Theme: Perspectives in Action

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).

CMAC
1555 Van Ness Ave
Fresno, California, 93721
United States

Arakel A. Arisian

Development Strategist & Urban Planner

Arakel Arisian (AICP, LEEP AP) is a real estate developer and urban planner, with expertise in guiding projects through the various facets of real estate development process including design, entitlements, financial planning, construction and asset management. He is an advocate for his clients, developing best practices and maximizing the value of their real estate projects. As a firm believer that well-designed, high-quality projects have long term financial and qualitative benefits, he helps clients find the right balance between project cost, timing, and quality. Areas of specialization include large-scale master planning, development programming, and placemaking through mixed-use projects. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Craig School of Business at Fresno State, teaching finance and economics.

Damon Thomas

Serial Entrepreneur / Graphic Designer & UX/UI Developer / Influencer / Giver

Damon Thomas is a Hero for Hire in every sense of the phrase. When businesses and organizations need a problem solved, Damon is the award winning tech and design entrepreneur and educator you call. Damon is an approachable down-to-earth member of the community who listens to people and simply keeps-it-real. He’s experience; Adjunct Continuing Education instructor for California State University, Fresno, inspires and educates young adults in the Fresno EOC’s Employment and Training program, founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization LearnSTEAM.org where he mentors minority youth in S.T.E.A.M. and multimedia on a never ending mission to close the digital diversity divide and change the circumstances of families through educating their children and providing free S.T.E.A.M. education, 59DaysOfCode.org board member, educator and multimedia curriculum developer for the Fresno Unified School District.

Jason Cooksey

Designer/Developer/Educator

Jason Cooksey is an Designer/Developer/Educator who enjoys learning and then teaching his learning.

Jes Therkelsen

Documentary Storyteller & Professor

Jes Therkelsen is a storyteller, explorer, and educator. His work has stretched across six continents and tackled such issues as human rights, sustainable development, and environmental justice. His films have screened in international festivals and won national awards. He was the first Filmmaker-in-Residence at the College of William and Mary and now teaches media storytelling at California State University, Fresno.

Theresa Davis

Executive Director of John Maxwell Team

Currently, in addition to my coaching, trainings and speaking engagaments, I write college curriculum and teach Educational Psychology to the advanced high school and collegiate levels. I have been in multiple magazines as a model, author and acknowledging my achievements. Most recently, I accepted the award of 2016-7 Woman of the Year by the Association of Professional Business Women.

Xavier Martinez

Solutions Engineer

Experienced and passionate student of the human experience. Full-Stack Web Developer who seeks out ways to bend the technology to fit the higher needs of the power user seeking meaningful learning experiences. Skilled in values-based leadership, personal values, securities, retirement planning, and investment advisory. Strong skills in technology solutions advisory specific to education, finance, and public service industries.