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).

Student Center Ballroom B
1263 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Carbondale, Illinois, 62901
United States

Ann Latham

Author and Retired Management Consultant

ANN LATHAM, known widely as the Queen of Clarity, authored The Power of Clarity, a modern classic, The Disconnect Principle, a game changer that takes the difficulty out of difficult conversations, plus The Clarity Papers and Uncommon Meetings. She founded US-based consulting firm Uncommon Clarity, which, for 20 years, served clients as diverse as Hitachi, PBS, and the United Way. Ann's advice has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Management Today. She is also an expert contributor to Forbes.com. Ann quit consulting once hiking in the Alps, playing pickleball, and reading non-business books left no time for clients. Her goal now, besides having fun and staying fit, is to share her ideas that will help people be more productive, more effective, more confident, as well as happier. She does this through her writing and this TEDx talk. Connect with Ann in her books, on LinkedIn, and at AnnLatham.com.

Christopher Swims

Pastor, Educator, and Funeral Director

Hi, I’m Christopher E. Swims: a husband, father, Pastor, Funeral Attendant, and Educator. I am an alum of SIUC, where I majored in Speech Communication with a specialization in Interpersonal Communication. I am actively involved in the community, serving on various boards, and I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Mu Kappa Lambda Graduate Chapter. I’m excited about being a part of TEDx. Initially hesitant to apply, I'm grateful that a good friend encouraged me to do so. As you can see, I wear many hats. I've learned (and am still learning) how to be authentically myself without allowing the space to change who I am, but rather to empower me to change the space I'm in. Can't wait to see you on March 30 for TEDx SIUC!

Imani McHenry

Cybersecurity Educator

My name is Imani McHenry and I am a cybersecurity champion, wife, mom, and educator. I am passionate about educating vulnerable populations on protecting their digital data making them "A Digital Citizen". I am excited to be collaborating with TedX SIUC to get the word out that securing our data is a "people problem" and by providing the necessary solutions to expand their knowledge to protect their now.

Karen Cupp

Entrepreneur and Real Estate Broker

An entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in real estate investment, Karen Cupp shares her journey of wealth development in her talk, "My 455-Day Journey Around the World: The Journey that Launched Me." Karen's story is a testament to the transformative power of chaos and how it can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Her narrative focuses on discovering one's purpose and creating a life filled with love, inspired by her extensive travels and experiences around the globe.

Matthew Sebalja

Documental filmmaker and digital marketer

A senior at Southern Illinois University, Matthew is majoring in Marketing and Economics. He's known for his role in re-establishing the TEDx program at SIU following the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew's talk, "The Creativity Deficit," explores the intertwined relationship between mental health and creativity, emphasizing the evolution of creative thinking from childhood through adulthood. He discusses how educational systems can sometimes stifle creative thinking and offers insights on reconnecting with our innate creativity to produce fulfilling, innovative work.

Ryan Reed

Doctoral Student and Athlete

Ryan Reed earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at SIU, on the verge of completing his Doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling and Education this May. His journey is a testament to overcoming mental health challenges and navigating the trials of athletics. Beyond academia, Ryan Reed's story reveals layers of resilience and the crucial importance of seeking help. Through teaching numerous university classes, mentoring over 2000 students, and embracing diverse roles, he embodies triumph over mental health struggles and athletic obstacles. Ryan is on a heartfelt mission to dismantle the stigma around help-seeking and celebrate the journey to mental well-being. Ryan Reed's personal touch invites you to connect and immerse yourself in the inspiring narrative of a man turning personal pain into a force for positive change.

Toussaint Mitchell

Congressional Staffer in the United States Senate

Toussaint Mitchell is an SIUC alumnus, working as a Congressional Staffer in the United States Senate. He previously served as an Executive Staff Assistant to House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and was a Parliamentarian for the Congressional Black Associates, a Congressional Staff Organization. Beyond his Senate duties, Toussaint serves as an Executive Board Member for Black Men on the Hill, a Congressional organization supporting Black men in achieving their professional goals on and off Capitol Hill. He hopes to share the significance of building meaningful relationships and the power of networking as a tool for career development