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).

Old Town Temecula Community Theater
42051 Main St.
Temecula, California, 92590
United States

Amanda Lien

Amanda Lien (she/her) is a healthcare content marketing specialist, thought leadership ghostwriter, and a lifelong fangirl. Growing up, she found her closest friends through online fan communities, bonding with others who loved the same books, TV shows, and movies as she did. As an adult, she still geeks out over sci-fi and speculative fiction in all forms – and continues to forge her best and brightest friendships through those fandom connections. When she's not crafting content for others or scrolling on Tumblr, she writes science fiction novels and fanfiction drafts, proving that being a fangirl never gets old. To get away from her desk, she takes ballet and modern dance classes and attends as many concerts as possible. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Diane Strand

A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, executive producer, best-selling author, nonprofit founder, and TEDx speaker with over 21 years of experience. She is the majority owner of JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc., JDS Actors Studio, and founder of the nonprofit JDS Creative Academy. Strand is the creator, executive producer and Co-Host of "Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America," the first of its kind in Riverside County. She has written two approved job-training curriculums for mainstream and special needs. She has helped to launch over 100 careers in the arts. Her mission is to provide H.O.P.E.—Helping One Person Everyday—by spreading the arts across America. Strand is deeply involved in her community, serving on several boards and committees, including the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Economic Development Coalition. Before entrepreneurship, she earned A-list Hollywood credits, working on shows like General Hospital and Friends and producing for Disney Channel.

Dr. Michael Sheahan

Dr. Michael Sheahan is a seasoned respiratory therapist with nearly three decades of hands-on experience. His career has spanned the breadth of the field, from bedside care to the courtroom. As an expert witness and ethics instructor, Dr. Sheahan has a keen understanding of the complexities of healthcare. His unique blend of clinical expertise and legal acumen has shaped his ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives. A compelling storyteller, Dr. Sheahan shares a transformative 17-year journey in his debut book, Ten Feet From a Killer: A True Account. This personal true crime story reveals his multifaceted ability to be a healthcare expert as well as a keen observer of the human condition and offers a raw and honest look at the power of perspective and its profound impact on life and career. Through his work and writing, Dr. Sheahan inspires audiences to challenge their assumptions, cultivate empathy, and unlock their full potential.

Kerron Andrews

Kerron Andrews is an award-winning filmmaker, speaker, writer, and a Navy veteran with 13 years of service. During his time in the Navy, he excelled as one of the top recruiters in Columbus, Ohio, engaging with hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals. This experience deepened his understanding of why people choose to join the military, revealing the three transformative gifts it offers: Identity, Tribe, and Purpose. Transitioning from military life presented its own set of mental challenges, prompting Kerron to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Armed with his newfound insights and the perspective gained from his recruiting days, he is now creating a documentary aimed at helping veterans navigate their transition to civilian life. He recognizes the incongruence many veterans face when they leave the military, and the loss of tribe, and purpose. Kerron believes it's crucial to honor our service while embracing a new identity. Instead of clinging to the phrase ""Once a Marine, always a Marine,"" he advocates for a shift: ""Once a Marine, always a veteran."" This reflects a deeper truth about who we are now, emphasizing that identity shapes behavior. By forging a new identity, veterans can find pride in their past service while discovering who they are in this new chapter of life.