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).

GreenRockCorrectionalCenter
1704 Beverly Heights Road
Chatham, Virginia, 24531
United States

Alejandro Ruiz

Mentor

Resident, Green Rock Correctional Center. Formerly a cargo and transportation specialist in the US Army, Alejandro Ruiz grew up a sociable and curious young man who enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, playing video games, singing and playing piano (even though he never sang or played piano well). While incarcerated, he has completed programs like Matrix Substance Abuse, Thinking for a Change, Serve Safe, Computer Literacy, Printshop and Desktop Publishing, and Distress Tolerance. He is an avid reader who enjoys history, biographies, manga, and science fiction. He also enjoys working out, food, anime, role-playing games, music, and exchanging ideas. He is someone who is always willing to help out the next individual. He is grateful to have a supportive system of loved ones and expresses his gratitude to them for all they’ve done for him.

Armando Sosa

Student

I am a . . . husband, man of faith, athlete, and philanthropist. I enjoy people from all walks of life, laughing, sports, traveling, and bringing joy to the lives of others. I’m known for being outspoken, loving, generous, energetic, full of life, and competitive. Despite the challenges of life, I continue to strive for a better tomorrow.

Ben Davenport

Chairman and CEO

Ben J. Davenport, Jr., is the Chairman and CEO of First Piedmont Corporation, a regional waste management and disposal company. Ben is a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and Go Va. He also serves and chairs the Board of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education and serves on the boards of Hargrave Military Academy and the Future of the Piedmont. Ben is a former Virginia Tech Rector and former Virginia Game Commission chair. He and his wife, Betty, are natives of Chatham, VA, and members of Chatham Baptist Church. Ben graduated from Hargrave Military Academy and Virginia Tech and served in the US Coast Guard.

Chadwick Dotson

Director

Judge (ret.) Chadwick Dotson received his BA from UVA and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. After a short stint in private practice, Dotson was elected in 2003 as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Wise County and the City of Norton. In 2007, Dotson was elected by the Virginia General Assembly to the General District Court bench, and he was elevated to the Circuit Court bench in 2011. He served as the Chief Judge of the 30th Judicial Circuit and presided over the Circuit’s Recovery Court program. In addition, Judge Dotson served a term on the State Drug Court Advisory Board. After retiring from the bench, Dotson served as Dean of Students and Distinguished Professor of Law at the Appalachian School of Law. In 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Dotson to serve as the Chairman of the Virginia Parole Board (VPB). He served as the agency head of VPB until September 2023, when the Governor appointed him as the Director of the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Charles Mason Monroe

Singer

Who I am is unimportant. What is now more important than ever in the history of this human race: love over hatred, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. It is vital that those who wish good for the world become unrelenting as examples of this world we wish to help create, that it may be made manifest before us. Battle with yourselves that you may make way for the birth of your higher form. Love thy neighbor, thyself, and thy enemy all the same, and remember that beyond the illusion of division, all are one under God. Finally, know that God is and lies within the innermost parts of man. May the light of Immanuel be with you all.

D. Jeremiah Lark

Philosopher + criminal justice reformer

Coming from a broken family, Jeremiah turned to the streets for love and joined a gang at 13. He did not have an education or job skills before entering prison at 19. Jeremiah lost all his closest friends and a younger brother to gun violence, so he decided to denounce his former lifestyle and now uses his influence to reform criminal organizations from the inside out. A social justice visionary who advocates ways to build redemptive and equitable prison reform policies that bridge the gap from corrections to community, Jeremiah believes in restorative justice as a path to greater public safety. He has been developing a gang-intervention module called EMBODY, for which he is seeking accreditation and implementation in the VA DOC to mitigate gang violence through public safety awareness, treatment, and education/job provision. While incarcerated, Jeremiah has earned a GED; plumbing, masonry, and culinary trade skills; a biblical seminary degree; and paralegal certification.

DéVon Smith

Rapper

I am a . . . proud father of five daughters, athlete, leader, barber stylist, business owner/ I’m passionate about . . . fatherhood, family, friends, basketball, barbering, success, and my culture. Areas of expertise . . . leadership, strategy, observation, protection, and love. People don’t know I’m good at . . . singing and dancing. An idea worth spreading . . . Love is perfection. If you don’t have love, you have nothing. Earn love, and once you have it, cherish it and treat it with the utmost respect. When I was 11 years old, my mother worked 12-hour shifts, leaving me to care for my younger sister for 14-hour days. I was forced to grow up quicker than most children my age. I’m 33 years young, and I’m divorced from the love of my life. I’m seeking forgiveness from all those I have hurt, and I forgive those who have wronged me. I’m working on bettering myself each and every day. I’ve gained knowledge of self, and I plan to assist others in gaining it for themselves.

