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).

Byham Theater
101 6th Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
United States

Aislinn Slaugenhaupt

Aislinn Slaugenhaupt is a socioenvironmentalist, Jane Goodall Institute National Youth Leader, U.S. Green Schools Fellow, award-winning student and writer, small-town inhabitant, nationwide speaker and lecturer, and high school student. She has spoken at international events and conferences and has traveled the country to share her message, redefine and challenge local and global obstacles, and create change. She is an equality advocate and is nationally active in empowering and speaking on behalf of young people, women, and citizens of underserved or disadvantaged communities. Aislinn is passionate about global citizenship, individual impact, and implementing real-world solutions to create tangible change.

Andrew Butcher

A Colorado native, Andrew is a Co-Founder of GTECH and a committed practitioner of creative social and environmental responsibility. He has studied and worked in the fields of renewable energy, resource management, public policy and community development for the past 10 years, and continues to earn the title of social entrepreneur.

Diane Turnshek

Diane Turnshek wants to change how we see the sky at night. She wants to light up our night skies with stars. Based on her work as an astronomer and Carnegie Mellon University lecturer, she outlines how we can Carpe Noctem (seize the night) through a series of changes that can help us balance urbanization with a perspective-inspiring view of the cosmos.

Gab Bonesso

Best known as the host of American Eagle’s AEO TV, frequent “Best Comedian” winner from Pittsburgh Magazine & Pittsburgh’s City Paper, and a Top-10 finalist at the New York Underground Comedy Festival– brings a unique and energetic mix of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and motivational speaking to The Josh and Gab Show.

Jim Withers

Dr. Jim Withers is an internal medicine physician who began providing medical care to Pittsburgh’s unsheltered homeless population in 1992. He is also the founder of Operation Safety Net, a street medicine program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For the past 23 years, Dr. Withers has been working with the homeless population to provide free medical care by going from one bridge to the next to assist homeless individuals in need. As a 2014 Huffington Post article on Dr. Withers stated, “What started off as two people offering free medical treatment has since grown into a national network of medical students and volunteers who go out to treat the homeless four nights a week.” In fact, Dr. Wither’s street medicine is now practiced around the world through his nonprofit International Street Medicine Institute.

Josie Badger

Dr. Josie Badger received her Doctorate in Healthcare Ethics from Duquesne University in 2014. She completed graduate school for Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Pittsburgh in April 2009 and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. In May of 2007 she graduated summa cum laude from Geneva College, majoring in Disability Law and Advocacy and in 2003 graduated high school valedictorian. Josie works at the Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center as Youth Coordinator for the Family-to-Family Grant assisting youth in transition and leadership development. Josie additionally is a LEND fellow for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and is supporting the Children’s Hospital Advisory Network for Guidance and Empowerment (CHANGE).

Lawrence Reed

Lawrence Ian Reed is a visiting assistant professor in the psychology department at Skidmore College. He completed his clinical internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School in 2010. He is interested in basic and applied research related to facial expression, emotion, and cooperation. His current research examines the communicative and commitment functions of facial expressions.

Michelle Fanzo

A change agent, strategist and internationalist, Michelle is President of 4 Corners Consulting and a World Policy Institute Fellow. A former United Nations staffer, she worked in Afghanistan, Germany, Kenya, and Myanmar, and was part of Kofi Annan’s Executive Team. She first moved to Pittsburgh in the 1990s as a journalist, founded PUMP and graduated from GSPIA; after a 16-year hiatus she moved back in November 2014.

Michelle King

Michelle King is a learner first and foremost and as well as an instigator of learning. Professionally, she is a middle school teacher aka a professional hostage. She learned and honed her craft in Mt. Lebanon with a fantastic crew of educators and students for over 16 years. In her quest to instigate courageous conversations about learning and children, she has ventured to The Environmental Charter School and their principles (Catalyst. Character. Collaboration. Commitment.) Currently, she teaches Cultural Literacy, an integrated social sciences and English/Language Arts course. She constantly seeking to create dynamic learning experiences and opportunities that inspire wonder, discovery, contradictions, frustrations, and joy.

Samantha Bushman

Sam is a social innovator redefining conventional notions of sex ed, how it should be taught, and what it means to be “at risk” for making poor relationship and sexual health decisions. She is the Founder of Talk, The New Sex Ed, a social enterprise that prepares young people and grownups alike to effectively navigate a complex sexual world.