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).

Memorial Hall
1225 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
1225 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
United States

Alex Bandar

Maker, Entreprenuer, Engineer by Training

Dr. Alexander Bandar is an engineer by training, and an entrepreneur by accident. While working in the field of computational metallurgy, with clients from GE to Apple to Toyota, he decided he wanted to get his hands dirty, and founded a community workshop. The Idea Foundry, which began as a passion project and has grown into one of the world’s largest and most active “makerspaces” on the planet, now serves as a model to bring the maker culture to a wide variety of neighborhoods. He currently consults with groups from Cincinnati to Barcelona to Dubai, identifying needs, resources, opportunities, and business models for similar spaces. As a part of the CoMADE project here in Cincinnati, he is passionate about bringing the maker culture to the storied legacy of technology, manufacturing, and product development in the Cincinnati region. He also enjoys spending time teaching technology, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation to inner city schools throughout Ohio.

Barbie Schwartz

Director, Music, Fun Loving Senior Citizen

Barbara (Barbie) Schwartz is 86 years young. She is the Director of the “Troubadours” in Cincinnati, Ohio for the past 10 years. They preform songs from musicals and classic favorites that are reminiscent of the past. She is also a part of the Traveling Song and Dance Troupe that performs at senior centers, retirement and nursing homes. You can’t miss her because she lights up the room and is a ton of FUN! Look for Barbara (Barbie) Schwartz on You Tube, Facebook and Instagram.

Bethany Yeiser

Researcher of Schizophrenia, Mental Health

Bethany Yeiser is the founding president of the CureSZ Foundation (Comprehensive Understanding via Research and Education into SchiZophrenia) which she established jointly with Henry A. Nasrallah, MD, in July, 2016. She also maintains a blog called “Recovery Road” on PsychologyToday.com. Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology with honors from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to becoming homeless, she published three articles in molecular biology, including a first-authored article in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Bethany began full-time college at age fifteen and transferred to the University of Southern California at seventeen. Bethany was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2007 after spending four years as a homeless person, including one year living outside in a churchyard. In 2008, she achieved full recovery on an underutilized medication, clozapine. Follow@BethanyYeiser) and the CURESZ Foundation (@CURESZorg) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Dan Luckett

Sword Swallower - Performance

Dan Luckett is a 27 year old circus and sideshow performer living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dan began performing comedy magic right out of high school and the Cincinnati Circus hired him right away. Over the years Dan has learned how to push his love of magic, comedy and sideshow performance to unbelievable levels. Performing at over 250 events a year and traveling all over the country, he is a seasoned professional. Dan is a self taught sword swallower who loves to show just what the human body is capable of with the right determination and mindset. Feel free to reach out to Dan on instagram @danluckettmagic, Facebook Dan Luckett, and email info@cincinnaticircus.com

Eugene Partridge III

Organ Donation, Author

Eugene Partridge III is a 35-year-old corporate director, speaker, producer, and author residing in Cincinnati, OH. Inspired by the death of his father after giving him a kidney at 20 years old. Eugene has dedicated his life to inspiring people from around the world to live their full potential. He uses his talents in Business, Music, and Ministry to evoke change and deliver life changing messages of inspiration. Eugene released his first book in 2017 entitled Daughters & Daddies - The Investment That Matters to unpack the intricate relationship between fathers and daughters. Eugene will also release his second book entitled Career Fertilizer – The 17 Essential Nutrients to Career Growth and Expansion on June 22, 2019. None of Eugene’s accomplishments would matter without his loving wife, La’Keisha, and his three beautiful daughters, Sanei, Audrey, and Tori – affectionately called the Keishites. @epartridge3, Instagram @epartridge3, LinkedIn @epartridge3, www.eugenepartridge.com!

Frederic Angus

Dancer, Performance

Salsannati is a Local Dance Collective created in 2011, to develop and specialize in Latin Styles. We have ranked nationally 4th in the World Cup finals and currently share our passion in weekly classes and special events! Why do we do this? Because it's fun, and we believe dance, and specifically Latin dance, is a place for people to redefine themselves, explore new friendships, talents, and challenges that make for a better life. Find us at Salsannati.com or on the Dance Floor!

Jonathan law

Relationship Experts, Flow State, Extreme Sports

Kristi Worful is a health and wellness designer, speaker, and life enthusiast. She has spoken for companies like REI, Morgan Stanley, and Disrupt HR; to name a few. She believes in the art of living and enjoys dancing, meditation, skydiving, driving cars and motorcycles, snowmobiling, fitness, business, and hiking with her dog. Jonathan Law is an international design and technology entrepreneur, Father of two fantastic kids, Motorcycle and Car racer, Chef, and World Record holder. Appearing on Discovery Channel, HGTV, "Ripley’s Believe it or Not”, you can find Jonathan squeezing every last drop out of life. Together they have bio-hacked love, relationships, and the thrill of life. www.loveisthemostextremesport.com Follow and share with Kristi Worful on Facebook.com/kworful, Instagram @KristiWorful, LinkedIn @KristiWorful Follow and share with Jonathan Law on Facebook, Instagram @JonathanALaw, LinkedIn @JonathanLaw

