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).

Foerster Center
839 Ridge Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212
United States

Dr. Andre Samuel

Andre Samuel, a long-time resident of Washington, DC, graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a degree in Biology. Following graduate study at the George Washington University in Genomics and Bioinformatics, he received his PhD in Biology from Duquesne University. At Duquesne, his research focused on studying the structure and function of the cold shock related proteins in E. coli. As a Ph.D. candidate, Dr. Samuel founded the S.I.G.M.A Science Mentorship Initiative, a summer study program designed to introduce diverse ninth graders to the University’s lab with the long-term goal of encouraging the pursuit of careers in scientific research. Dr. Samuel’s research experience includes studying toxicology and carcinogenicity effects of novel drugs, hookworm vaccine development and tuberculosis reactivation in non-human primates. Dr. Samuel has a passion for STEM education and life science research. He believes that creating fun engaging and hands on lab experiences for people is the best pathway to an interest in STEM. Dr. Samuel also has a passion for community service. He is Lead for the Remake Learning STE(A)M Working Group and sits on the boards of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Environmental Charter School, Duquesne University School Of Medicine Advisory Board, and Omicelo Cares.

Harvey “Frzy” Daniels

Harvey “Frzy” Daniels headlined a historic, one-night concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall on November 8, 2023, the world premiere of an orchestration of the nationally known rapper’s new album, Success. He was honored in City Paper’s People of the Year issue as Musician of the Year 2023 for “taking his craft to new audiences and new heights.” In 2018 Frzy became an Emmy Award winner for his collaboration with WQED on his hip-hop version of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor.” That year the City of Pittsburgh was inspired to officially declare January 11 as “Frzy Day.” Since then, Frzy has become a 2020 Guinness World Record holder for longest freestyle rap at 31 hours, a Smiley Face Cookie at Eat ‘N Park, and has had a mural created in his likeness by famous muralist, Jeremy Raymer. Frzy is a member of the Recording Academy (which bestows the annual GRAMMY Awards) and was elected a Governor of the Board for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy. Frzy also serves on the Board of Directors of The Lindsay Theater, all this while being the face of Steve Madden’s “Self Made” Campaign. He has helped to raise more than one million dollars for charities and in May 2023 helped to increase diversity and inclusion awareness via the successful “Books to Bars” campaign with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Sabrina Saunders Mosby

Sabrina Saunders Mosby currently is President and Chief Executive Officer of Vibrant Pittsburgh, an esteemed economic development membership organization that supports over 50,000 constituents through initiatives dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce across the greater Pittsburgh area. Recognized as the region’s central authority on workplace inclusion, Sabrina brings over 20 years of experience, including pivotal senior roles in nonprofit organizations and nearly a decade of service in the government sector. She is renowned as a thought leader, speaker, and facilitator. Sabrina’s commitment to public service is evident through her extensive involvement in various community and professional affiliations. She serves on the boards of Allegheny Health Network, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the National Association of Corporate Board Directors - Three Rivers Chapter, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Advisory Council. Previously, she held prominent roles such as Vice-Chair of the board of her high school alma mater Oakland Catholic and board director of Pennsylvania American Water, the largest investor-owned water utility in the state. An alumna of the College of Leadership & Social Change Master’s of Science Program at Carlow University, Sabrina also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Residing in the Pittsburgh region with her husband, Brandon and son Lincoln, Sabrina continues to shape and elevate the communities she serves. Her contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including being named a C-Suite Award recipient and a Power 100 leader, acknowledging her as one of the region’s most influential leaders in 2024.

Vivien Luk

Vivien Luk is the Executive Director at WORK, an organization whose mission is to accompany families in Haiti out of poverty through good, dignified jobs. Under Vivien’s leadership, the organization has grown from accompanying 5 families to 700 families towards the goal of independence with a program that is scaling globally. It has also become a founding partner of First Mile, where its goal is to bring full transparency to the ‘first mile’ of recycled waste supply chains. First Mile supports waste collectors in Haiti, Honduras, and Taiwan to recycle plastic and earn a dignified income. These recycled materials that were once destined for oceans and landfills are then sourced to First Mile Member brands such as HP, PUMA, and CPI Card Group to be processed into consumer products that deliver a social, environmental, and financial impact. In 2015, Vivien created the Run Across Haiti, the country’s 200-mile foot race, which has raised over $1.5 million to support WORK’s mission. Vivien is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and UCLA. She’s also an avid runner and sought after speaker.