Theme: THE LINK UP

In an era where technology offers us unprecedented ways to connect, we find ourselves paradoxically struggling with the very essence of genuine human interaction. Many of us promise to stay in touch, exchange contact information, and yet fail to follow through, leading to a growing sense of disconnection and loneliness. "The LinkUp" seeks to explore these issues, highlighting the critical importance of effective communication in fostering personal and professional relationships.

EL Barrio Art Space
215 E 99th Street
New York, New York, 10029
United States

Ary Aranguiz

Certified Learning & Development Professional

Ary Aranguiz, a Certified Professional in Talent Development, brings 20 years of expertise in Learning & Development, focusing on AI’s role in growth for educators and business leaders. Ary’s work integrates learning sciences to make AI accessible and beneficial across industries.

Berthine Crèvecoeur West

CEO, Westbridge Solutions

CEO of Westbridge Solutions, Berthine is a diversity and inclusion advocate who supports equitable practices in organizations and communities. She promotes actionable steps to dismantle barriers and celebrate diversity, aligning with TEDx’s mission of spreading impactful ideas for social change.

Diane O’Connell

Founder, Sorting It Out

Diane O’Connell, founder of Sorting It Out, draws on her Brooklyn roots to foster inclusive workplaces. Through her consultancy, she bridges gaps between support staff and executives, tackling workplace discrimination and mental health challenges with empathy and justice-focused practices.

Dr. Amara Pope

Media Studies Ph.D. & Marketer

Dr. Amara Pope, Ph.D. in Media Studies and TEDx speaker, is a seasoned marketer with over a decade of experience leading campaigns across North America and Europe. Her work explores technology’s impact on identity, connection, and belonging, with features in outlets like NBC, VICE, and Billboard. Dr. Pope’s Ph.D. thesis, Canadians Redefining R&B: The Online Marketing of Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez, analyzes 15,700 Instagram posts and 35 expert interviews, showcasing how social media reshaped Canadian cultural identity amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movements. An accomplished speaker, she has presented at institutions like USC and Wilfrid Laurier University, challenging audiences to rethink digital interactions. Also a fine artist, her original, print-free works emphasize authenticity and connection. Dr. Pope bridges digital innovation, storytelling, and art to redefine how we navigate identity and belonging in the modern age.

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum

Neuro Optometrist

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, OD, FOVDR, is a renowned neuro-optometrist, speaker, and founder of MyVisionFirst, a leading practice dedicated to diagnosing and treating vision challenges for all ages. As a trusted authority in functional vision, Dr. Bryce is on a mission to help individuals optimize their visual and brain performance in an increasingly screen-dependent world. Through Vision Therapy, ScreenFit's virtual training program, and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation, he has transformed the lives of thousands, helping patients recover from post-concussion syndrome, overcome learning struggles, and enhance cognitive function. Dr. Bryce challenges the misconception that 20/20 eyesight equals perfect vision, emphasizing the importance of training our eyes and brains to thrive despite the demands of modern technology. His work empowers people to create harmony between their visual systems and digital environments, enabling them to engage with life through a sharper, healthier lens.

Drekkia Writes

CEO, Seven of Arts

Drekkia Writes is a transformative force in empowerment and networking, recognized for her roles as the CEO of Seven of Arts and founder of The Melanin Land. An award-winning spoken word artist and published author, she has designed SEL programs for youth and advocates for community growth through the arts. A commissioner on the Arts + Culture Commission, Drekkia is dedicated to shifting mindsets and helping women form impactful networks. She also inspires as a radio host, guiding her audience toward success.

Ghalia Aamer

Founder, TalkMaze

Founder of TalkMaze, Ghalia Aamer empowers youth through public speaking. With a B.Com from the University of Alberta and currently at Columbia Law, she also founded DreamSpeak to support immigrant girls in storytelling. Ghalia received the Princess Diana Award for her social impact work.

Marinela Profi

Global AI Market Lead, SAS

Global AI Market Lead at SAS, Marinela Profi brings a strong background in econometrics and machine learning, driving AI innovation across industries. A prominent keynote speaker, she inspires aspiring tech professionals by highlighting AI’s transformative potential on a global scale.

Peri Finkelstein

Founder, Team Peri Foundation

Peri Finkelstein is a Marketing Consultant, Digital Creator, Keynote Speaker, and Founder/CEO of the Team Peri Foundation and has raised over $1M for the nonprofit, Chai Lifeline. Peri was featured in Forbes in December 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA. As a marathoner, nonprofit leader, and producer, creator, and co-host of the “Team Peri Step Out of Line” podcast, she inspires listeners through her dedication to community engagement. While she was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, Peri only allows that factor to be a blip in the equation and in turn, her medical challenges have fueled her fire and her drive to believe that with hard work, a sharp mind, wit, and a whole lot of moxie, she can accomplish anything. Over the years, Peri has honed her craft relentlessly and lives by the mantra of Step Out of Line. Her life’s mission is to share her story in the hope to inspire others to be the change and always venture out of the lines.

Rich Heller

MSW, CPC, Relationship Coach

Rich Heller, MSW, CPC, is a relationship coach specializing in resilience-building for couples. Using MER techniques, he guides clients in releasing past traumas and creating joyful, harmonious relationships, with a background in social work focused on practical transformation and progress.

Rob Salafia

CEO, Protagonist Consulting Group

CEO of Protagonist Consulting, Rob Salafia coaches leaders in authentic communication and connection. A former performing artist, he now prepares leaders for strategic presentations and teaches at MIT, focusing on presence, storytelling, and the foundations of impactful leadership.

Rose Marques

Founder, Seeds to Roses

From Spain to NYC, Rose Marques brings 10+ years in corporate roles, working with LinkedIn, Squarespace, and Calm across marketing, sales, HR, and communications. With a background as a startup founder, she has led global campaigns, advised on business strategies, and developed public speaking coaching and marketing for entrepreneurs. Her purpose is to help clients bring their ideas to life by understanding goals and assembling the building blocks for success. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Rose approaches life with a growth mindset and seeks out challenges.

Sangeeta Krishnan

Sr. Analytics Lead, Bayer

Sangeeta Krishnan is Sr. Analytics Lead at Bayer, with expertise in business intelligence across healthcare, pharma, and insurance. She’s a published author and speaker, exploring themes like digital detox and active listening to promote authentic human connections in our tech-driven world.

Stef Ziev

Executive Coach & Author

Former TV executive and author of *The Choice Is Yours*, Stef Ziev is a certified executive coach guiding clients to break unproductive habits and align choices with goals. Her work, featured on major media, centers on authentic communication and building intentional, effective leaders.