Theme: Empowered Together

TEDxIllinois Tech 2024: Empowered Together is a celebration of ideas that unite us, challenge us, and move us toward a more connected future. Join a diverse lineup of thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers as they share their unique stories, bold visions, and transformative insights. This event will explore the power of community, collaboration, and resilience in shaping the world we live in. From technology and art to social impact and entrepreneurship, TEDxIllinois Tech will inspire you to think differently, act courageously, and be a part of something bigger. Come be empowered by the ideas that can resonate far beyond the stage and into the future.

Ogilvie Auditorium - Conviser Law Center
565 W Adams St
Chicago, IL, Illinois, 60661
United States

Adan K. Pope

Co-Founder, Taraxa Labs

Adan K. Pope is a recognized authority on digital transformation and technology leadership, with over 30 years of experience. Serving in executive roles for global tech leaders, he has spearheaded digital transformations that have revitalized strategic growth and facilitated acquisitions. Adan’s career has spanned software development to roles as Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, holding patents in network and device management while contributing to industry-leading companies in communications, retail analytics, IoT, gaming, and marketing services. He is the co-founder of Taraxa Labs LLC and co-author of the award-winning book Respect the Weeds: Digital Transformation Rooted in Principled Leadership, Vision and Innovation. Adan holds an M.S. in Computer Science and an MBA from North Central College in Illinois, along with a B.S. from DeVry Institute of Technology in Columbus, Ohio, underscoring his commitment to principled, visionary leadership in tech innovation.

Ayra Mudessir

Neuroscience Student & Founder/CEO of Success Seekers

Ayra Mudessir is a neuroscience student at DePaul University and the founder and CEO of Success Seekers, a company empowering youth as leaders, entrepreneurs, and public speakers. At 20, she's a three-time author, known for INSPIRED BY THE FEAR OF BEING AVERAGE and Rags 2 Riches: Raise Successful Kids, both on Amazon. As host of the Grow Wealthy podcast on Spotify, she interviews CEOs, doctors, and politicians, inspiring youth to pursue their dreams. Recognizing a gap in support and financial literacy, especially for young women, Ayra bridges this through mentorship and fostering sisterhood. Her work earned her speaking invitations at events like Illinois' largest women's conference, where she shares insights on leadership and the "multiplier effect." She emphasizes visible leadership and small acts of change, showing how one voice can create a ripple of empowerment. As a Chicagoan, Ayra is dedicated to community engagement and inspiring broader social impact.

Brevard Nelson

Co-Founder & Director, Caribbean Ideas Ltd. Managing Director, Synapse

Brevard Nelson is a seasoned entrepreneur, marketer, and IT expert with over 25 years of experience balancing innovative technology and creative storytelling. As Co-Founder & Director of Caribbean Ideas Ltd. and Managing Director of Synapse, he empowers Caribbean brands to achieve global success through cutting-edge digital solutions and marketing strategies. Synapse has collaborated with blue-chip brands and earned prestigious awards, including the Hidden Champion Award from the IDB and Korean EXIM Bank. Brevard’s expertise spans financial services, FMCG, retail, and technology, providing transformative solutions for 17+ years. An advocate for lifelong learning, he holds master’s degrees in Management, International Marketing, and certifications in Fintech and AI. He is currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree, focusing on Computers and Communication Law.

Carolyn May

Principal Flutist

Carolyn May has been the principal flutist in New Philharmonic, a professional orchestra that performs at the McAninch Art Center at the College of DuPage campus since its inception in 1977. She is also an accomplished pianist and accompanist and recently retired as the band director in School District 102 (LaGrange). Mrs. May has taught flute at the College of DuPage since 1980 to students from age 7 to 70. In 2012, Carolyn May commissioned Chris Garofalo to compose the Sonata for Flute and Piano featured in this program.

Chris Garofalo

Classical Pianist, Composer, and Conductor - Chicago Metropolitan Area

Chris Garofalo is a classical pianist, composer, and conductor in the Chicago metropolitan area. His compositions include works for solo piano, voice, choir, and chamber ensembles. With a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, Mr. Garofalo currently maintains a private teaching studio and is a music director in Naperville. In addition, he is a former president and current board member of the Downers Grove Music Club – a non-profit charitable musical arts organization. His recordings include Silhouettes (2005), Soliloquy (1991), Luminaria (1990), Earth Air Fire Water (1989) and Left Brain/Right Brain (1998). He also accompanied tenor Henry Pleas on his recording: Deeper River: A Spiritual Journey (1999). Chris' original compositions include Suite for Flute, Violin, Cello and Piano and Sonata for Flute and Piano as featured in David Gaynes’ 2013 documentary film Next Year Jerusalem. Chris Garofalo is a Steinway Artist.

Crystal Kendzior

Co-Founder of Greenflag | Entrepreneur and Advocate for Innovation

Crystal Kendzior is an emerging leader in disruptive technology, recognized for her work at the intersection of technology, mental health, and social advocacy. As Co-Founder of Greenflag, she developed an AI-powered platform to help users identify toxic relationship patterns, empowering healthier communication and enhancing emotional well-being. Before Greenflag, she founded Stryke, a platform that democratizes access to networks for young professionals, enabling them to cultivate meaningful connections early in their careers. Her background spans politics, technology, and entrepreneurship, collaborating with influential figures like Governor J.B. Pritzker and Speaker Welch. A two-time tech founder backed by angel investors, Crystal has inspired audiences as a speaker at universities and industry events, encouraging students and young entrepreneurs to embrace technology and advocacy as powerful tools for shaping a brighter future.

