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).

UrbanBeat Event Center
1213 Turner Rd
Lansing, Michigan, 48906
United States

Amy M. Wisner

Business Communication Professor

Dr. Amy M. Wisner teaches people how to effectively communicate with the world around them. She approaches this work by coaching people to develop an increased understanding of themselves and others resulting in more genuine and meaningful connections. Amy’s research includes interpersonal communication topics such as social influence, mentorship, and advice-giving. She teaches Business Communication at the Eli Broad College of Business and is the author of Preppy Rebellion, a blog about her journey on the path to authenticity. She is a rule-breaking single mom by choice whose talk serves to inspire others to embrace their inner rebels. Amy will encourage you to ask more questions and reject societal rules that don’t work for you as you navigate your own quest for a more authentically connected life.

Brittany Ladson

Osteopathic Medicine Student + STEMinist

Brittany Ladson is a 3rd year medical student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. She is hoping to pursue a residency in emergency medicine and potentially work internationally upon graduation. She is the vice president of operations for MSU Sci Comm and the president of Golden Key International Honor Society. Her TED talk will focus on STEMinism and the experiences of women in medicine.

Fatima Younus, DO, MPH

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Fatima Younus, D.O., MPH, recently graduated from her Family Medicine residency training from Authority Health. As a Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine alum, she had the opportunity to practice medicine in Malawi as part of her medical school rotations. In her time as a resident physician at Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Younus has had challenging, yet humbling moments. Through both experiences, she encountered stories of resilience, compassion, and, most importantly, a community.

Jamie Racklyeft

Water Safety Enthusiast + Communication Strategist

Jamie Racklyeft is a Communication Director at the University of Michigan and founder of the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium.

Jessica Crawford

Renewable Energy Researcher + Sustainability Advocate

Jessica Crawford is a master's student in the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on the social acceptance of renewable energy siting. She has worked with communities across Michigan to understand how decision-making processes affect citizens' responses to proposed solar and wind projects. This has led her to explore ideas about revamping standard public procedures to help enhance host communities' support.

Karl Gude

Founder of Gude Thinking + Professor

Karl is the founder of Gude Thinking and consults with organizations on the topics of Infographics and Creativity. Karl was an award-winning Professor of Practice from Michigan State University, where he taught creative thinking and problem-solving. Prior to joining the MSU, Karl was the Director of Information Graphics at Newsweek magazine and The Associated Press. Karl is a creative thinker who has consulted with numerous companies on his two favorite topics: creativity and data visualization. He has presented at three TEDx talks, at Harvard University's "Political Analytics Conference" and more than once at the South by Southwest (SXSW) technology conference. Karl is avid artist, doodler, goofball, and writer.

Kyle Chong

Ph.D. Student in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education Program

Kyle Chong is a Ph.D. Student in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education program in the College of Education at Michigan State University researching social studies teacher education, anti-racist teaching, and curriculum studies. In addition to his work in teacher education, Kyle has conducted research in Asia as well as work with Asian American teachers.

Sean A. Watkins

Media Consultant + Storyteller

Sean A. Watkins (he/him/they) is a Brooklyn-based consultant, storyteller, and is the founder and owner of Agency of Joy, a queer & Black-owned consulting agency specializing in social change. He is a Michigan State alumnus who believes deeply in a better world and is interested in building a community of agents of joy to make that vision a reality.

Tamara Steffens

General Manager & Managing Director of M12

Tamara Steffens is the acting General Manager & Managing Director of M12, a Microsoft venture fund. Tamara Steffens leads investing and VC partnerships for M12 in North America and India, and is the executive sponsor of the fund’s Female Founders Competition. She is an experienced operator and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in Silicon Valley at both startups and large tech companies. She has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Michigan State University, where she currently sits on the Marketing Leadership Advisory Board.