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).

Venture Suite
780 Mt Vernon Ave, Columbus, OH 43203
Columbus, Ohio, 43203
United States

Deborah Aubert Thomas

Deborah Aubert Thomas is president and CEO of Philanthropy Ohio and is committed to leading and equipping Ohio philanthropy to be effective, powerful change agents in their communities. Deborah was previously vice president, programs & learning and provided vision and oversight for all educational programs. She previously served as director of grants and programs at the Princeton Area Community Foundation and coordinated a diversity internship program for Women & Philanthropy; developing the National Girls Inc. Media Literacy after-school program; and coordinating the Leadership Scholars program at the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Rutgers University. Deborah serves on the boards of directors for Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and United Philanthropy Forum and previously on the board of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. She holds a Master of Arts from the Steinhardt School of Education, New York University, and a Master of Science from the Milano Graduate School, New School University.

Diandra Renee Gordon

Diandra R. Gordon, PhD, JD is a native of Columbus, OH. Dr. Gordon holds a BA in Psychology from Hampton University, a MS and PhD in Human Development and Family Science, and JD from Capital University Law School. Dr. Gordon seeks to make effective change for under-resourced populations by applying critical race interdisciplinary perspectives to her interests and experience in building community, family wellness, intimate partner violence, cultural studies, and the arts, with law. Dr. Gordon continues to build a career with intention and seeking to create lasting and effective change using her research, experience, and law studies. Her ultimate goal is to create sustainable change and inform policy to build an equitable society for people of color. In times of leisure, Dr. Gordon enjoys laughing, dancing, traveling and experiencing the diverse excellence of people and their culture.

Elizabeth Caslin

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Elizabeth Caslin is a student and education reform advocate with over 5 years of service in multiple school districts within the city of Columbus. Her expertise lies in social emotional learning, strategic planning, professional development, community engagement, and mentoring. In 2019, Elizabeth launched her nonprofit organization, DNA Project, which is the acronym for “developing new attitudes.” The organization specializes in the development of youth-centered resiliency building. She currently serves as an administrative assistant for the Ohio Department of Higher Education while she also completes her educational leadership licensure. She recently was initiated into Kappa Delta Phi- a high professional society that recognizes outstanding contributions to education. Elizabeth continues to serve as a facilitator for Franklin County Restorative Justice Circles while holding an advisory board position for DEI for American College of Education and Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority.

Jasilika Davidson

Jasilika Davidson is the owner of Assisted Living Locators of West Columbus and the host of The Golden Life Podcast. As the owner, she is able to utilize her gifts and talents to assist seniors and their families in what could be considered the most overwhelming and burdensome experience of their lives: navigating senior care options. Jasilika’s innate altruism and nurturing spirit enables her to lend a listening ear and provide quality senior care information and direction. She proudly connects families to resources that are beneficial in areas such as planning for life finality, selling their home, securing Power of Attorney and last will and testament guidance, plus provide access and knowledge to other life planning tools.

Jennifer Fowler Howard

Jennifer Fowler was born and raised in Waco, Texas. She’s the Director of Business Solutions at Per Scholas and the Founder of Project C.L.O.U.D.S., a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing educational and employment training for youth aged 14-22. Jennifer completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri – St. Louis and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She recently completed her Master of Divinity degree at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. This educational experience has further equipped her to work compassionately, and think theologically, with others to address matters of social justice, community development, and youth empowerment. Jennifer is passionate about people and seeks daily to inspire, motivate, and encourage those around her to be all they are capable of being. She is a kid at heart, who seeks to live a life that brings glory to God and positively impacts all those she encounters.

Landon J. Adams

Rev. Landon J. Adams is an ordained minister serving as Director of Maturity at New Salem Baptist Church. A Columbus native, he is a proud graduate of Northland High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Lafayette College and Master of Divinity from Duke University. He has held professional roles in corporate recruiting, community-based non-profit and hospice chaplaincy. Landon currently serves a Chair for the Alpha Rho Lambda Education Foundation for the Columbus grad chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, is a founding Board Member for the Community of Caring Development Foundation and new to the faculty of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio Leadership Academy. Landon is married to TEDxKLB speaker Khadija, the Dee of Deez Cookies and father to their two daughters, son and dog.

Nathan Lee Roy Harris

Nathan Lee Roy Harris is a Ph.D. candidate at The Ohio State University, Department of Engineering Education. He graduated cum laude from Morehouse College, obtaining a bachelor's in Computer Science as a Gates Millennium Scholar. His current research is understanding how Black parents can promote culturally relevant STEM experiences in the home. Recently awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, a highly prestigious fellowship awarded to Graduate Students who show immense promise as researchers and leaders in STEM fields. Nathan can make a change and prove that we can be the change we want to see in our future. Upon completing his Ph.D., he seeks to do consulting for school systems that desire to implement STEM courses catered to their school and community. Nathan has always recognized that he is his ancestors' wildest dreams, and the work that he seeks to accomplish is for the generations to come.

TrigNO Stylgia

TrigNO, Born & raised on the Northside of Columbus, Ohio (February 25th, 1993). Started writing music & emceeing at the age of 10. Also picked up dance and traveled the world with it (battles, performances, teaching etc). Started taking music seriously at the age of 17. 1/2 Founder of the group "Rawest 4mation". 1/2 Founder of "Sang and Hangout". Has dropped a musical body of work every year since 2016 (TrigkNOw TOO, Rawest 4m, 4sight, 4tunately EP, EYEDENTITY & SpookyTape) Shared stages with/opened up for Talib Kweli, Jon B, Bun B, Da Brat, Big Daddy Kane, Sevyn Streeter, Jadakiss & more. The main goal with the music is to enlighten self confidence in others which is taught through knowledge of surroundings, consequences & most importantly self. IG: @TrigNOstylgia

Vaya Fraley

Vaya Fraley is a Columbus, Ohio native, raised by a compassionate and community-minded single father. Her early introduction to "service above self" was facilitated through her family and formal education experiences. Vaya is a duly degreed Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Wright State University and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Vaya continues the legacy of community-centered compassion established by her family through her work as a featured speaker at the YWCA Columbus' Woman to Woman Luncheon event, volunteering as a mentor for the WrightChoice Program, in her former role as the Clinical Specialist at The Salvation Army in Central Ohio, and as a dedicated crisis team member at Netcare Access.