Theme: Innovating Through Challenges

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).

Benet Academy
2200 Maple Ave
Lisle, Illinois, 60523
United States

Ashley Maloney

Biomedical engineering graduate student at Northwestern University

Ashley Maloney is a graduate student at Northwestern University, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She holds an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering. Her passion for blending technical knowledge with patient care and innovation has led her to a unique intersection of biomedical engineering, medicine, and entrepreneurship. Ashley works at Yobee Care, a startup founded by a Northwestern pediatrician and allergy expert, focused on developing clinically proven, all-natural treatments for dry scalp and skin conditions such as eczema and cradle cap. Additionally, she collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of students from Feinberg, Kellogg, and McCormick on a startup project that revolutionizes inventory management in hospital operating rooms, addressing inefficiencies caused by manual data entry, lack of real-time tracking, and suboptimal communication.

Chef Q Ibrahim

Chef and Food Education Advocate

Apply the traits of a Jewish mother fused with Middle Eastern teachings from a father to a black woman in the midwest and you’d get Chef Q. Ibraheem. Culinary art school was a farm in Georgia, a chair to stand on over the stove top while being taught recipes in her mother’s kitchen and her father’s halal poultry shop in Detroit’s Eastern Market, America’s largest farmers market. Chef Q's hospitality career began immediately after high school in Greek restaurants where she began in the front of the house. Determined to cook she applied for a culinary apprenticeship where she was given the opportunity to craft her skills with a Food Network Chef. Traveling through the restaurant scenes in Detroit, Atlanta and Chicago where she worked at Michelin starred Elizabeth Kitchen roles have included Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Executive chef and Corporate Executive Chef.

Jay Delrosario

United States Navy Submarine Engineer

I am a materials engineer with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division in West Bethesda, MD. I have been working there for over 30 years, as it has been my only job as an adult. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. Go Blue! I was attracted to engineering because my dad is an electrical engineer, and I chose materials because I enjoyed and did well in the Materials 101 class in college. That's when I realized that my brain works more like mom's. She was a chemist. I grew up in Detroit, Ml, and I enjoy traveling, movies, music, dancing, and sports. These days golf is my passion, and I also love going to concerts. I was once a professional clown, and my name was Popcorn. I have 2 adult children, Zack and Jade. They are my pride and joy. We have a dog and 5 cats. So I guess I have 8 kids.

PJ Weiland

Author

PJ Weliland is a certifed, award-winning coach, author, entrepreneur, YouTuber, and speaker with a passion for pushing boundaries and unlocking potential. From running marathons to writing books, she has proven that embracing challenges leads to extraordinary personal growth. Located on the North Shore of Chicago, PJ has empowered thousands of business owners and leaders to reach new heights, both personally and professionally. Her expertise in scaling up businesses reflects her belief that the biggest rewards come when you step outside your comfort zone. Whether helping others publish their first book or guiding them through transformative business strategies, PJ inspires others to take bold steps toward achieving their full potential. Her TED talk emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing discomfort, and discovering the strength you never knew you had.

Zamaan Qureshi

Social Media Safety Advocate and Design it for Us Co-Chair

Zamaan Qureshi is an activist and advocate for safer social media for teenagers and young people. He serves as co-chair of Design It For Us and Campaigns Associate at Accountable Tech. He's also a member of the Council for Responsible Social Media, and of the Real Facebook Oversight Board. He's written for publications including TIME and Tech Policy Press and has been featured by outlets including MSNBC, The Washington Post, POLITICO, and Axios. He is a recent graduate of American University where he earned a B.A. in international studies and political science.