Dwayne Bolling

Motivator

Growing up fatherless in the 1970s, Dwayne met struggle early, seeing his first gun assault, then a murder in one week at the age of nine. At 10, Dwayne became aware of drug sales and usage. Being introduced to crime at 11 put a hold on him that’s gripped his being until a bad drug experience at the age of 62. Dwayne entered prison with only a 7th grade education but now has his GED, paralegal degree, and proficiency in computer literacy and vocational trades. He has begun plans for a corporation with subsidiaries, a non-profit, and has his living trust documents all prepared to be executed the day he walks out of prison. Dwayne is the father of a daughter and deceased son, step-father of three sons, the grandfather of five young ladies and three young men, and great-grandfather of a four-year-old boy. He was widowed in 2014 after a 29-year-and-six-month union. He is a song writer and music composer/producer. He has great insight and foresight and is a motivator of people.

James Steele

Artist

An idea worth spreading…Everyone serving a life sentence should live and prepare as if they’re going home tomorrow. James A. Steele, having bypassed his youth and been certified as an adult by the courts, was then reborn in prison and raised by books and treatment programs. Thirty-three years into a life sentence, Steele has become a role model. He barely knew how to read and write and is now a published author of non-fiction. He is also an accomplished artist whose work has been featured on the BET network. He is ambitious and passionate about helping others. He aspires to one day have various platforms to demonstrate possibilities by modeling the way he gave himself a chance to become the person he was meant to be and no longer what the streets demanded. He hopes one day to break toxic youth subcultures by equipping young people with useful tools so they can discover their true potential.

Jerell Smallwood

Mentor

Jerell Smallwood is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. He has been in prison since he was 19 years old. Entering an environment with so much structure at such a rebellious young age was a very difficult adjustment, and it took him a long time to find his way. Education, programming, and being introduced to the Nation of Gods and Earths helped Jerell understand the ways he needed to evolve and change. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping others.

Lamonte Grady

Mentor

I am a . . . parent, thinker, hard worker, positive person, connector, potential employer. I’m passionate about . . . educating the youth; mentoring young men and at-risk kids. I grew up in a single-parent household with three brothers and one sister. My oldest brother was paralyzed since the age of five. I thought I had to be the provider and protector of the family, so I quickly grew up and jumped headfirst into the streets. Once I got older and gained a greater understanding of life, I realized I made a lot of horrible decisions. I now dedicate all my time and energy to figuring out ways to connect with the youth. I want to help rebuild and bring together the same community I was helping to tear apart. Hope and belief are all you need to make change. I believe in myself and every person in this world. When we stop thinking selfishly and start thinking on a collective level, great things will happen.

Maurice Martinez

Singer

I am an African-Cherokee American who was adopted at infancy alongside my two-year-old brother by a white mom and dad. We were truly blessed. Growing up singing Disney and religious songs set my love for the arts in motion. I would later join choir in middle school and the men’s ensemble/show choir during high school. My freshman year, the Williamsburg Players called me to be in a musical called A Chorus Line. That experience led me to perform in many musicals and gave me a love for dance and theatre. After I graduated, I taught tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance for ten years at multiple studios, winning dance awards at Star Quest. I was signed by the Liquid Talent agency and would later do commercials. I was also an extra in a movie called The Field of Lost Shoes. Recently, I received my certificate as an electrician’s helper, and I plan to become a master electrician.

Michael Dwyer

Poet

I am a son, father, and husband. I’m into art, poetry, and my family. I’m working hard at becoming a better person through Islam. A long-time drug addict and gang member, I am now sober 4 years and have turned away from gang-banging. I’d love to be able to talk to at-risk youth about the negative impact of gangs and addiction. If I could tell someone in my position anything, it would be to stay in school and not to be someone else’s follower.

