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).

Gladys G Davis Theatre
1 Fine Arts Dr.
Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505
United States

Ali Rezai

Neurosurgeon

Ali Rezai serves as the vice president of neuroscience and the Associate Dean of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Rezai earned his medical degree with honors from the University of Southern California and underwent neurosurgical training at New York University. Before coming to WVU, he previously served as associate dean of Neuroscience and the director and CEO of the OSU Neurological Institute. Dr. Rezai was named one of the best doctors in America in Castle and Connolly’s Guide to America’s Top Doctors from 2001-2017. He has published more than 175 peer-reviewed articles and 40 book chapters. He has also presented his work to the President of the United States as well as to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Capitol Hill.

Amanda Messer

Activist

Amanda Messer is the Co-Founder of Because I said I would, an international movement and nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. Since September 4th, 2012, Because I said I would has distributed over 10.3 million Promise Cards to over 153 countries. Because I said I would’s work has been featured on CNN, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, the Steve Harvey Show and other programs.

Anthony Zolezzi

Entrepreneur

Anthony Zolezzi currently serves as the CEO of Twinlab Consolidated Holdings. He created Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. as well as co-founded Code Blue Recycling and created a partnership with them and PepsiCo. He has played a major role for the past 30 years in leading and advising corporations in uncovering new innovations. He is the author of numerous books including, “Uncharted Waters,” “Do Something: Leave Your Mark on the World,” “The Detachment Paradox” and “Chemical-Free Kids: How to Safeguard Your Child’s Diet and Environment.”

Emma Harrison

Incarcerated persons activist

Emma Harrison, was a 2018 Truman Scholar, born and raised in West Virginia. She is a member of the West Virginia Innocence Project, the Inside-Out Prison Exchange, a teaching assistant at the Federal Prison Camp Hazelton as well as a volunteer teacher at the United States Penitentiary Hazelton. She plans to pursue a law degree so she can continue her work with incarcerated individuals.

Shannon Cawley

Sexual assault survivor activist

Shan Cawley, is currently an English student at WVU. She is the author of Depression is a thunderstorm and I am a scared dog and Kingdom now, both published by Maudlin House Press. Much of Cawley’s work deals with growing up in an abusive household, and overcoming trauma through a literary lens. Cawley is also the recipient of the WVU NCAAP’s Image Award’s Rising Mountaineer and the Jon Scott Nelson First Year Writing Award.