Theme: Rise to the Call: Faith, Friends, Future

TEDxFriendsU is an opportunity for us to bring together the community and several local, successful individuals who have each had unique experiences that allowed them to Rise to the Call with the help of their faith, their friends, and their future.

Friends University
2100 W University Ave
Wichita, Kansas, 67213
United States

Andrea Stang

Founder - The Hive

Andrea Stang is a leading change maker in Wichita. Her entrepreneurial journey was sparked from isolation and disillusionment in her 8-5 career. When she noticed that other accomplished women felt similarly, Andrea founded The Hive, a women-focused coworking and community space for entrepreneurs and professionals craving connection. Her mission through The Hive is to promote authentic friendships and actionable support. She loves the magic of meeting someone with an idea in infancy and connecting her to a community that helps her grow it into a success story. Today she's here to share the importance of such a space.

Chris Breshears

Senior Desktop Support Technician

Chris Breshears is the Senior Desktop Support Technician for Friends University. He is a member of multiple leadership teams for ministries in the Wichita area which includes lesson planning, teaching, and playing on a worship team. When he is not at work, church, or studying Calculus 2, he can be found debating about which Star Wars movie is the best, trying to figure out why his code is not working, or at any local golf course hitting hard slices into adjacent fairways. He is currently working on a sermon series following Peter and Judas and looking at their stark differences after Jesus’ crucifixion.

Diana Carbajal

Founder - Ilusqui Inc.

Diana graduated from Wichita State University with a BA in Studio Arts and completed her Master's in Business Administration at Friends University. In 2015, she launched her art business, ILUSQUI Inc. Rising through the ranks at Wichita State University during the past six years working for Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP, Diana has also been an active member of her community in which she has served various leadership positions. One cannot measure the ripple effects mentoring may have. Diana is not only passionate about her art, education and serving youth at risk, but also those who she can directly impact. She is an active member in Educational Opportunity Association, Wichita Women’s Artists, and National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA).

Jerree Forbes

CEO The Forbes Group

Dr. Forbes is a cognitive specialist and the CEO of The Forbes Group where he works to improve cognitive performance in individuals and groups. This work is accomplished in a personal way that ministers to the individuals in honor of God and in a way that focuses on their applied abilities and cognitive performance. Innovative strategies include neuroplastic methods and building relationships enhanced by technology to yield value to them in their lives.

Kristen Spear

Human Resources Consultant

Kristen Spear is a native Wichitan, although she has lived a few other places. She taught 5th grade at a classical school in Colorado Springs. She then received a Master’s Degree from the University of York in York, England. She moved back to Wichita and began a career in HR. She became the VP of HR and Facilities during her 10 years at Mid American Credit Union. Recently she launched her own Human Resource consulting company where she specializes in Employee Handbooks and enjoys partnering with small to mid-sized companies to assist with their HR needs. She loves to travel, cook, and spend time with her husband and two children who are 3 and 6.

Lakshmi Kambampati

Educator

Lakshmi Kambampati has been an educator for over 20 years. As an innovative and practical learning experience for the students, Lakshmi implemented a variety of real life projects with her mathematics students. Lakshmi’s zeal to train teachers had taken her to Liberia as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer. She is a recipient of two times Fulbright Scholarship – Japan and India. She was invited by US embassy in Tajikistan to train teachers.

Sarah Yost

Master Certified Life Coach

Sarah Yost is a Master Certified Life Coach. She works with smart women to help them get what they really want in life by addressing their mindset before changing their behavior. She has studied under some of the best coaches in her industry, Dr. Martha Beck and Brooke Castillo. When she’s not working, you’ll find her dancing to live music, reading a crime novel or snuggling with her 2 kids and adorable dog.

Scot Pierce

Motivational Speaker

Scot Pierce aka ScotyP has a fearless energy and integrative wit for all audiences. At the heart of Scot's keynote events are the facets of real world insight and experiences conveyed to his audience as only someone with life and death experiences can. The rich diversity of being a veteran paramedic, college game day announcer, corporate trainer, sales leader and specialty pharmacy executive gives him the practical experience tailored to conquer the hill you climb. Motivation, inspiration, perspiration or a behavioral change with your team, Scot's talks are contagious and will have your audience engaged and buzzing with laughter and energy. Guiding principles will lead you to explore algorithms that take your goals from ordinary to extraordinary.

Suzanna Mathews

Founder - The Date Maven

Suzanna Mathews has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and a Master’s degree in Theater and Drama. She is a former media personality, teacher, and an entrepreneur. Among her many talents she lists: brand ambassador, micro-influencer, commercial and industrial actress, keynote speaker, social coach, and communications coach. Most notably she is the founder of The Date Maven, a boutique date coaching and matchmaking consultancy.