Theme: TEDxDavenport

TEDxDavenport is devoted to telling the grand Davenport story via the TED “Ideas Worth Spreading” platform. We currently host one event per year, pulling together local and national ideators with global impact. These innovators creatively collaborate with our team for a truly immersive, engaging, inspiring and entertaining event.

Capitol Theater
330 W 3rd St
Davenport, Iowa, 52801
United States

Erica Cole

Adaptive Clothing Entrepreneur

After losing her leg in an accident in 2018, Erica Cole founded No Limbits, an internationally recognized accessible apparel brand for people with disabilities. A passionate entrepreneur, Erica uses her platform to advocate for entrepreneurship as a career path for people with disabilities. After appearing on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Mark Cuban and Emma Grede, Erica has been featured in Fast Company, named Forbes 30 Under 30, and is a 2024 Cartier Women's Initiative Fellow.

Leigh Steinberg

Sports Agent

Leigh Steinberg, premier sports agent, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and Chairman of Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment Holdings, is best known for his work building athletes into stand-alone brands. He is often credited as their real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire. Leigh has represented many of the most successful athletes and coaches in football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, and golf, including the number one overall pick in the NFL draft for an unprecedented eight times in conjunction with 64 total first-round picks.

Malik Jackson

Pro Bowler & Entrepreneur

Malik Jackson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, father, retired NFL Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl Champion. Drafted in 2012 by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Tennessee where he was an All-SEC selection, Jackson spent nearly a decade in the NFL as a star defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles. In 2016, Jackson was a member of the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos and in 2017, he was recognized by colleagues, coaches, and fans as a Pro Bowler - the league's highest individual position honor.

Nicole Roberts

Doctor & Brain Health Expert

Dr. Nicole F. Roberts is a true game-changer in the world of health, human rights, and generosity. As the author of "Generosity Wins: How and Why this Game-Changing Superpower Drives Our Success," she shares her profound insights and experiences from working with presidents, diplomats, professional athletes, team owners, artists, and billionaires. Dr. Roberts is the founder of Health & Human Rights Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based advising firm, host of The Global Good Podcast, and a contributor to Forbes.

Sarah Dandashy

Professional Concierge

Sarah Dandashy is a verified TV travel expert. With over 18 years of experience in hospitality, Sarah's career took off as a luxury hotel concierge, where she earned numerous accolades and laid the foundation for her widely recognized brand, "Ask A Concierge." Transitioning from her role as an award-winning concierge, Sarah now travels the world, collaborating with leading industry brands. She has become a go-to travel authority on major news networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and even the Kelly Clarkson show, frequently discussing current travel dynamics. As the author of the #1 Best Selling book, "Hospitality From Within," Sarah also brings her insights to various platforms.

Skye Oduaran

Youth Journalist

At age 13, Skye Oduaran is a young journalist and student. She has either met or interviewed many key figures including President Obama, former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, GA Governor Kemp, Senator Warnock, actress America Ferrera, Representative Stacey Abrams, reporter Ernie Suggs, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon, journalist Monica Pearson, Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson, actress Tessa Thompson, journalist Marian Alexis Scott, & Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives Fentrice Driskell, amongst many others.

Stephanie Karzon Abrams

Neuropharmacologist

Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist with a Masters of Science in Clinical Pharmacology, is the founding advisor of Beyond The Bench consultancy. The firm provides science, research, operations, and strategy solutions to organizations and clinics in the natural product, plant medicine, and psychedelic sectors. A recognized leader in shaping the future of integrative and innovative healthcare, Stephanie Karzon Abrams champions the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Her interests extend beyond neurology, encompassing plant medicines, women's health, and the potential of music to enhance healing.

Travis Horn

Professional Wrestler

Travis Horn is a husband, a son, a professional wrestler, and an advocate for chasing your most passionate dreams. As a child he fell in love with the larger-than-life superstars of the world of professional wrestling, which blossomed into a passion he always dreamed to chase. As a graduate of the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, he now performs across the Midwest entertaining crowds while creating memories with the fans.