Michael Hill

Entrepreneur

I am a…father, grandfather, problem solver, man of faith, entrepreneur. Areas of expertise…business management and development, team-building, overcoming difficult challenges, sales; certified in HVACR and electrical. I’m passionate about…helping others, family, real estate, entrepreneurship, and serving God. Dreams and aspirations…I wish to one day combine my business and real estate knowledge to provide safe, affordable housing. I dream of creating a mentor program for the youth. My hope is to utilize my resources to provide assistance for single parents by offering after-school programs geared toward teaching financial literacy and various skills that are in high demand. Everything great starts with a dream!

Mike Seville

Warden

Mike Seville began his career with the Virginia Department of Corrections in 1995 as a Corrections Officer at Nottoway Correctional Center. During his time at Nottoway, he held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Institutional Training Officer, and Chief of Housing & Programs. In 2018, Mr. Seville was promoted to Assistant Warden at Haynesville Correctional Center. In 2020, he was promoted to Superintendent at Haynesville Correctional Unit 17 before transferring to Sussex I State Prison in 2021. In May 2022, Mr. Seville was promoted to Warden at Haynesville Correctional Center before transferring to Green Rock Correctional Center as Warden in November 2022. Mr. Seville has served as a trainer at the Academy for Staff Development and Statewide Evidence-Based Practices Manager at Headquarters. Mr. Seville has most recently been tasked with transitioning Lawrenceville Correctional Center from a privately operated prison to a Virginia Department of Corrections-operated facility.

Mike Taylor

Sheriff

Mike Taylor, Sheriff of Pittsylvania County since 2008, is responsible for courthouse security, ensuring the civil processes that come from the courts, the jail building, and the welfare of the inmates. Mike was inspired to work in law enforcement in high school after speaking with an FBI agent. His public service began in high school when he joined the Danville Life Saving Crew and the Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department. In 1975, Mike went back to school and earned an Associate degree in Police Science and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Longwood University. Mike is a graduate of the Thomas C. Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at UVA and a graduate from the FBI National Academy and DEA Basic School. Mike enjoys working, spending time outdoors, with family and friends, fishing, hunting, and being involved in church. Mike and his wife Becky have been married for 47 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren.

Paige Meade

Sexual assault victim advocate

In 1992 a man followed Paige Meade home from work and broke into the basement of her dad’s townhouse in Manassas. She was 19. It was her dad’s birthday. These are facts that are easy to recount. Harder to tell is what one human being has to do to another to earn two life sentences in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today, Paige is privileged to be able to give back directly to her community and to the criminal justice system. As a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, she provides 1250+ yearly hours of on-call services working in partnership with law enforcement, medical providers, and other allied professionals. She created a trauma-informed curriculum for sexual assault survivors for her local Adult Detention Center women’s unit in 2017, and spent 5 years facilitating group sessions. Since 2017, Paige has worked with the Virginia Department of Corrections Victim Services Unit to facilitate the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn program.

Rae Cousins

Virginia delegate

A fourth-generation Richmonder, Rae grew up in Church Hill and is proud to be representing the community that raised her in the Virginia House of Delegates. Elected to represent the 79th District in 2023, Rae is committed to building a Virginia where working families can thrive. In the 2024 legislative session, Rae introduced bills focused on education, food insecurity, housing, criminal justice reform, maternal health, and workforce development. She serves on the House Courts of Justice, Public Safety, and Education committees. Rae is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and Howard University School of Law. She is Senior Counsel at BrownGreer, where she manages the administration of multi-million- and billion-dollar settlement programs for people injured by harmful drugs and medical devices and environmental disasters. Rae resides in Northside Richmond with her 2-year-old daughter, Ava Riley.

Reginald Dwayne Betts

Founder + CEO

Reginald Dwayne Betts is a poet, lawyer and the Founder + CEO of Freedom Reads, an initiative to radically transform access to literature in prisons. The author of a memoir and three collections of poetry, he has transformed his latest collection of poetry, Felon, into a solo theater show that explores the post-incarceration experience and lingering consequences of a criminal record. Betts’s most recent work, Redaction (2023), a collaboration with artist Titus Kaphar, is based on their 2019 exhibition “The Redaction” at MoMA PS1 about the U.S. cash bail system. In 2019, he won the National Magazine Award in the Essays and Criticism category for his New York Times Magazine essay that chronicles his journey from prison to becoming a licensed attorney. He is also a 2021 MacArthur Fellow, has been awarded a Radcliffe Fellowship a Guggenheim Fellowship, an Emerson Fellow at New America, and most recently a Civil Society Fellow at Aspen. Mr. Betts holds a J.D. from Yale Law School.

