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).

URBN Annex
3401 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
United States

Christopher Ferguson

Boeing Test Pilot Astronaut

As Boeing’s first commercial test pilot astronaut, Christopher J. Ferguson will be among the first to fly to space aboard the CST-100 Starliner – a system that is on a course to open up space to more people than ever before. Ferguson is uniquely qualified to pilot the Starliner on its maiden flight to the International Space Station, having led the development of the spacecraft’s mission systems and crew interfaces.

Eric Zillmer

Professor of Neuropsychology

Dr. Eric A. Zillmer is the Carl R. Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology, Director of Athletics, and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Drexel University. He is currently teaching a course entitled Happiness in the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University, where he is the recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Faculty Award.

Jane Golden

Executive Director and Founder – Mural Arts Philadelphia

Jane Golden has been the driving force of Mural Arts Philadelphia since its inception in 1984, overseeing its growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest public art program and a global model for transforming public space and community through art. Under Golden’s direction, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 works of public art through innovative collaborations with community-based organizations, city agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, the private sector, and philanthropies.

Nadia Malik

Director – Porch Light Program – Mural Arts Philadelphia

Nadia is the director of the Porch Light Program at Mural Arts Philadelphia. She completed masters degrees in Social Work and Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Chicago and with several national nonprofits. Her nonprofit involvement has been in international and domestic policy for refugees, facilitating community involvement and communication at religious centers, and working with development departments on media and education projects. The Porch Light Program offers Nadia an opportunity to combine her love of art and writing with her passion for community work, particularly in the arena of mental health.

Nancy Volpe-Beringer

Fashion Designer

A decade ago, Nancy Volpe-Beringer’s growing professional success resulted in her creativity being stifled. Inspired by her sons’ drives to follow their own creative dreams, she decided to pursue her own. Growing up, she always loved sewing, and her interest in vintage and thrift shopping ignited her love for fashion. At age 58, Nancy took a risk and left her career at the pinnacle of her success to enroll in a master’s program at Drexel University in hopes to reignite her passion for fashion.

Youngmoo Kim

Director – The ExCITe Center – Drexel University

Youngmoo Kim is Director of the Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center, an institute at Drexel University for transdisciplinary research and discovery connecting technology and communities. He is also Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research group, the Music & Entertainment Technology Laboratory (MET-lab) pursues the machine understanding of audio, music information retrieval, human-machine interfaces and robotics for expressive interaction, and K-12 outreach for maker and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design, and Mathematics) education.