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).

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Anousheh Ansari

Anousheh Ansari, is the CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation, the world’s leader in driving innovation to solve humanity's grand challenges. She is a global presence in future-positive tech markets, a leader in the climate sector, and a recognized voice for women within STEM, entrepreneurship, and tech industries. Anousheh is also the first Iranian and the first self-funded woman to fly to the ISS.

Barret Schlegelmilch

Barret Schlegelmilch is a key personelle at Blue Origin, where he is responsible for training astronauts and preparing them for flights on New Shepard. As the Capsule Communicator (CapCom) in the New Shepard Operations Control Center, Barret plays a critical role in mission operations. His work extends beyond training, as he is also an integral member of the flight crew, flight operations, and astronaut customer experience teams, ensuring that every mission is executed with precision and care. He is also a doctoral research advisor at the George Washington University.

Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Emeline is the co-founder and CEO of SpaceBase, a social enterprise focused on democratizing space for everyone by co-creating space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting with New Zealand

Emma Lehnhardt

Emma is the business manager for NASA's Gateway Program – a space station that will orbit the Moon, part of NASA’s Artemis campaign. Previously, she worked at NASA Headquarters, the White House, the Space Policy Institute, and as a private sector consultant. She attended the ISU Space Studies Program in 2008.

Jaisha Wray

Jaisha Wray, the Associate Administrator for International Affairs at the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. In this role, she formulates telecommunications and information policies and promotes these policies in international fora. Previously, she was the Director for International Cyber Policy in the Cybersecurity Directorate of the National Security Council where she was responsible for drafting and implementing the U.S. strategy on 5G technology as well as enhancing international cybersecurity cooperation with a wide range of partners and allies.

Kris Lehnhardt

Dr. Kris Lehnhardt, is the Element Scientist for Exploration Medical Capability in the NASA Human Research Program. He is also an Associate Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Center for Space Medicine. Kris is a proud alum of SSP 2008 in Barcelona, an Adjunct Professor at ISU, and a dedicated space nerd.