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).

Kepler Performing & Visual Arts Center
11512 Kepler Drive
Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
United States

Ashley Baker

Singer | Songwriter | Lyme Activist

Ashley Baker, or better known as her stage name AshtheArtist, is a Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, and Actress from Hagerstown, MD. Ash has performed at shows up and down the east coast and has opened for artists such as 2 Live Crew, Afroman, and Lyfe Jennings. In addition to her role in music, Ash is an advocate and pioneer for lyme disease research having been diagnosed herself May 2018. Ash has been featured in multiple documentaries, including recently released, “The Quiet Epidemic” and her biggest role yet in “I’m Not Crazy, I’m Sick” feature documentary released on Amazon Prime and AppleTv May 2023, that has been recognized by Forbes, Variety, and more recently Today.com. Ash also has served at a 501C non profit called Project Lyme for 2 years and as of May 2024, was elected as Chair of the Emerging Leaders Board. She hopes to bring awareness to the disease through her music and speeches.

Bernadette Wagner

CEO | Public Speaker | Healthy Aging Advocate

Bernadette began studying the science of healthy aging in her mid-50’s. The scientific research confirmed what she had long suspected: when women get together, they are healthier, happier and better positioned to contribute to their communities. In 2018, Bernadette founded Prime Time for Women to celebrate, connect and empower women from diverse backgrounds and to foster healthy aging through research-based programs that emphasize positive social connections, lifelong learning and healthy lifestyles. Bernadette served two terms as an elected official, was Creator and Host of Prime Time for Women TV (three seasons on Antietam Broadband); and host, presenter and speaker at numerous community events across Washington County. She is also a regular radio guest on Friday Potpourri with Lou Scally on WJEJ and Public Health Now with Joelle Butler. Bernadette has always been and always will be committed to making a difference in her community.

Candice Edwards

Author | Speaker | Podcaster | Believer ✝️

Candice Edwards is a wife, mother, and passionate advocate for women’s wellness. As both a Multiple Sclerosis thriver and Breast Cancer survivor, she founded Honestly Candice in 2022, a platform committed to empowering individuals navigating illness and life's toughest challenges to build resilience and thrive. She also co-hosts the top-rated Real WW Talk Podcast, a leading show in the Mental Health category on Apple Health, boasting over 1 million downloads. Candice has a love for collecting beautiful college-ruled journals, indulging in The Office re-runs, and she never misses a chance to enjoy a Boyz II Men song.

Esther Bonney

Conservation Activist | Mental Health Advocate

Esther Bonney is dedicated to addressing the critical intersection of youth mental health and environmental stewardship. At just 17, she is the founder and director of Nurture Natives, one of the nation’s most impactful youth-led nonprofits, with a mission to empower youth through environmental initiatives that promote native biodiversity. Under her leadership, Nurture Natives has educated over 9,400 young people, planted 2.2 million native seeds, and distributed over 56,000 native seedlings across the East Coast. As Nurture Natives grows, Esther’s vision remains resolute: to inspire, educate, and advocate for a future where both our youth and environment thrive. She was awarded the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award (Region 3) from the EPA and the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Through her work, Esther is empowering a new generation of environmental stewards who recognize the vital connection between mental well-being and the health of our environment.

Kristin Holt

Social Media Cultivator

Kristin Holt is a Creative Marketing Powerhouse specializing in Social Media Marketing & Management. Kristin started Kaptivated Kulture, LLC in April 2020 & works passionately at cultivating client relationships as an entrepreneur. She also works for Hagerstown’s Hair Salon, Jagger James, where she focuses on high level client experience. A graduate of South Hagerstown High & Washington County Technical High School, she has an Associates degree in Business from Hagerstown Community College; a Bachelors in Psychology & Minor in Marketing from Frostburg State University. She is a licensed Cosmetologist & 2020 graduate of Leadership Washington County. You may also find Kristin across the globe creating international music set lists as "DJ Kaptivate" recently spinning sounds in Puerto Rico. She serves an array of community organizations & enjoys spending quality time with her family including two beautiful daughters who she is teaching the freedom to create their own unique future.

Stephanie Bidle

Entrepreneur | Mindset & Fulfillment Coach

Stephanie is the owner of The Simplicity Secret, a dedicated life coaching and leadership consulting business. Stephanie focuses on mindset and fulfillment coaching to help clients get unstuck and leadership consulting to empower organizations to foster a thriving, purpose-driven workplace. Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Salisbury University, and went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management at University of Maryland Global Campus. Stephanie is also a 2022 Leadership Frederick Graduate. She currently serves as the President of the Frederick County Society for Human Resource Management (FCSHRM), serves on the Maryland SHRM State Council, and is Co-Chair for the Maryland SHRM Conference Committee. She has earned both her SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources) and CCP (Compensation Certified Professional) Certifications. Stephanie also coaches Track & Field for Middletown High School.