Theme: Deferred Not Denied

Welcome to TEDx Gary 2024! Join us for an inspiring event filled with thought-provoking talks, innovative ideas, and engaging discussions. This in-person event will take place on Sat Oct 05 2024 at 4:00 at Indiana University Northwest. Get ready to be inspired by our lineup of speakers as they share their unique perspectives on a variety of topics. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and be a part of the TEDx community. See you there!

Indiana University Savannah Hall (Bergland Auditorium)
65 W 33rd Ave
Gary, Indiana, 46408
United States

Anthony Hudson

Idealist

Anthony Hudson is an aspiring sports journalist currently pursuing a degree in Communications, with minors in Business and Fine Arts, at Indiana University Northwest. Set to graduate in spring 2025, he has a passion for sports and runs his own podcast, “It’s My Turn”. He has interned with Sports Broadcasting Solutions in Chicago and currently works as a news media journalist at GreatNews.Life. Additionally, Anthony serves as a social media specialist for the Office of Admissions, a PRoud Council Member on the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Team, and a member of the National Honors Society. His diverse background in journalism includes previous work with Gary 411 News and extensive involvement in PRSSA, where he has risen through various roles. Anthony’s career aspirations include working for a major sports media organization like ESPN or TNT. He is an e-commerce business owner and an active member of The World Worship Center.

Cedric Washington

Educator Activist

Cedric A. Washington is an educator extraordinaire! The founder of N.E.R.D. (Nurturing Education Rewarding Determination) Youth Services, Inc., Washington is now devoted to teaching and empowering all through his youth services and professional developments for educators.

Christian Nichles, D.Ed

Founder & President

With nearly three decades of experience, Christian Nichles, D.Ed., has successfully led organizations of various sizes, navigating the challenges of highly diverse workforces across different generations. His academic background includes a Doctorate in Human Growth and Development, specifically focusing on emerging generations. Christian is not just a leader but a gifted speaker, motivator, and cultural architect. His exceptional ability to analyze, comprehend, and engage in diverse environments distinguishes him in a world saturated with conventional and pre-packaged ideas. Driven by a profound passion for continuous improvement, Christian's mission is to "help people be 1% better each day." He achieves this through his roles as a coach, speaker, and trainer.

Dr. Cheryl Pruitt

Educational Leader, Advocate for Social Justice and Equity, and Visionary Entrepreneur

Dr. Cheryl Pruitt is a passionate advocate for social justice, inequality in education and health, and entrepreneurship, with nearly 40 years of experience tackling some of the toughest challenges in underserved communities. Her leadership journey spans roles as a substitute teacher, curriculum writer, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, consultant and school board member across urban communities and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Pruitt played a pivotal role in assisting the U.S. Virgin Islands in regaining their accreditation, further demonstrating her commitment to improving education systems on a broad scale. Throughout her career, she has worked to close gaps in education and health, bringing innovative solutions to some of the highest-stakes environments. With early research focused on childhood cancers and toxicology, Dr. Pruitt’s career evolved toward transforming the educational landscape through advocacy, policy reform, and program development.

Dr. Ravi Iyer

Chief Medical Physician

Ravi R Iyer (Eye-yer), MD was raised in Jamshedpur, India and had his formative education at Little Flower School. He is a Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, author, short film actor, transdisciplinary polymath and entrepreneur with research publications in the mechanisms of gene controls and several patents on human and veterinary medicines and devices, Dr Iyer’s professional accomplishments include over 41 years of experience spanning the fields of science, medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceuticals, a 9-year Directorship of a Hospice caring for dying patients, and a 4-year Chairmanship of a 225-bed hospital. His contributions have been recognized worldwide by organizations such as Marqui’s Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in TOP Doctors of America.

Earnest James

Author/Podcaster

Earnest James is a man with a heart for people. As a podcaster, author, and speaker, Earnest has dedicated his life to inspiring and uplifting others. His mission is to help others deal, heal and fulfill. “Deal with your problems. Heal from your pain. Fulfill your purpose.” He spreads a message of hope and healing. He believes that, “We must heal ourselves. When we heal ourselves, we heal our families. Our families heal our communities. Our communities heal our world.” Earnest is an advocate for education and fatherless daughters. Earnest desires to bring change in the world.

Ivy Wilcher, MsEd

Educator/Advocate

Ivy Wilcher is a dedicated educator and licensed Special Education teacher in Illinois and Indiana with over eight years of classroom experience. Passionate about serving underserved communities, Ivy has led initiatives like implementing social emotional learning tools with Teach Plus, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Gradient Learning to strengthen teacher-student relationships. Ivy is also the founder of Next Scholar Up!, an organization that connects youth to educational opportunities, empowers parents to advocate for their children, and provides professional development for educators. She is the author of The Playbook for Parents, offering essential guidance to parents navigating education.

LaShata Grayson

Equity Strategist

LaShatá M. Grayson is a multifaceted national public speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and equity strategist from Gary, Indiana, dedicated to empowering leaders and driving culture change. With over 9 years of experience from practitioner to consultant, she impacts more than 9,000 college students annually and has developed over 100 programs reaching 17,000 adult learners globally.As the founder of a full-service consulting firm Carrying THe Weight, she excels in helping organizations with culture change. LaShatá is also the founder of "Black Girls Who Lift," a community based organization that helps black women ages 25-35 on their journey to become physically & mentally fit. With a track record of implementing impactful programs, building black women to become physically fit, and speaking nationally, she is committed to helping individuals and organizations reach their fullest potential.

Nakeisha Washington

Chief Executive Officer/Founder/Entrepreneur

Nakeisha Washington, Founder of Nyla Nova STEMversity, leverages 20 years of educational experience to empower families and students. She has excelled as an assistant principal, STEM competition coach, and curriculum developer. Her passion for fostering young minds led to the creation of the Nyla Nova Brand where innovative programs nurture Indiana's future STEM leaders. Featured in numerous news segments and podcasts, Washington has won 1st Place in Pitchfeast and Best Education Center three years in a row.

Sunny Lu Williams

President of Techserv Corporation

TechServ is a consulting and project management firm focused on Public Health, Public Safety & Higher Education sectors supporting strategic planning, grants & program management, training and technical assistance, and technology enabled data collection and outcomes measurement. Sunny earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Purdue University, was a Hansard Scholar at the London School of Economics, and received an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Sunny has spent twenty years in business management, new venture formation, and program design.