Theme: Defy Society

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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Alex Dickinson

Alex Dickinson is one of the pioneers in cloud computing infrastructure as well as a senior vice president at Illumina, a DNA sequencing company. He has been awarded over 30 patents covering a range of inventions including the camera and fingerprint technologies. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Adelaide, and a MBA from Columbia University.

Debra Miller

Debra Miller has been an advocate for fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder, ever since her son was diagnosed. She is now the co-founder of Cure Duchenne and continues to fight for people with Duchenne’s every day. She also works closely with the Scientific Board of Advisors in designing and implementing the medical research strategic plan. She earned a BA in Communication Studies from UCLA.

Kelly King

Although Kelly King is known more for her acting off-Broadway and on TV shows such as Jane the Virgin and Three and a Half Men, and for modeling with Wilhelmina, she spreads awareness on human trafficking and saving the elephants. She has traveled internationally as an ambassador to FashionHope.org to try to make a difference in these issues. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan.

Shaheen Sadeghi

Shaheen Sadeghi started off as a real estate developer, but his job led him to developing the Anaheim Packing District and The LAB and CAMP “anti-malls”. He was inspired to develop “anti-malls” because the traditional mall format became dated and out of touch with the next generation of consumers. He earned a BA from Pratt Institute’s School of Design and completed the Executive Finance Program at Harvard Business School.

Ted Chervin

Instead of pursuing a typical career in law after graduating from Harvard Law School, Ted Chervin began working on drug cases which took him to work for the FBI and DEA. He worked on pursuing drug cartels, mobs, and other drug syndicates internationally by the time he reached his late 20s. Now, he works as a television agent in Hollywood. He earned a BA from Amherst and a JD from Harvard Law School.