty. Michelle’s passion is interrupting the US’s over-reliance on incarceration and finding creative alternatives, such as equitable and accessible education or restorative justice solutions through collaboration with those most impacted. In 2018, she founded the “School of Restorative Arts,” an MA program in Illinois’ prisons serving over 100 incarcerated men and women at Stateville and Logan Correctional Centers. She currently serves as founding director of prison education at Lewis University and has since launched a BA program in professional studies at Sheridan Correctional Center. She has published numerous books and articles on mass incarceration and other topics and has done a previous TEDx talk.

Tawanna Gilliard

Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Dr. Tawanna O. Gilliard is an esteemed author, speaker, board-certified Obstetrician/ Gynecologist and Founder of Cornerstone of Wellness, LLC. She loves empowering and uplifting others to achieve financial, mental, and holistic wellness no matter their current circumstances. This passion comes from living through her own personal struggles and through financial crises. She truly has a desire to shed light on financial stability. Her desire is to help others to overcome or avoid similar struggles and crisis by being transparent and sharing her story. On the Other Side of Greatness: Lessons on the Journey from 6-Figure Debt to 7-figure Success, her debut book, offers a roadmap for overcoming financial challenges and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.