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).

Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Cary, North Carolina, 27511
United States

Hope LeNoir

Certified Diversity Executive

Hope LeNoir is the owner and founder of Rise and Fly LLC, with more than 20 years of industry experience. She serves as a global talent consultant, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of “Workday Catalyst.” All of her books are filled with professional tips, inspiration, and real-life career stories that professionals use and see results. As an expert talent consultant, her clients include professionals across the globe including those in Bangalore, London, and cities in South Africa and across the US with a focus on connecting career strengths + spiritual gifts to get the right people in the right places with an unorthodox use professional purpose. Hope is also a captivating speaker who empowers thousands to engage their professional purpose to advance business results and talent fulfillment. Hope is a Certified Diversity Executive and double International Stevie Award winner.

Karuna Jain

Hypnotherapist

Since 2007, she has helped hundreds of clients overcome self-limiting beliefs, increase self-confidence and self-esteem, manage stress, change habits and behaviors, quit smoking, address relationship challenges, manage pain, set and manifest goals, and more. As a certified Life Coach, she assists with life issues such as career planning, career changes, work-related concerns, and relationship matters. She offers various energy healing modalities, including Reiki, Compassion Healing, and Pranic Healing, and regularly conducts seminars and workshops on topics like Energy Healing, Stress Management, Goal Setting, and all levels of Reiki, including Master and Holy Fire Reiki. A results-oriented professional, she is deeply committed to helping clients reach their goals and provides continued support even after their sessions conclude.

Katina Wallace

Strategic Operations Leader

Katina is a leader with 26 years of experience driving complex programs and transformational change initiatives across multiple industries. She is known for inspiring teams to achieve high productivity and efficiency while fostering growth. A passionate mentor and advocate for empowerment, Katina founded Imagenthusiast, LLC, where she serves as Chief Empowerment Officer. This venture reflects her deep commitment to individual empowerment and organizational transformation. Katina is a dedicated philanthropist, influential panelist, and committed leader to affect change energetically.one person and moment at a time. Residing in Charlotte, Katina is supported by a loving tribe of beloved family and dear friends- We introduce Katina Wallace

Krish Vignarajah

President and CEO of Global Refuge

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah is the President and CEO of Global Refuge. She previously served in the Obama White House as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama and at the State Department as Senior Advisor under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry. Krish has committed her career to public service because she knows how differently life could have turned out. She was 9 months old when she and her family escaped a country on the brink of civil war and built a life in Maryland. Krish is a graduate from Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County and then attended Yale College, where she earned a master’s degree in political science and a B.S. in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University, where she received an M.Phil. in International Relations, before returning to Yale Law School, where she served on the Yale Law Journal.

Liz Hodson

Group Facilitator

After college, Liz Hodson began her career as a case counselor at Vista Del Mar, a residential treatment center for abused and neglected youth in Los Angeles. Twelve years later, she pursued her calling, earning a master’s in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica while becoming a mother. In 2003, Liz founded "Moms Mixer," a support group for single moms in Los Angeles, which she continues to facilitate today.

Lopamudra Mahapatra

Senior Director, Global Alliances and Partner Ecosystem

Responsible for strategic partnerships with flagship partners, including hyperscalers, niche open-source industry partners, and one of the Big Four accounting firms, they lead the North America region, managing a portfolio exceeding $100 million in revenue. Their network of global stakeholders spans Infosys industry segments, service lines, and an ecosystem of partners focused on diverse products and services. With over two decades of IT industry experience across various functions—ranging from project and program management to client operations, process consulting, and leading large-scale Lean and Agile programs—they bring both depth and breadth of expertise. Their global experience encompasses large-scale joint go-to-market initiatives, strategy formulation for partners and customers, and value creation within a complex, matrixed service organization.

Madhu Gulati

CEO

Madhu Gulati, CEO of Marrina Decisions, excels in marketing technology operations, blending data-driven strategies with a human approach. A recognized leader, she is dedicated to empowering women, driving innovation, and creating impactful, sustainable growth globally.

Michelle Edelen

Director of Government Programs

Michelle’s extensive leadership expertise has landed her on major corporate stages across the United States. Her exceptional skills have allowed her to deliver keynotes to some of the most prominent corporate organizations in the industry. She is an inspirational figure who has given high-energy keynote speeches on live and virtual international stages for large audiences, including Shawn Fair’s Leadership Experience Tour, Cardinal Innovations DE&I Conference, Women of Standard Conference, and T.E.A.C.H. Ministries Conference, to name a few. In line with her unrelenting passion for helping individuals succeed, Michelle founded Excellence In All, which provides strategies to own and activate excellence by overcoming self-limiting thoughts, doubt, and fear.

Nicole Fenner

Author

Nicole Natasha Fenner is a visionary and game-changer. She has been given a strong calling and uses her purpose to touch lives daily. Writing is her avenue to help children on their journey. With each page turn, Nicole Natasha Fenner's writing equips readers, especially young ones, with hope, a voice, and inspiration, fostering a love for reading and a positive outlook on life. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she gained more profound insights into the significance of early childhood development through her studies in child psychology and developmental courses. Writing her first book was a labor of love, connecting her to her own childhood and time spent with her father. Every book encompasses Sister Girl learning a new lesson, skill, or exploring the world. PBS NC, Black Enterprise, and PopSugar have featured the Sister Girl Collection, recognizing its significant impact.

Pat Nogar

President at Living Well With Pat Nogar

Pat Nogar has built her career working in communications across various industries -the political arena, transportation, public relations, environmental engineering and health care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business, is the recipient of a Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, an alumnus of Leadership Main Line, a commissioned Kentucky Colonel, a Penn State Extension Master Gardener and a member of Les Dames D’Escoffier, an international philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and entertainment industries. Today, through her company “Living Well With Pat Nogar”, she works in various areas of lifestyle, sharing her expertise across multiple settings. Pat is a change maker who is impacting lives in many ways –culturally, socially and with meaning.

Saisha Ghatpande

Student

Saisha is currently balancing her academic responsibilities with her creative pursuits. Her ability to connect with her audience is rooted in her keen awareness of the world around her and her genuine empathy.

Tanushka Mahapatra

Tanushka Mahapatra is a young and dynamic individual whose heart beats to the rhythm of music and the precision of archery. A talented musician, Tanushka finds joy in composing melodies that resonate with her vibrant spirit, blending creativity with technical skill. Her passion for archery showcases her focus, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure. Whether perfecting her aim at the archery range or crafting harmonies on her instrument, Tanushka embodies dedication and balance. She aspires to inspire others by showing how diverse interests can complement each other, fostering a life full of artistry, discipline, and excellence.

Taryn Crimi

Education Consultant

Taryn Crimi is an accomplished entrepreneur, mother of four young boys, and wife, with degrees in Sociology, Psychology, Economics, and Business. Specializing in positive transformation, Taryn has helped thousands improve their mindset and break free from toxic patterns. With a decade of experience, she observed recurring thought patterns that shaped behaviors and outcomes, realizing that our self-beliefs directly influence our worldview and perceived potential. Driven by the question, “What if we taught children mind mastery skills, sparing them from forming limiting beliefs that need to be healed later?” Taryn developed simple, effective methods to teach children Mind Mastery. Now, she is eager to share this knowledge with educators and policymakers, advocating for a shift in how we prepare children for life’s challenges.