Theme: Disrupt

The inaugural TEDxUoPacific event will take place on April 6, 2024, with the theme of Disrupt. More than 10 distinguished speakers will take to the stage in Faye Spanos Auditorium at University of the Pacific to share “ideas worth spreading.”

Faye Spanos Concert Hall
3601 Pacific Ave
Stockon, California, 95211
United States

Andrea Navedo

American Actress

Andrea Navedo is a Bronx-born-and-raised American actress best known for her role as Xiomara, a complex and genuine Latina on the hit series "Jane the Virgin," for which she received critical acclaim. She is dedicated to various charities including A Place Called Home in South Central Los Angeles and the Fresh Air Fund in New York City. Navedo has a passion for self-improvement, growth and healing and, through her experiences, seeks to help those who see themselves on the outside looking in.

Gregory Nicholas

CIO for Fortune 100

Inspired to improve patient outcomes while accelerating business goals, Gregory Nicholas has led IT organizations in the healthcare industry for over two decades. As CIO for Fortune 100, PE-backed, private and consulting firms, he conceived and launched award-winning IT products; designed IT strategies resulting in exponential revenue growth and patient satisfaction; led multiple M&A integrations and turnarounds; and implemented technology solutions to stabilize, secure and optimize operations.

Jasmine Uchi

Director of Medical Affairs and Operations at VeganMed Inc.

Dr. Jasmine Uchi is the Director of Medical Affairs and Operations at VeganMed, Inc., and is informally known as the "alpha-gal pharmacist." She has touched the lives of thousands of patients with a potentially fatal allergy known as Alpha-gal Syndrome. She is an adjunct faculty member at University of Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and has published several research papers which have been featured on multiple media platforms. She is passionate about patient safety and health equity. In addition to being a dog mom for a six-year-old Frenchie, she enjoys journaling and traveling.

Jazmarie LaTour

City of Stockton Poet Laureate

Jazmarie LaTour is the Poet Laureate of Stockton and a University of the Pacific alumna. As a queer BIPOC woman from Stockton, Jazmarie has been writing and performing poetry since 2008. Since then, Jazmarie has performed, coached and shared stages with many artists including opening for Grammy Award-winning recording artist Common and esteemed civil rights activist Angela Davis. Jazmarie’s passion for the arts prompted her to create a local Open Mic for her local community, a monthly platform that has been serving the community since 2017. She has been published in three anthologies and self-published her own body of work entitled “The Nature of Her.” Jazmarie’s love for spoken word poetry has given her the courage to speak, heal and connect with herself and others.

Jovan Pulido

Student

Raised in Merced, California, Jovan Pulido embodies resilience and dedication. A graduate of Merced High School, and currently majoring in Organizational Leadership at Benerd College at the University of the Pacific, he has faced his lifelong battle with Chronic Kidney Disease head-on, enduring 19 years on dialysis, three kidney transplants, the latest on November 29, 2022, and over 100 surgeries. Yet, Jovan's story is not just one of personal challenges but of remarkable achievements and contributions to his community.

Liesha Barnett

Chef & Farm Education Program Manager

Liesha is a food activist, HAES nutrition educator, grower and a chef with over 25 years of experience. Her diverse background and extensive knowledge in the culinary field have equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities when it comes to accessing nutritious and affordable food. Liesha has a commitment to empowering underserved communities through food education and advocacy. Her approach goes beyond simply providing meals; she actively engages families and individuals, encouraging them to take charge of their own well-being and fostering a sense of ownership over their food choices. She has been able to create sustainable solutions that promote food justice and security in a holistic manner.

Mia Love

Facilities Director Stanford University

Combining over two and a half decades as a professional in higher education, Mia is a talented entrepreneur and founder of Real Freedom With Love, a coaching firm that provides clients personalized, holistic coaching services. Known for her expertise in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, AuDHD and her passion for helping women overcome imposter syndrome, Mia's approach to coaching incorporates her knowledge of wellness and holistic practices, such as Reiki and energetic healing. Mia's specialization in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, AuDHD, her commitment to wellness, Reiki and energetic healing have positioned her as a highly sought-after coach and mentor. Her unwavering dedication to empowering women professionals to reach their financial and personal goals, while embracing their Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) abilities, has made a significant impact in the lives of many.

Natalie A. Perkins

University of the Pacific Chair / Program Director & Assist. Clinical Professor

Dr. Natalie A. Perkins (she/her) is a proud occupational therapist, educator and consultant with a focus on emotional intelligence, intentional teaching and the transformative power of connection. She currently serves as the OT Department Chair and OTD Program Director at University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences. She is also the founder of TheraPERKS, which is dedicated to empowering leaders through personalized emotional intelligence and therapeutic rapport training.

Olga Mack

Entrepreneur, Executive and Attorney

Olga V. Mack is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive and attorney dedicated to harnessing transformative technologies for positive change. Serving as a Lecturer at Berkeley Law, Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT Computational Law Report, Olga is a strong advocate for the integration of innovative technologies that enhance functionality and accessibility across various domains. With a proven track record as an award-winning general counsel, operations specialist and tech startup advisor, Olga encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to drive progress and efficiency.

Paul Hylenski

Director at Middle River Aerostructure Systems (ST Engineering)

Paul Hylenski, a distinguished aerospace business leader from Maryland with over two decades of experience, is revolutionizing leadership through technology. His leadership journey began in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed foundational skills that have fueled his career. Renowned for reshaping conventional leadership, Paul combines psychology and social skills to foster environments where individuals excel.

Sara Vogel

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Sara Vogel is a playful, dynamic, trauma-informed sex educator who is creating a world where conversations around sex and pleasure are normalized. For over fifteen years, she served as a leader in higher education, most recently working as a Title IX Coordinator supporting survivors of sexual and relationship violence. In 2022, Dr. Vogel launched her podcast, Ladybits and Leadership, to host authentic conversations on the intersections of gender, culture, power, sex and pleasure. The podcast became a sensation and launched her educational company to new heights. Dr. Vogel now speaks at colleges and universities to continue the fight to close the orgasm gap, liberate sex and promote pleasure. She recently was selected as a 2024 Fulbright Research Chair exploring how to decolonize and re-indigenize sexual wellness and empowerment education—focusing specifically on Hawaiian and Pasifika narratives.