Theme: Kaleidoscope

Twenty-three of the region’s most engaging speakers and performers will grace the Kroc Center stage at the TEDxGreenville annual conference on Friday, April 8.

This year’s theme is “Kaleidoscope.”

The idea came to Caroline Caldwell-Richmond, Curator, almost immediately as she initiated planning stages. The diverse colors and objects which make up the fluid, variegated image represent us as individuals, each bringing a unique value and significance.

“We look through the same cylinder of the kaleidoscope,” she said, “blending our individual perspectives, thoughts, and energies to create new paradigms and journeys. The light and beautiful patterns represent the power of individual influence and change — each of us has the ability to create, recreate, and reflect the parts of ourselves and our psyches to help catalyze ‘ideas worth spreading.’”

Come out for the seventh one-of-a-kind, full-day event hosted in Downtown Greenville at the Salvation Army Kroc Center as we continue the tradition of highlighting ideas worth spreading. Yes, it's time for TED.

The Kroc Center
424 Westfield Street
Greenville, South Carolina, 29601
United States

Fire-Brown

Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Fire-Brown is an adult survivor of child abuse who has made her home in Metro-Atlanta for the past 20 years. There, she is the Founding Facilitator of ASCA-Atlanta, a weekly self-help support group for adult survivors of childhood abuse. Several years ago, Fire-Brown found herself triggered by memories, flashbacks and nightmares of her childhood sexual molestation. After struggling with the PTSD and traumatic impact of the abuse, she sought therapy and began to blog about her experience and healing journey. Through a Google search, she found ASCA and began working the 21 Steps to recovery. She journaled about the process and wound up with a book titled “Journal of a Suicide Failed,” which includes several paintings she did along the journey. At the age of 49 she put herself through school to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. She is now a Registered Echo Tech and very proud of her accomplishments.

Hillary Keane Project

The Hillary Keane Project, led by Hillary Keane, is an alternative band consisting of Jubby Mathis on bass, Jeramie Aiken on guitar and Miles Fleming on drums. Hillary Keane’s voice is angelic with an edge…so is her personality…so is her overall musical sound. The themes of her songs are introspective with a desire to grow and move past negative influences, as well as to nurture and encourage listeners who can relate to her experiences. Hillary’s sound and character are completely genuine and have attracted the likes of great musical ears and musicians to come together to support the solid foundation that was once just Hillary and her guitar.

Opera Noire of New York

Opera Noire of New York (ONNY) is a performing arts company, as well as a resource and networking organization led by African American singers in pursuit of a serious performing career. Their mission is to empower members to achieve their full potential in a mutually supportive, honest and positive environment, which promotes effective training, constructive sharing and unselfish generosity. This season’s events build on the daring spirit that has been the driving force behind Opera Noire of New York by general director and co-founder, tenor, Robert Mack, and artistic director/co-founder baritone Kenneth Overton. They have presented works that continue to promote themes representing African American composers and legendary artists.

The BattleAxe Band

The BattleAxe Band is an all-female string band based in the Upstate of South Carolina. Members include Amy Buckingham on fiddle and guitar, Lucy Allen on guitar, Brooke Lauer on banjo and Nancy Hamilton on upright bass. The band loves to play hard-driving old-time dance tunes as well as singer-songwriter songs. The Battleaxes, are best known for their powerful vocal harmonies.

Ame Sanders

Ame is founder and president of State of Inclusion, Inc, a start-up focused on building more inclusive communities. Previously, she worked as a digital and marketing executive with Michelin NA. A long term Greenville resident and native South Carolinian, Ame graduated from Clemson University with a BS Math and Computer Science and an MBA. She also has a graduate certificate in eBusiness from Georgia State University and is a graduate of The Riley Institute at Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Initiative.

Ben Ebel

Ben Ebel is the Design Coordinator for Michelin’s North American Incubator Program Office. Ben grew up in Aiken, SC, before receiving his degree in product design from Auburn University and a degree in transportation design, with honors, from Art Center College of Design. After graduation, Ben joined Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America in Irvine, CA, as an automotive designer and served on the part-time faculty of Art Center College of Design. While at Mercedes, he contributed to the designs of the F800 showcar, as well as the current CLS, ML, and SLS gullwing models. In 2008, he returned to South Carolina as a senior industrial designer at the Michelin North America Research facility. He was responsible for the design of multiple global tire lines, as well as concept and development work for the TWEEL non-pneumatic product and other advanced mobility solutions.

Benjamin Starr

Born and Raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Benjamin Starr (Fitzgerald Wiggins) is one of the most talented emcees to emerge from the South in recent times. With a background drenched in soul, he paints a vivid picture of the trials and hurdles faced by many of his generation in a complicated America. Benjamin Starr merges his gifted song-writing abilities, lyricism, content and poetic delivery, weaving heart-pulsing stories of the “Highs and Lows” that accompany life in his shoes. He’s gone on to garner an avid and growing fan base, thanks to an acclaimed catalog of music. With an abundance of talent and heavily influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur, Nas, Marvin Gaye, David Ruffin and others, Benjamin Starr is poised to etch his name into the halls of Hip-Hop history.

