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).

College Center Conference Room
2310 Centennial Dr
Salina, Kansas, 67401
United States

Amber Thompson

Trial Attorney

Amber Thompson is a trial attorney at Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC where she represents corporate clients in product liability, environmental and toxic tort litigation nationwide. Amber has served on the Diversity Committee of the firm since 2019, helping to implement new initiatives to recruit and retain diverse talent. She received a Burton award for Distinguished Legal Writing in 2020 for her contributions to the article “Diversity’s Next Step: Developing Minority Partners.” Amber received her J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2018, where she served as Editor in Chief for The Journal of the Legal Profession and competed for the winning team of the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board Competition. She was a Distinguished Service Award winner at Arkansas State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees in Political Science and Philosophy.

Brian Donovan

Sociologist

Brian Donovan is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Kansas, specializing in gender and American culture. His latest book, American Gold Digger: Marriage, Money, and Law from the Ziegfeld Follies to Anna Nicole Smith, explores the "gold digger" trope in law and popular culture. Donovan's current research focuses on the Taylor Swift fandom, with his upcoming book, Swifties: Anatomy of a Fandom, using interviews to explore fan meaning-making and joy. He teaches a class on "The Sociology of Taylor Swift" and advises the university's Swift Society club. His insights on Swift's fans have been featured in major publications, including the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

David Mains

Criminal Justician

David Mains provides consulting services to criminal defense attorneys all over the world. He has organized and presented at Yale Law School’s Reb Law 25; presented and paneled at the National Communication Association’s annual conferences for five of the last six years; is published; guest lectured at the University of Washington; and presented a TEDx all on topics related to prison, prisoners, and/or the benefits of teaching debate. Mains is relied upon as an expert on Texas prisons by members of the Texas Legislature and the Texas Department of Criminal Defense (TDCJ). His expertise comes from being a “Justice Impacted Person” as a TDCJ volunteer and former inmate.

Katie Pearson

IKEducation Specialist

Katie Pearson is an IKEducation Specialist for the Eisenhower Foundation. She provides educational programming and curriculum to thousands of students and teachers per year at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas. Katie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Kansas State University, and she has spent her entire 14-year career in teaching, librarianship, and research. She also serves on the William Allen White Children’s Book Award Selection Committee and writes historical fiction.

Kurt Barnhart

Aviation Professor

Dr. Kurt Barnhart is a professor at Kansas State University's Aerospace and Technology campus, where he brings nearly 40 years of expertise in civil aviation. His extensive career spans roles as a pilot, aircraft mechanic, R&D test technician, systems instructor, administrator, and professor.

Rebecca Adams

Marketing Instructor

Rebecca is an instructor in Marketing at Kansas State University, teaching a wide variety of classes including Consumer Behavior and Professional Selling. She holds an MBA and Master’s of Accountancy from K-State and was awarded the Edgerley Outstanding Instructor Fellowship. In addition, Rebecca is a business consultant focusing on marketing and accounting for small businesses and non-profits.

Regena Aye

Civil Air Patrol Commander

Maj. Gen. Regena Aye is Civil Air Patrol’s 26th national commander and CEO, leading its nearly 70,000 members in emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education. Appointed in April 2024, she has over 30 years of CAP service, starting as a cadet in Kansas and earning the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award. Aye has held various leadership roles, including Kansas Wing commander and national vice commander, and was CAP's first chief of education and training. An online professor at Baker University, she holds a doctorate in educational leadership and several CAP honors, including the President’s Call to Service Award

Sabrina do Rosario

Resilience Specialist

Sabrina do Rosario is the director of the Community Resilience Hub at Kansas Wesleyan University. She is passionate about positively influencing the world by actively encouraging a sustainable future. Originally from São José dos Campos, Brazil, while growing up she was inspired to study and advocate for the environment by experiencing the exuberant wonders of the Atlantic Rain Forest, visiting beaches on São Paulo North shore and enjoying the mountains from Paraíba Valley. She studied biological sciences, and earned an M.B.A. in environmental management and sustainable development.