Judi Hu

Dancer, Performer

Judi Hu is a junior at Mason High School and has been dancing with Bing Yang Chinese Performing Arts Center since she was 6. She started learning Peking Opera at 10 and has loved it ever since. Judi has performed Peking Opera all around Cincinnati and received numerous championships back in China, like the CCTV youth champion. Other than dance Judi enjoys creating YouTube videos and participating in law events

Kristi Worful

Relationship Experts, Flow

Kristi Worful is a health and wellness designer, speaker, and life enthusiast. She has spoken for companies like REI, Morgan Stanley, and Disrupt HR; to name a few. She believes in the art of living and enjoys dancing, meditation, skydiving, driving cars and motorcycles, snowmobiling, fitness, business, and hiking with her dog. Jonathan Law is an international design and technology entrepreneur, Father of two fantastic kids, Motorcycle and Car racer, Chef, and World Record holder. Appearing on Discovery Channel, HGTV, "Ripley’s Believe it or Not”, you can find Jonathan squeezing every last drop out of life. Together they have bio-hacked love, relationships, and the thrill of life. www.loveisthemostextremesport.com Follow and share with Kristi Worful on Facebook.com/kworful, Instagram @KristiWorful, LinkedIn @KristiWorful Follow and share with Jonathan Law on Facebook, Instagram @JonathanALaw, LinkedIn @JonathanLaw

Kristian Simsarian

Artificial Intelligence

Kristian Simsarian is an award-winning innovator, founder, educator, and AI-Robotics pioneer. Early in his career, he moved to Sweden to lead an AI research group in Human-Robot Collaboration. Moving back to California he spent 17 years at the design innovation powerhouse IDEO where he was a senior leader, co-founding the Software Experiences practice and later continuing as a distinguished fellow. In 2010, Seeing an educational gap, Kristian founded the thriving human-centered Interaction Design BFA and Masters programs at California College of the Arts in San Francisco where he continues as a professor. With a passion for creating socially aligned innovation, Kristian founded a new business, Collective Creativity, in 2018 to steward disruptive innovation for the greater good. Kristian serves as an advisor to several startups and non-profit organizations in the Bay Area and beyond. Follow and share with Kristian on LinkedIn @ksimsarian and Twitter @krisitans!

Laura Mitchell

Educator, Superintendent

Laura currently serves as the Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS); comprised of 35, 000 students, five thousand employees and over a half billion dollar budget. Previous to Laura’s appointment as Superintendent she served as the Deputy Superintendent of CPS. In this role, she led the My Tomorrow district initiative which empowers CPS students to turn their dreams, aspirations and strengths into concrete plans for their future. She prepares urban youth for college/career success through rigorous curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, one-to-one digital devices, enrichment opportunities, college and career experiences and through community service projects. Prior to her current role, Laura served as a teacher, principal and program manager for the Stupski Foundation where she worked with large urban districts across the nation. Laura’s educational initiatives have been recognized on a national level.

Michael Ronstadt

musician, composer, vocalist, instrumentalist, cellist

An adept multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer, Michael G. Ronstadt has been captivating audiences throughout N. America for nearly two decades. A master at his craft, Ronstadt traverses a mélange of musical styles that range from anywhere between folk, jazz, classical, Americana and the wildly ethereal. He lends his talents to a broad range of projects. Primarily known for his prowess as a cellist, he has contributed his cello to hundreds of recordings from accomplished artists around the world, including Craig Bickhardt, Ezra Vancil, Amber Norgaard, and Zoe Mulford. Ronstadt has also premiered several classical compositions on behalf of composers like Norway’s Bjørn Bolstad Skjelbred, as well as United States composers Conrad Kehn, Kenneth D. Stewart and Michael Ippolito. He has recorded over two dozen albums under his own name and in collaboration with his brother, Petie Ronstadt, in the Ronstadt Brothers (formerly Ronstadt Generations with his father Michael J. Ronstadt).

Param Dedhia, MD

internist, Integrative Medicine Doctor, and Director of Sleep Medicine

Param Dedhia, MD is a passionate and curious medical doctor. His overall goal is to help people to live their best health and their best lives. With a 10 year academic career at Johns Hopkins, he is still in awe of science and how it has revolutionized the world. Yet as much as he is fascinated by modern medicine, he is also nourished by traditional wisdom. For the past decade, Param has been an integrative medicine doctor and director of sleep medicine at Canyon Ranch. Being in integrative medicine, he initially gravitated to nutrition and exercise as the foundation to being healthy. He knew this was helpful, but he also knew that there was more. Over time, he was able to see an opportunity within his own life and the lives of his patients— sleep. Given his professional training and natural curiosity, his days and nights were full. He did not initially think about sleep. Today, this is very different. As a doctor and as a friend to many, he sees sleep as the great connect.