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).

1 College Circle
Geneseo, New York, 14454
United States

Jacob Klingensmith

Entrepreneur, Student

Jacob Klingensmith was born and raised in Rochester, NY and is currently a senior at SUNY Geneseo studying communication. Jacob i the founder of Madera Greek Paddles, a start-up company that gives a portion of its earnings to support STEM education in Oaxaca, Mexico. He was inspired to start his company after spending a summer studying Spanish in Oaxaca and joining Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity at SUNY Geneseo.

Jean Paul Laurent

Founder and CEO of Unspoken Smiles, Keynote Speaker, Published Author, United Nations Special Consultant

Jean Paul Laurent is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Unspoken Smiles Foundation, a New York-based non-profit that promotes both long term oral healthcare and economic security in the world's most disadvantaged regions. Jean Paul is an Award Winning Social Entrepreneur, Oral Care Specialist, Author, and Philanthropist. His philanthropic achievements have garnered recognition from a variety of prestigious organizations including the United Nations (ECOSOC), the New York State Senate, the Clinton Global Initiative University, the President Obama Lifetime Achievement-Volunteer Service Award, and many more.

Lee Pierce

Rhetorical Scholar, Professor, Author, Speaker, Extemp Comedian, Fitness Instructor

Lee Pierce is a Visiting Assistant Professor at SUNY Geneseo teaching classes in rhetoric, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. Lee is also a scholar of rhetoric, style, and contemporary U.S. political culture. Her talk on Beyonce's "Formation" was inspired by her students as an exemplary text demonstrating how rhetoric works in unique ways to shape our common sense. When Lee isn't teaching or writing, she teaches fitness classes, advises the student newspaper and the visual culture club on campus, and can be found working on her newest extemporaneous comedy routine.

Poonam Desai

Wellness and Fitness Expert, Emergency Medical Doctor, Academic Doctor, Speaker, Social Media Influencer, Dancer

Dr. Desai is an emergency medicine attending at a level 1 trauma center and academic hospital. She completed a fellowship in emergency ultrasound and is currently the emergency ultrasound division director at New York Presbyterian Queens. She is active in global medicine and has lectured at many international conferences and hospitals. One of her many talents include being a professional dancer. Dr.Desai is a health and wellness advocate and has developed a strong network of followers on social media. She was recently invited to be the regional director of New York and New Jersey American Medical Women's Association.