Carmela Epright

Carmela Epright is a Professor of Philosophy at Furman University and a Clinical Professor of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She has served as a visiting scholar to the Medical University of South Carolina, The University of South Carolina Medical School’s Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities and to the Institute for Applied Ethics at Dartmouth College. Dr. Epright received her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in philosophy and an M.A. in Applied Ethics from Loyola University, Chicago. In 2004 she was awarded the Alester G. Furman, Jr. and Janie Earle Furman Award for Meritorious Teaching at Furman University.

Daniel Cloy

Daniel Cloy has overcome difficult physical and mental challenges in his life. His approach in dealing with this adversity has resulted in the creation of some crafty devices, as a result of a powerful mindset and thoughtful process. In his personal mission to become an elite athlete, Daniel has embraced and built a positive perception of his situation and developed effective ways to overcome, which provides insight into our own struggles and obstacles.

Jez Rose

Jez Rose is The Behavior Expert, an internationally renowned behaviorist, professional speaker, author and media personality from the United Kingdom.. He is known as the “go-to” guy for memorable presentations on how to efficaciously change human behavior for a list of clients that reads like a “who’s who” of leading global brands, including: Old Mutual Wealth, British Gas, Philips, Wella and Volkswagen. Today, Jez travels extensively, presenting to organizations worldwide. He writes for international media publications including CNN and The Daily Telegraph and frequently appears on television and radio as an authority on behaviour. He has appeared in his own 60 minute pilot for ITV1 as well as on popular shows for Channel 4, The Discovery Channel and BBC1’s Breakfast show. Jez is a Faculty Member of the award-winning Unite University and a founding member of the National Association for Training Excellence.

Julian Nixon

Julian is a Professor of Anatomy & Physiology and Department Head of Biological Sciences at Greenville Technical College. He is the Faculty Advisor for the African American Male Leadership Institute, an organization started by students, faculty, staff, administrators and community leaders to increase the retention and persistence of African American males on the collegiate level. After rebounding from academic probation to graduate with two degrees from Clemson University, Julian found his passion in higher education. He created two YouTube channels (daprofessa77 and daprofessa nixon) that offer online tutoring in Anatomy & Physiology. He has also launched a website and authored a book on student success that targets the uncommon issues of student life hindering students from obtaining the full educational experience. Julian speaks each year on leadership, education, overcoming obstacles and the need for leading change.

Kenya Jackson-Saulters

A writer, motivational speaker, and performance poet, Kenya is the voice of the modern self-help movement. Her work has been called “smart, candid and intuitive,” evoking introspective conversation and countless ‘aha’ moments. Her first book, “empty s p a c e: Where is my Stuff? Navigating the Quarterlife Crisis with Wisdom and Skill” is a spiritual, self-help, memoir designed to ease tensions associated with the quarterlife crisis. Most recently, she has blended the health benefits of exercise, meditation and writing to form a custom personal development experience for women called The Outdoor Journal Tour, which uses each of the aforementioned elements to provide clarity, healing and connection to participants. An advocate for personal discovery through writing for roughly 10 years, Kenya is currently training to be a certified spiritual practitioner through the National Center of Spiritual Living. Kenya resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with her wife, Michelle.

Kevin Spears

Hailed by many as one of the best kalimba players alive today, Kevin Spears has raised and rewritten what is possible on the traditional African instrument called kalimba. As a one-man ensemble, Spear’s mastery of the kalimba, customized musical gadgets, tiny synths and experimental percussion allow him to create live a fusion of world, jazz and folktronica that moves you’re feet and stirs your soul. Not only does he perform, Kevin makes his own kalimbas, including an electronic version that he connects to a custom pedalboard he designed that would make any guitarist envious. It is amazing to see and hear how he takes a seemingly small instrument and squeezes so much sound from it, and perhaps this is the reason that he is often compared to musical legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Herbie Hancock and Les Paul, among others.

Leo Ferguson

Leo Ferguson has had over 40 years of experience in two distinctive careers. In his first career he held technical positions in industry and corporate America. His second career was as a community and political organizer at various levels. He started his professional technical career as an engineer then segued into Information Technology (IT). As an engineer he specialized in the design, development and implementation of motion control systems for military applications. As a community and political organizer he worked for the Democratic National Committee (DNC). His campaigns for the DNC included Walter Mondale (1984) and Bill Clinton (1992). He also worked for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) on such campaigns as Matthew McHugh (1990) and Jamie Clarke (1982), both of which were successful.

