Theme: Making Moves

Welcome to our 2nd Annual TEDxArlington Heights "Making Moves" conference!

Making Moves is bold, transformative.
It's when...
Risk is worth the effort.
Limits are stretched.
Ideas turn into action.
Movement becomes momentum.

Rolling Green Country Club
2525 E. Rand Rd
Arlington Heights, IL, Illinois, 60004
United States

Dan Roberts

Executive Director

Dan Roberts has been leading non-profit organizations around the world for over two decades. Dan doesn’t just lead any standard non-profits, he designs, builds, and grows a unique style of company that strives to center artistic, athletic and personal development, called Social Circus. After graduating from Chicago College of Performing Arts with a degree in acting, Dan left the theater world for the circus! He’s worked for dozens of social circus and youth circus programs around the world, including founding a Social Circus program in Jakarta, Indonesia called Red Nose Foundation. Dan currently leads CircEsteem, the country’s largest Social Circus organization as its Executive Director, where he’s served in this capacity since 2016. In addition to running a circus, Dan is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Roosevelt University’s Theater Conservatory.

Dee Heffernan

Marketing Agency CEO

Dee Heffernan is the founder and CEO of a full-service marketing consultancy and creative agency. Over the years, she has worked with diverse organizations, from global giants to nimble startups, leveraging her strategic, hands-on leadership approach to build high-performing teams and award-winning work. Her expertise spans brand innovation, integrated marketing, and digital transformation. As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dee inspires audiences with her insights on balancing high achievement with authentic living.

Dr. Don Parker

Education Consultant

Dr. Don Parker is an educational leader and expert education speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in social and emotional learning and supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students. Dr. Parker is a former school principal and improved the school culture, staff collaboration, parent engagement, and student achievement at the schools where he served. He also implemented a resilience program for students with trauma and managed the implementation of restorative justice. Dr. Parker has presented throughout the United States at hundreds of schools and has presented at the most esteemed educational conferences. He also received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from Governors State University. Dr. Parker is the author of “Building Bridges: Engaging Students At-Risk Through the Power of Relationships” and “Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity”.

Dr. Michael Allen

Educational Sociologist

Dr. Michael Allen, an educational sociologist, is deeply committed to unraveling the intricate threads that connect humanity. His mission? To make empowerment and freedom accessible to all. Dr. Allen began his formal principal career in Chicago at the age of 24. His work has been recognized with the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service, Principal of the Year, and recognition as one of Crain Chicago’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Dr. Allen has taught thousands of current school and district leaders how to integrate comprehensive mindfulness practices into student-centered learning environments. Recognizing the absence of authentic and relatable reading materials for young Black boys, Dr. Allen co-authored the best-selling children’s book, Brotherly Love. His commitment to dismantling policies that hinder students of color led him to contribute to the Inclusive Education Act in Illinois.

Heeyoung Kim

Botanical Artist

Heeyoung Kim, known as ‘wildflower painter’, has documented native plants of the Midwestern prairies and woods since 2007. New to the United States back then, she was curious about indigenous plants. Kim documents and advocates for native flora and fauna. Kim’s masterfully depicted watercolors were quickly recognized internationally with the most prestigious awards in the botanical art genre. Awards include: Gold Medal (Royal Horticultural Society, London), Best of Show (American Society of Botanical Artists and New York Horticultural Society International), Diane Bouchier Artist Award for Excellence in Botanical Art (ASBA), and the invitation to The Prince of Whales (King Charles III) wildflower documentation project, Transylvania Florilegium. She is the founder of Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy.

Jeff Rogers

Strategic Improviser

Jeff Rogers is a Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and international bestselling author of “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build A Culture Of Teamwork And Instant Innovation”. He’s an award-winning Television & Live Event Host, National Speakers Association Storytelling Champion, and a popular keynote speaker. Performing at The Second City Theater, Jeff learned improvisation while onstage with some of the top comedic actors and talents in the world. Jeff has won over thirty Telly, W3, Communicator, Hermes, and VEMA awards for writing, directing, and acting. Jeff has achieved certification in Design Thinking from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. He uses his experiences to help organizations think differently, communicate clearly, and work better in teams through his two companies - Yes And University and Players Workshop, the oldest school of improvisation in the United States.

Lena Elkhatib

Relationship and Sex Therapist

Lena Elkhatib, LMFT, CST is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and self-designated intimacy aficionado. She is the founder of AVID Intimacy, a boutique private practice in Chicago, where she and her team of specialized clinicians devote their practice to working with clients on rediscovering and reimagining emotional and physical intimacy within themselves and in their relationships. Lena has been featured in several publications, including Healthline, Mashable and Insider Magazine, and has been a guest speaker on several podcasts. As an educator, she has served as Subject Matter Expert and Adjunct Professor as part of Adler University’s Sex Therapy Certificate program aiding future sex therapists in honing their skills.

Sam Yeh

Ai Innovator

Sam Yeh is a senior at John Hersey High School, and a National Honor Society student. Sam is the president of Hersey’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) club, and also the founder of the first high school web3 club in Illinois. He has developed AI applications and games that have been featured at conferences and events in the Dominican Republic and Chicago. Sam has interned at Nakamoto, a trailblazer in Chicago’s artificial intelligence industry. He enjoys playing tennis and has been on the varsity Hersey tennis team all four years of high school.