Dr. Lance Fortnow

Dean, College of Computing and Professor Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology

Dr. Lance Fortnow, inaugural Dean of the College of Computing at Illinois Tech, has over 39 years of expertise as a computer science researcher, author, and academic leader. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Maths from MIT in 1989 under Michael Sipser. Before joining Illinois Tech in 2019, he chaired Georgia Tech's School of Computer Science, held faculty roles at Northwestern and the University of Chicago and was a senior research scientist at NEC Research. Renowned for his work in computational complexity, Dr. Fortnow contributed to interactive proof systems and time-space lower bounds, earning recognition as a 2007 ACM Fellow. Author of The Golden Ticket: P, NP and the Search for the Impossible he also co-authors the Computational Complexity weblog. He has delivered numerous presentations on computation's theoretical foundations. TEDx Talk: "The Death of Expertise: Embracing Data-Driven Insights Without Losing Our Humanity." Dr. Fortnow is dedicated to bridging theory and practice.

Dr. Lorenzo Conti

Founder & CEO, Crover Enterprise Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering

Dr. Lorenzo Conti is the visionary Founder and CEO of Crover, creator of the world’s first "granular drone," the CROVER, which moves autonomously within bulk solids and powders to tackle critical challenges in agriculture and storage. Lorenzo's journey began with a PhD in Engineering at The University of Edinburgh, where his research in granular rheology led to the discovery of the "CROVER effect" — the core of his company's innovative technology. His work has earned global recognition, positioning Crover as a leader in subterranean and granular material solutions. An Enterprise Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Dr. Conti is honored for his pioneering contributions to engineering and entrepreneurship, exemplifying technology’s power to address pressing industry needs.

Kei Han Lee

Composer & Multi-Instrumentalist

Kei is a versatile artist and composer deeply rooted in the Western classical tradition, known as a violinist, pianist, educator, and fiber artist. With a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and a Master’s from Berklee College of Music, they bring a unique blend of music theory, production, and cultural insight into their work. Serving as Concertmaster for the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, Kei won the annual concerto competition and performed Barber’s Violin Concerto as a soloist. Their creative drive led them to found two string quartets, Vandy and Chestnut, and to compose a four-movement string quartet premiered at their senior recital. As a “DIY classical musician,” Kei’s journey reveals the beauty of embracing imperfections in music, which they’ll explore in their performance, *"Unlocking Beauty Through Imperfection: My Piano Journey,"* at TEDxIllinois Tech on November 23, 2024.

Mary Grygleski

AI Practice Lead at Callibrity, Java Champion, President of CJUG, and Chicago Chapter Co-Lead for AICamp

Mary Grygleski is a Java Champion and AI Practice Lead at Callibrity, bringing over 30 years of experience in software engineering, Java, generative AI, streaming systems, cloud computing, and distributed messaging. Starting her career in Unix/C and transitioning to Java in 2000, Mary has worked with major firms like IBM, Bank of America, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Passionate about developer advocacy, she leads the Chicago Java Users Group (CJUG) and co-leads AICamp Chicago. An international speaker with over 500 presentations since 2018, Mary shares insights on tech and diversity at conferences, workshops, and meetups worldwide. She also hosts a technical livestream on Twitch and YouTube, connecting with global audiences. As a proud Illinois resident, Mary is committed to fostering local and global tech communities, championing diversity in technology, inspiring future innovators, and paving the way for inclusivity in the tech landscape.

Matt J Adkins

High School Educator and Advocate

Matt J. Adkins is a passionate educator, youth advocate, and seasoned journeyer. He is known for his unique ability to connect with and empower emerging adults. Matthew has earned the title of "Teenage Chaos Wrangler" through his dedicated work as a transformative instructor. His expertise is not limited to secondary classrooms. He has also shared his insights with youth-centered professionals at conferences such as the Illinois Student Assistance Commission Conference and the College Access Symposium at Moraine Valley Community College. Today, he serves as the chair of a high school credit recovery program, working with students diagnosed with a range of disabilities including autism spectrum disorder and oppositional defiance disorder. His approach is rooted in compassion, mutual learning, and the creation of an educational environment that honors the unbridled nature of the youth.

Syda Segovia Taylor

Founder & Executive Director, Organic Oneness

Syda Segovia Taylor is the Founder and Executive Director of Organic Oneness, a Chicago-based organization committed to eliminating racism and fostering healthy communities. With over 25 years of experience, she has connected Black and Latiné youth to opportunities in city agencies and nonprofits like Project Exploration and After School Matters. As a Culture of Health Leadership Institute fellow and Emerging Leaders Fellow with Interfaith America, Syda champions racial justice through community-building programs and wellness trainings that prevent activist burnout. Featured on CNN’s *This Is Life* with Lisa Ling, Syda advocates for social justice and unity, bringing her unique insights and resilience as a breast cancer survivor. She holds an M.A. in Community Development & Social Justice from Loyola University.