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).

Schermerhorn Symphony Center
1 Symphony Place
Nashville, Tennessee, 37201
United States

Cindy Kam

Cindy D. Kam received a PhD in Political Science from the University of Michigan and currently holds the William R. Kenan, Jr. Chair in Political Science at Vanderbilt University. As a political psychologist, Professor Kam uses a psychological lens to understand how people develop political opinions and why they engage in political action. She is the author of two books (Us Against Them: Ethnocentric Foundations of American Public Opinion and Modeling and Interpreting Interactive Hypotheses in Regression Analysis) and dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles. Kam’s published research examines the impacts of a wide range of psychological phenomena - including intergroup attitudes, cognitive engagement, risk propensity, implicit associations, and disgust sensitivity - on public opinion, vote choice, turnout, political participation, and political consumerism.

David H. Rosmarin

David H. Rosmarin PhD is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You. He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and founder of Center for Anxiety, which provides services to over 1,000 patients/year in multiple states. Dr. Rosmarin is an international expert on spirituality and mental health, whose work has been featured in Scientific American, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Good Morning America.

Donald Miller

Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand. He is the author of numerous New York Times Bestselling books including "Building a StoryBrand" and "How to Grow Your Small Business." He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife Betsy and their daughter Emmeline.

Edmund Jackson

Dr. Edmund Jackson is the visionary CEO of UnityAI. A recognized leader and innovator, he's applying his Cambridge Ph.D and decades of experience in data, algorithms and healthcare to improving our systems of healthcare. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he’s an avid marathoner and Tai Chi practitioner.

G. Preston Wilson Jr.

Dr. G. Preston Wilson, Jr., the Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the School of Humanities and Social Science at Fisk University in Nashville, TN. Dr. Wilson returned to Fisk and to the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, in which he sang under the direction of the late Dr. Paul T. Kwami. He received his Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Fisk University in 2010. After graduating from Fisk, Dr. Wilson earned a Masters of Music in Choral Music Education from Bowling Green State University, where he was awarded the Winifred O. Stone Graduate Fellowship, being named the Presidential Graduate Scholar. In June of 2021, Dr. Wilson graduated from the University of Missouri (Columbia), obtaining a PhD in Music Education. He successfully defended his dissertation entitled, Successful Urban Elementary Music Educator: A Phenomenological Investigation; which focuses on the lived experiences of urban music teachers in elementary schools.

Grey Warren and Jadyn Marshall

Grey Warren is a graduate of Coffee County High School who is presently pursuing botany at Motlow State Community College. Jadyn Marshall is a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet who is completing a degree in surgical tech at South College. Jadyn also serves as the 2024 Nashville Youth Poet Laureate. They were members of the 2024 slam team with Southern Word, which places writer and music mentors in schools and community organizations. Learn more at southernword.org.

James Bernard Pratt ,Jr.

Dr. James Bernard Pratt, Jr., a pioneering criminologist from Albany, Ga., is transforming perspectives on justice, human rights, and violence. A graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Pratt earned his PhD in Criminology, Law and Society from UC Irvine where he explored violence, culture, and legal dynamics in the Southern Black Belt. Now an Associate Professor at Fisk University, he leads the Justice Propulsion Lab, empowering students to confront critical issues in justice and violence through research, education, and transformative partnerships. Guided by a commitment to love, compassion, and mutual understanding, he inspires communities and future leaders to build resilient societies. Dr. Pratt’s insights have been shared on NPR, WFSK, and at institutions including Harvard and Morehouse College. Recently honored with the Post Liberatum, Pax award from the Kelly Miller Smith Foundation, he continues to shape national dialogues hoping to leave of legacy visionary leadership and collective transformation.

Jeremy Cowart

Named “The most influential photographer on the internet” by Huffington Post, Jeremy Cowart is an artist, photographer, and idea machine constantly pushing the limits of creativity. From shooting celebrities like Taylor Swift and the Kardashians to creating digital art that sells out instantly, his work has appeared in Rolling Stone, TIME, and Netflix. But Jeremy’s impact goes far beyond art. His viral “I’m Possible” life story was seen by millions and took him across the country, where he inspired tens of thousands at live events. This powerful message became the basis for his 2019 autobiography, "I’m Possible". Jeremy’s also a humanitarian. He created the Voices projects, telling powerful stories from places like Rwanda, Haiti, and Gatlinburg, and his global movement Help-Portrait has provided over a million people with free portraits. Through all his projects—whether pioneering, inventing, or speaking—Jeremy’s mission is simple: to explore the intersection of creativity and empathy.

Luanne Dietz

Luanne Dietz is a three-time Emmy Award winner, as well as a Cannes Lion and Edward R. Murrow Award recipient. She has been a force in the creative industry as a female director, editor, teacher, entrepreneur and big idea creative. A journalist turned branded content guru, she has most recently lead content strategy at Amazon, Starbucks and Turner. She has over 15 years of experience developing and producing premium film, experiential, and custom content for globally-renowned brands, networks, corporations and foundations. Having worked at all stages of production from Cam Op to Editor to Director to EP, Luanne Specializes in building cohesive content studios and leading a wide variety of creatives. She is a highly motivated, strategic problem-solver with top-tier analytical and communication skills. She is rarely seen without a smile on her face.

Raja Rajamannar

Raja Rajamannar is a Wall Street Journal-bestselling author and global marketing innovator. His book, "Quantum Marketing," has become a touchstone for marketing leaders worldwide. As Mastercard's Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Raja has transformed it into one of the world's top brands, pioneering multisensory and purpose-driven marketing programs. Inducted into both the Marketing Hall of Fame and Forbes' CMO Hall of Fame, Raja is recognized as a leading voice in marketing's digital transformation. Named one of Business Insider's Most Innovative CMOs seven times, his work at the forefront of emerging technologies and experiential marketing has earned him numerous accolades, including Adweek's Brand Genius and WFA Global Marketer of the Year.

Scott Mulvahill

Scott Mulvahill is a bassist, singer/songwriter, music producer, recording artist, and inventor of the DataBass. Beginning with 2018's "Himalayas", he's released 4 albums to date. A highly gifted live performer, he's played thousands of concerts as a solo artist and collaborator, and shared stages with the likes of Bruce Hornsby, Cory Wong, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Cody Fry, Keb Mo', Lauren Daigle, H.E.R., and many more.

Shanera Williamson

Shanera Williamson is the creator and host of The Brown Mama Bear Podcast, a platform where she talks about raising black and brown children in the U.S. She's passionate about helping parents navigate racial and cultural biases to reduce the effect racism has on the development of kids. Shanera is also a Certified Enneagram Coach and desires to help people learn more about who they are and how they are wired so they can be more productive at work and fulfilled in personal relationships. Shanera has a degree in broadcast journalism from Howard University. She's been married to her college sweetheart, Jim, for 30 years. Together, they have 3 adult daughters and they reside in Franklin, Tennessee.

Shauna Sprague

With a profound understanding of artificial intelligence and a keen eye for innovation, Shauna Sprague stands out as a visionary in the AI landscape. Combining technical expertise with strategic foresight, Shauna has consistently delivered cutting-edge AI solutions that drive significant business impact. With a focus on creating automation systems that enhance efficiency and effectiveness, Shauna has successfully led numerous IT projects from concept to completion. Their ability to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application allows them to tackle complex challenges head-on, making Shauna an invaluable asset in any forward-thinking organization.