Theme: Stories That Inspire

TEDxNatick 2018 will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Natick High School, Performing Arts Center. We have a highly talented group of speakers who will bring energy, creativity, joy, and wonder to the TEDxNatick stage. With their Stories That Inspire, they will explore a wide range of provocative topics ranging from music composition to social reform, physics, poetry, health, architecture, sports, art, genetics, climate change, exercise, and more.

Natick High School
15 West St
Natick, Massachusetts, 01760
United States

Abel Sanchez

Big Data Scientist, MIT

Abel, an MIT Professor, is the Executive Director of MIT's Geospatial Data Center, architect of "The Internet of Things" global network, and architect of data analytics platforms for many Fortune 500 companies. In cybersecurity, Abel architected systems for the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity agency. Abel has a passion for education working globally with corporations such as Microsoft and the Accenture Technology Academy.

Caitrin Lynch

Cultural Anthropologist, Olin College

As a Professor, Caitrin teaches in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences program. She authored two books: “Retirement on the Line: Age, Work, and Value in An American Factory” and “Juki Girls, Good Girls: Gender and Cultural Politics in Sri Lanka's Global Garment Industry.” She is working on a third book about a 150-year-old textile mill in the United States. Caitrin also produced the documentary film "My Name is Julius.” Her career passions encompass the dynamics of work and cultural values, particularly aging and manufacturing in the United States and abroad. She is devoted to encouraging students to think critically about the world around them.

Christine Helie

Entomologist

Ever since she was a young girl, Christine has loved insects, especially caterpillars. As an entomologist, she enjoys educating people of all ages about unique insects that live around us and the habitats and host plants they need to thrive. Working with her husband of 26 years, she has developed an Integrated Pest Management program to preserve mature and young elm trees in the Boston Parks. She also finds time each day to walk with her dog in the woods, searching for tracks and signs of animals or insects.

Dawn Smith

Freelance Writer & Producer

Dawn grew up in California and moved to Chicago to work in media. She now lives in Brookline, MA, where she works on screenplays, political and issue advertising, standup comedy, and produces the comedy web series, PAID FOR BY. Visit Dawn’s website at www.pushbackfilms.com

Deborah Henson-Conant

Musician, Composer, Performer

Deborah is a Grammy-Nominated composer/ performer who has toured internationally as a solo artist, debuted her original works for electric harp, voice and orchestra with symphonies from Boston Pops to the National Symphony Orchestra, and toured with legendary rock guitarist Steve Vai. Her Academy and mentorship programs support creative harpists worldwide and her educational residencies combine performance of her original music and theater works with faculty and student collaborations. She is the inventor of the “DHC” electric harp in collaboration with French harp-builder, CAMAC. Deborah enjoys performing at TCAN. www.HipHarp.com

Jane Parven

student

Jane is currently a senior at Natick High School. In addition to her role as class treasurer, she is an active member of the speech team, and communications coordinator of her acapella group. Jane also enjoys cooking, yoga, and spending time with her family and friends.

Juan Enriquez

futurist, author, venture investor and business leader

Juan Enriquez, a TED All-Star, futurist, author, venture investor and business leader, thinks and writes about the profound changes that genomics and other life sciences will bring in business, technology, politics and society. A broad thinker who studies the intersections of these fields, Enriquez has a talent for bridging disciplines to build a coherent look ahead.

Julia Spruance

Adventurer & Volunteer Guide

Julia is a Program Director at the non-profit Waypoint Adventure where she leads rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, and team building programs for youth and adults with disabilities around the Boston area. She also volunteers for Kupenda, a non-profit based in Kenya advocating for the rights of children with disabilities to health, education, and inclusion.

Maria Milagros Vazquez

author, storyteller, and coach

Maria is a speaker, author, storyteller, dancer and empowerment coach, and host of a monthly Storytelling event in Fitchburg.

Seth Rotberg

Health Advocate

Seth grew up in Natick and graduated from Natick High School. Hes currently pursuing a Master’s in Nonprofit Management at DePaul University. Seth is passionate about bringing his personal experiences to advance the mission of nonprofit organizations, and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Huntington's Disease Youth Organization.