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).

USF Sarasota-Manatee
8350 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida, 34243
United States

Candace Yaeger

Executive Coach

Candace Yaeger MBA MA is a community cultivator, people connector, non-profit co-founder, renewable energy entrepreneur, former mental health therapist, and award-winning Executive Coach who has been featured in various news media outlets, including ABC and CBS. She is dedicated to helping others step up to their true potential and achieve successful, fulfilling work lives, keeping true to her life mantra “Lift as You Rise.” Born in Philadelphia to dedicated public servant parents, her passion for helping others and serving the community began at an early age. A self-proclaimed nerd with a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration, Candace also describes herself as an Aunt, beach bum, and wife. In 2021, Candace and her husband moved their businesses to sunny Sarasota, where she continues her passion for community involvement, service, and adventure!

Mia Vera

Student

Mia is currently a junior at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish. After graduating, Mia hopes to attend medical school. She participated in competitive Taekwondo for over eleven years, accomplishing a second-degree black belt, and has traveled all over the state, country, and internationally for Taekwondo competitions. Her Taekwondo journey gave her the tools necessary to begin her path to medical school.

Nathan Bynum

Guerrilla Marketer & Entrepreneur

Nathan Bynum is the founder of Lemon Launch, a guerrilla marketing agency that emphasizes community and creative ideas. He has developed a formula for creativity by studying what has worked and demonstrating it himself through different strategies. Some of these were building a vending machine to get inside and hand out brochures when people pressed the button, using a giant 6-foot funnel and computer mouse as a business card, attempting a Guinness World Record launching lemons from a slingshot, and building his own Super Bowl (8-foot toilet). He has also appeared as a guest on many podcasts to speak about creativity and creating opportunities through it.

Ralph Reid

Associate Director for Organizational Effectiveness and Success

Ralph Reid has lived in the Tampa Bay region for many years, having first moved to the area to attend USF where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Individualized Interdisciplinary Honors Research and Comparative Studies, followed by a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Ralph joined the St. Petersburg College workforce in March 2022 as Associate Director for Organizational Effectiveness and Success. Ralph has a passion for leadership, politics, community service, and civic action. He has extensive experience facilitating learning & professional development on a variety of topics that explore the fundamentals of leadership, coaching, counseling, mentorship, teambuilding, customer service, strategic planning, creativity, communication, problem-solving, innovation, teamwork, emotional intelligence, organizational assessment, performance management, and critical thinking.

Rita Zwiefel

Internship & Career Experience Coordinator

Rita Zwiefel (she/her) is a higher education professional with a passion for empowering students, while staying true to her personal style. She received her M.Ed. in Student Affairs from University of South Florida, and her B.A. in Spanish & International Relations from Florida International University. Currently, she works at USF St. Petersburg campus as a career counselor. She believes in the power of community, embracing your authenticity, and a great cup of coffee.