Lindsey Lyla Flower

Lindsey Lyla Flower is a writer, spoken word poet and student of herbal medicine. Familiar with the stage, Lyla is trained as a ballet dancer by the International Ballet Academy. She uses metaphor, imagery and her passion for healing to encourage people to consider the power within themselves to build a more beautiful world.

Marlanda Dekine

Marlanda Dekine, a.k.a. Sapient Soul, is a Licensed Master Social Worker, published poet and facilitator. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Furman University and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Marlanda founded and is Executive Director of Speaking Down Barriers, a nonprofit organization that transforms space and co-creates community beyond the intersections of difference, i.e. race, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation and national identity. Her clinical experience is in conducting therapy and forensic evaluations with children who have suffered child abuse or severe neglect. Marlanda has facilitated and performed for various groups at training, seminars and poetry slams across the nation. She is a transformer of space, using her poetry and gift of healing to organize people for powerful individual and community transformation.

Marta Carvalhal

Marta Carvalhal is a licensed independent social worker who has been practicing in clinical social work for more than ten years. She moved to Greenville in 1990, and likes to say that she grew up in the city, and that she has a Southern accent, but the accent is really a South American accent from Brazil! Marta received her DDS from the University Federal Fluminense in Brazil, and where she worked with an undeveloped population as a dentist. In 2004 she received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Marta has experience with crisis stabilization at the inpatient unit at Marshall Pickens Hospital and Psychiatric ER. She is also an adjunct instructor for the University of South Carolina, College of Social Work. Marta is described by her students and coworkers as energetic and enthusiastic. After watching her talk, we think you will agree.

Matteel Jones

Matteel Jones joined Greenville Technical College as the Vice President for Student Services in February 2013, having served previously as the Vice President for Student Affairs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort, South Carolina. She has an extensive background as a student affairs practitioner serving in various roles. A first-generation technical/community college graduate, Dr. Jones earned an Associate of Arts degree from Piedmont Technical College, a B.A. in Counseling and Human Services from Limestone College, a masters in Career and Technology Education from Clemson University, a graduate certificate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Megan Johnson

Megan Johnson is an influencer, a mother, a wife, and an agent for activism without borders. Megan is woman of deep conviction. She moves past the typical. Megan Johnson grew up in Michigan and graduated from Furman University with a degree in psychology. She now resides in Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband and four children, while directing Greenville’s Classical Conversations Challenge II program. She also holds a position on the Sari Bari USA board of directors and volunteers at the Frazee Dream Center.

Rebecca Heiss

Armed with a PhD in Avian Physiology (basically a bird nerd), MS in Evolution and Human Behavior, Rebecca Heiss moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to help found NEXT High School. As a biologist, educator and entrepreneur, Rebecca is a passionate student of life. An avid traveler, she recently hiked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago and regularly rides in 100 mile charity cycling events for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Song Aziza Tucker

Sixteen-year-old Song Aziza Tucker has been a student of dance for 10 years. When she moved to Philadelphia, she studied at Philadanco Dance Company and then at Ballethnic for a year after moving to Atlanta. Now she takes classes 2-3 times a week at the school she attends, Dekalb School of the Arts. Along with her dancing, Song has been a lasting participant in social activism, and she has started (along with her friends) an activist group called BAM, Black Activist Movement. The group uses the arts to convey meaning and understanding to social issues. Last year, Song led a die-in at her school; students at her school lay down on the floor for 4 ½ minutes to symbolize the 4 ½ hours Mike Brown lay on the ground after he was killed.

Tanika Dillard

Tanika Dillard is a natural leader, motivational speaker and trusted counsel to her peers. Crafting pitch perfect melodies and poetry are Tanika’s ways to articulate the emotions in her heart. Her love for writing began as an adolescent, often writing about love, family and faith in God. A passionate revolution for writing was birthed in 2009 after recurrent pregnancy loss and Tanika needed an effective avenue to channel her grief and unwavering desire to have a family. In her blog, “The Journey of Love and Life,” eloquently flowing words were crafted from the life-changing pain. Tanika’s passion for breaking the silence of pregnancy loss positioned her as founding member and Facilitator for Share Upstate Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support group. Her efforts to honor the lives of her children and increase awareness on the taboo subject have uniquely connected her with medical professionals and grieving families across the globe.

William Schlein

William (Willy) Schlein is President of Anthrotects Architects, the firm he founded in 2013. He has twenty-four years of experience with complex healthcare buildings, from conceptual programming through post occupancy phases. During his career, William has developed strong relationships with his clients, learning from their experience and knowledge while expanding his healthcare portfolio to serve repeat and new clients. His passion is designing healthcare projects in the context of the patients’ and caregivers’ personal and working cultures–cultures which are unique to each client. Willy’s other passion is building wooden boats, having built seven in “his spare time,” one of which won the Judges Award in the 2012 Georgetown, SC, Wooden Boat Show.