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).

TEDxSilver Lake
Iron Trail Motors Event Center
919 6th St. S.
Virginia, Minnesota, 55792
United States

Aaron Kelson

Business and Economics Professor, Minnesota North College

A natural resources economist and policy analyst, Aaron Kelson is devoted to education and grassroots community development to enhance the quality of life in rural, resource-dependent areas. His efforts to advance personal, organizational, community and other social network progress are informed by the foundational principles of ecological health and connectivity.

Ellie Norvitch

Rock Ridge High School Student

Ellie is a senior at Rock Ridge High School, and an avid member of the music, theater, and speech programs. She plans on attending the College of Saint Scholastica next year to pursue an undergraduate in Political Science with the eventual hope of obtaining a law degree.

Jeffrey Hanson

Business owner

Mining brought Jeff Hanson and his family to Babbitt in 1959. Living on the shores of Birch Lake, Jeff developed a deep passion for the woods and the lakes. At the University of Minnesota, Jeff studied mechanical and environmental engineering. He has an International MBA from Switzerland. In his professional life, Jeff has managed two different subsidiaries of Minnesota companies in Brazil, and he owned a manufacturing company for 18 years before returning to Minnesota. Jeff has moved back to his childhood home on the shores of Birch Lake and has dedicated the past 15 years to the development of a cost-effective system to remove sulfate from mining impacted waters.

Julie Lucas

Executive Director of MiningMinnesota and Water Resources Scientist & Responsible Mining Advocate

As the Executive Director of MiningMinnesota, Julie Lucas advocates for responsible mining of mineral resources in Minnesota that will “keep the lights on” as our nation undergoes a clean energy transformation. She earned her mining experience serving as the Director of Water Resources for Twin Metals Minnesota, a proposed copper-nickel mine near Ely, Minnesota and as the Environmental Manager of Hibbing Taconite Company, a Cleveland-Cliffs iron ore mine in Hibbing, Minnesota. Through education and collaboration opportunities, Julie engages with a broad audience of interested stakeholders. She attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth and has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a master’s degree in Water Resources Science.

Leah Lemm

Editor at Minnesota Public Radio News

Leah Lemm is a citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and spends her time sharing stories from Native communities around Minnesota. She's worked in public media for over 15 years.

Lisa Beck

Transformational Coach and Author

Lisa Beck was born and raised in Virginia, Minnesota, graduated from the University of North Dakota with her bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and went on to obtain her master’s degree in Sports and Recreation Management from Springfield College in Massachusetts. She is a Corrective Exercise and Behavior Change Specialist. In 2020, she authored the internationally selling book "An Infinite Love: Your Journey Toward Happiness, Connection, and Loving Yourself the Most." In 2024, Lisa founded and launched Ignite, a company helping retired professional athletes find purpose and community in their transition beyond the game.

Maria Jensen

Co-Director Recycling Electronics for Climate Action

Maria Jensen began her career in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) in the electronic waste recycling industry. Currently, she is Co-Director of Recycling Electronics for Climate Action where she engages in research, education, and advocacy work around e-waste management in Minnesota. Maria has a master’s degree in Global Health with research related to mercury contamination from electronic waste.

Marlise Riffel

Sustainability Advocate

Marlise has a master’s degree in Sociology and taught sociology in the Minnesota State College system for several decades. She retired in 2015 and currently manages the Virginia Farmers Market, works with Youth Empowerment Support & Safety, the Iron Range Original Music Association, and writes grants for a variety of community causes. She is president of the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability and has spent the past two years researching e-waste recycling.

Shannon Watson

Executive Director of Majority in the Middle and Civic Thinker

Shannon Watson is the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle. She has also served in policy and public affairs roles for Casper Corcoran, the Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, the Minnesota Senate, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. Shannon has over 20 years of experience in electoral politics, advising candidates and working on campaigns on both sides of the aisle. Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.