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).

Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre
1700 First Colony Blvd
Sugar Land, Texas, 77479
United States

Anum Ali

Menal Health Professional

Anum Ali is a licensed mental health professional, researcher, and digital well-being advocate. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., her research explores the intersection of social media, youth mental health, and parental decision-making. As the owner of a private practice and a therapist at a leading mental health tech company, Anum specializes in empowering clients through stress management, resilience building, and work-life balance, using a culturally sensitive approach.

Kevin Riles

Transformational Leader, Entrepreneur, and Author

Kevin Riles is a trailblazer in commercial real estate, a passionate educator, and a thought leader in African American leadership. As the President and CEO of Kevin Riles Commercial, a full-service real estate development and commercial real estate brokerage firm, Kevin has redefined the industry in the Greater Houston Area for over 25 years. He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), a rare achievement as one of the few African Americans in this space, and a leader driven by purpose, innovation, and integrity.

Natalie Picha

CEO, Financial Planner and Educator

As chief experience officer, I champion financial confidence in every family and empower their life with our firm's services and expertise. With my belief that everyone’s story matters, I love to know each person and connect them with the right resources to have a positive life impact. With over 20 years of experience as a wealth management advisor, I have worked for Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch and fostered lifetime collaboration with our clients. Experienced in small business and city government, I also serve our clients as a trusted community leader, business advisor, and gifted mentor. I am a proud alumni and honor graduate of the University of Houston Clear Lake with a degree in pre-law.

Rhonda Kuykendall

Child Advocate

Rhonda Kuykendall is a survivor leader, speaker, consultant, and legislative advocate. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Rhonda serves on the Survivor Advisory Board for Texas Association Against Sexual Assault as well as a member of the Texas Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council. Working as the Anti-Child Trafficking Consultant for Texas CASA, Rhonda is implementing anti-trafficking protocols in CASA programs across the state. She chairs the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Human Trafficking Community Awareness Team. She chairs the Legislative Advocacy Team on the Board of Directors of Child Advocates of Fort Bend. Rhonda received the 2023 Paul H. Chapman National Award from the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice. In 2015, she received the U.S. Congressional Medal for her work in Austin enacting legislation to protect children from sexual assault.

Ricky Dickson

Former Bluebell Icecream CEO

RICKY DICKSON, former CEO and President of Blue Bell Creameries, graduated from Baylor University with a BBA in marketing and journalism. He began his career with Blue Bell in 1981 as a territory manager in Dallas. In 2017, he was promoted to president, and in 2019, he was elected CEO and president of the company. In 2024, Ricky received the International Dairy Foods Association Laureate Award for his significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. He was also inducted into the Dairy Products Institute of Texas Hall of Fame.