S. Archer

Correctional sergeant

I have been in corrections for 10 years, I started as an officer in a building, moved to the yard officer and a Field Training Officer (FTO), then became a Sergeant. I enjoyed being an FTO because I was able to interact with the new officers and train them to be the best officers they could be. I graduated from Averett University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice. I decided to go back and finish my degree that I had started many years ago because of a conversation with my son about the importance of education, trying your best, and putting forth effort in school. My son’s response to our conversation was, “You never graduated from college and you are doing just fine.” It was then that I realized I could not preach to my son about the importance of education when I hadn’t finished myself. When not at work, I am busy working in the family business, around the farm, and spending time with my family.

Sean Mayo

Healer

I am an … activist for mental health, student of life, supportive, loyal, and most of all, a healer. Areas of expertise . . . learning and organizing. I am passionate about … life, helping people, and keeping children out of institutions. People don’t know I’m good at … cooking.

Shawn Chick

Artist

I am a…quick learner, lover of pizza, always on the lookout for the next opportunity for jokes. Shawn is from Enid, Oklahoma. He found himself in prison at 17 after a brief layover in Patrick County, Virginia. His mom will tell you he’s 45, but he prefers his age in dog years, which is 6. He is a self-taught, award-winning artist, a writer, and -- apparently – a public speaker. He is a kid at heart and has an affinity for music, movies, coffee, and Saturday morning cartoons. He considers himself privileged to have trained and bonded with dozens of rescue dogs inside prison as well as out, and he loves that work. Having taken full advantage of prison libraries, Shawn has read thousands of books and considers himself a literary critic/book nerd. He continues at every opportunity to honor the memory of his sister, Shelly Vessell Gravely, and he dedicates his TEDx presentation to her and his family.

Terry Brown

Mentor

I am a proud father of three and grandfather of four from Richmond, Virginia. I grew up in an environment with strong women who provided love and support. I was introduced to a negative lifestyle I in turn made my own. That poor lifestyle choice led to a life of bad decision-making, which ended in a lengthy prison sentence. Since my incarceration, I haven’t been perfect, but I’ve earned my GED as well as completed various cognitive programs. I am a forward thinker with plans to continue to better myself and be a positive influence in my community.

The Green Machine Band

Band

At Green Rock Correctional Center, Dr. Rahmat Jevon Barrett, D.W.Min., is the founder and music director of The Green Machine Band and wrote the lyrics of the Green Rock Theme Song. In January 2022, he established a VA Department of Corrections first-of-its-kind, United Church of Christ Worship Music Study Group. This religious program allows him to serve God by teaching residents theology of worship, music theory, and the practical application of these concepts through the use of musical instruments. Green Machine band members include: Rahmat Barrett - keyboard + vocals + drums Gabreil Scott Crittenden - bass guitar Timothy Carnes - electric guitar Tim Carr - keyboard, Maurice Martinez - drums Eric McCutchen - drums

Tony Foster

Student

I am passionate about . . . family, helping others, mentoring, education, working out, and improving myself as well as others. Tony Foster was sent to prison as a juvenile at the age of 17. But unlike most, Foster, now 39 years old, has found himself. During his 21 years of incarceration, Foster has used his time to reclaim and take back what was lost for so long—himself.

Tyson Curley

Educator

I am a…father, husband, uncle, son, brother, educator, and student. I’m passionate about….teaching my kids to be kind to others, helping those in need, making goals, and working hard to achieve success. Most people don’t know I’m good at . . . I love to read. Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies are two of my favorite books. Michelangelo is my favorite artist. I’m a big sports fan. I’m from Danville, VA, Garfield Street. I went to DCC for drafting and engineering and Charlotte, NC, for graphic design. I’m studying for a career in HVAC industry, and I also love gardening and education. Life is all about learning new things and then reaching back to help uplift others. I’m very kind-hearted and also a big kid. I’m good at fixing things. I love art and philosophy. My dream is to attend Duke University for my MBA. My family is my motivation to push forward in life and not give up even when difficult. My goal is to educate my community with a financial management non-profit.

YeneGeta BenYisrael

Dog trainer

I am a Trinidadian-American from Brooklyn, New York, who is passionate about dogs and how they play a major role in the world we live in. I am also business-minded, skilled at not only starting but operating businesses. What I would like everyone to know is that no matter what anyone says about you, you can achieve success from any unfortunate position.