Theme: IF

Together, we’ll explore ideas of possibility, curiosity and opportunity. This year’s speakers will consider the question: “If one thing was different, what then?”

Courtyard Theater
1509 H Ave
Plano, Texas, 75074
United States

Alicia Morgan

STEM education advocate

Alicia Morgan is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a B.S. in Aerospace Science Engineering and New Mexico State University with a M.S. in Industrial Engineering. As an engineer, she worked at Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company and Raytheon. After 13 years, Alicia followed her passion to work with youth in the nonprofit sector. She serves on the advisory board of the Academy of Engineering and Biomedical Sciences at Bryan Adams High School, which promotes programs focusing on education, culture and student achievement. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Arthur Jones

Pastor + Community change agent

A fifth generation Methodist pastor, Arthur Jones has served for seven years as a pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano. In 2012, he launched contemporary services which draw over 800 people every week. In 2015, Arthur and his father co-wrote “ASK: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Carol Kennelly

Personal growth coach

Carol Kennelly RNFA, has over 35 years of experience in medicine, real estate, interior design and personal growth coaching. After moving to North Texas, she became a personal coach for clients interested in taking their lives to the next level. She is the unofficial goodwill ambassador for the thousands of employees and families moving to North Texas from across the country. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Gopal Raman

Student | Poet

A senior at St. Mark’s School of Texas, the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities selected Gopal Raman as one of five National Student Poets - the nation’s highest honor for young poets presenting original work. As a literary ambassador to the Southwest, he spreads his love of poetry through workshops, readings and other events. In addition to writing poetry, Gopal is the creative director for his high school newspaper, captain of the varsity tennis team and chair of the school’s Community Service Board. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Jaideep Patil

Student + Clean water advocate

Jaideep Patil is a senior at Plano West Senior High School. Having lived in India for four years, he volunteered at the Akanksha Foundation to educate underprivileged children. After witnessing the daily struggles faced by a large population to obtain clean drinking water, Jaideep decided to volunteer with the Solid Waste Collection and Handling organization to clean rivers and implement water filtration systems in slums. Upon moving to Plano, he continued his initiative by launching the Plano West Sustainability and Conservation Club. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Jennifer Hartman

Psychologist + Yoga instructor

Dr. Jennifer Hartman is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of combined training and experience. She launched Genuine Life Psychology & Wellness, a diversity-affirmative psychology practice where she provides psychotherapy, wellness classes and workshops designed to help people achieve whole-person well-being. Dr. Hartman is a registered yoga teacher and enjoys teaching mindful yoga. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Jon Iadonisi

Entrepreneur + Influence expert

Jon Iadonisi is the founder and CEO of VizSense, a Dallas-based influencer services firm which works with Fortune 500 clients to deliver detailed insights into a brand’s health. An entrepreneur, computer scientist and former Navy SEAL, he invented new capabilities for the Special Operations Community and Central Intelligence Agency. Currently, Jon is a PhD student at the University of New Haven, focusing on cyber-crime. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Kelsey Samuels

Journalist

Kelsey Samuels is no stranger to North Texas and its changing landscape. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a B.A. in Journalism, then worked as web editor and general assignment reporter for the Lufkin Daily News in East Texas. She currently works for the Plano Star Courier as the community reporter. Kelsey is a fan of the internet, but as a journalist she’s an observer more than a participant. This is why she believes her tweets and posts are so lame. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Mary Jacobs

Writer + Podcaster

Mary Jacobs produces Plano Podcast and is a freelance writer covering health, fitness, spirituality and issues relating to older adults. She writes regularly for The Dallas Morning News, The Silver Century, Religion News Service and other publications. Her work has been honored by the Religion Communicators Council, the Associated Church Press and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Shannon Kraus

Architect

With a belief that growth and success come from within and we are only limited by our own ambitions, Shannon Kraus is an entrepreneurial leader in both his professional and volunteer life. Professionally focused on innovation around health and well-being, he is passionate about teaming with clients to shape project strategies which leverage sustainable architecture to positively affect their missions and the communities they serve.

Varsha Appaji

Carnatic musician

A senior at Plano Senior High School, Varsha Appaji trains in South Indian classical music under the guidance of Krishna Parthasarathy. A dancer and singer, she has performed nationally at the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, the Summer Soiree at the Quinn Estate in Rhode Island and the Basically Beethoven Festival at Dallas City Performance Hall. Recently, Varsha was one of 15 recipients selected from over 500 applicants for the prestigious Anthony Quinn Foundation Arts Scholarship, and won the Sam Johnson Congressional Arts award for her paintings. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Vinny Minchillo

Advertising executive

As Principal of Glass House Strategy, Vinny Minchillo worked with major brands including JCPenney, American Airlines, Dallas Cowboys, Subaru and Nationwide Insurance. He created ads at all levels of elective politics including work for four Presidential campaigns. His work was featured on The Colbert Report, lampooned by Bill Maher, and covered by the Washington Post, Ad Age, NPR, Time, Fox News, CNN and Texas Monthly. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Zach Weismann

Entrepenuer

Co-Founder, CEO of CancerQ and Director of Business Development at Human Design, Zach Weismann is passionate about the intersection of technology and social good, recognizing the power technology, economics and business have to be positive. His career enabled him to work on global issues in over 25 countries across six continents from the banks of Lake Titicaca in rural Puno, Peru to a commercial set with Jackie Chan and Spike (a 6,000-pound live rhinoceros). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.