Theme: I AM ___________________

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).

Allendale Columbia School
519 Allens Creek Road
Rochester, New York, 14618
United States

Alexandra Curtis

Miss Rhode Island, Feminist, Student

Alexandra Curtis is a Syracuse/Brown alumna and former Miss Rhode Island. She is a women's leadership advocate who works to get women involved in politics and tech.

Andrew Davidhazy

Photographer

Professor Andrew Davidhazy is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology. He worked at RIT for 45 years. He likes to fiddle with cameras that record time and confuse his friends. And sometimes himself as well.

Cathy Rigali

Labyrinths, Nurse, Writer

Connor Surkau-Parkinson

Motivator of Others, Student

Dan Schneiderman

Maker

Dan is a maker, event organizer, and a general STEAM advocate. He has produced the Rochester Mini Maker Faire, the NYS Maker Summit, and hands-on maker experiences throughout New York State.

Dianna Paige

Mental Health Advocate, Student

Dianna Paige is currently a sophomore at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, studying psychology and public policy. She is a passionate mental health advocate, and has spoken at various conferences on the topic.

Jenn Poggi

Photojournalist

Jenn Poggi teaches photojournalism at Rochester Institute of Technology. She came to RIT following four years at the White House where she served as a picture editor and deputy director of the Photo Office. Previously, Jenn worked for the Associated Press in New York, U.S. News and World Report in Washington, D.C., and was a John S. and James L. Knight Fellow at Ohio University of School of Visual Communication.

Leeore Intrator

Behaviorial Neuroscience, Student

Leeore Intrator is an Israeli student at Allendale Columbia. His interest in statistics helps the data analysis in his research on focus and creativity within the brain.

Linh Phillips

Social Media, Marketing, and Promotions

Linh Phillips is a native of Rochester, NY and the founder & author behind Sir Rocha Says (sirrochasays.com), a local food & drink blog dedicated to helping our community discover new experiences. Her core mission is to help others fall in love with Rochester. Linh is a self-proclaimed experiential explorer and food lover. She loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, immersing herself in new places and shining a positive light on Rochester. Since the blog’s launch in October 2014, the blog has grown exponentially and has served as an approachable and fun way to celebrate the awesomeness of local food. Follow her food adventures on her website & social media @sirrochasays to keep up on the latest happenings in the area!

Mike Cocquyt

Fitness Guru for all abilities

With the heart of an adventurer, Michael Cocquyt has traveled the globe in pursuit of unique sport and recreation opportunities and now works to create sport and recreation programs for people of all abilities.

Morgan Levine

Feminist

Morgan Levine attends Honeoye Falls-Lima middle school, is on the HFL varsity swim team, and is a vocal feminist. She believes that there should be equal opportunities and respect for all genders in sports.

Tingyan Deng

Chinamerican, Student

David Deng is a euphoric Chinese student at Allendale Columbia. He enjoys embracing American culture and social life. He loves sharing his life experiences with others and is always looking for an opportunity to expand his skill set and horizons.