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).

Mid-America Club
200 E. Randolph
80th Floor
Chicago, Illinois, 60601
United States

Deanne De Vries

Author + Keynote Speaker + Africa Advocate

Dr. Deanne De Vries — who has spent thirty years working and living across Africa for startups (including her own), venture capital firms as well as global non-profits and international organizations — looks at life, and Africa, differently. As she challenges conventional wisdom and outdated images of Africa and introduces her audiences to AfriCAN: the can-do Continent, she changes the way people and companies start, operate, and grow their operations across the Continent on stages across the globe from WEF Africa to the Economist and CNBC Africa. Her book “Africa: Open for Business” comes out in December 2021. www.DrDeanneDeVries.com

Kori Reed

Corporate Communication + Social Impact Professional

Driven to align people to see things in new and creative ways for good, Kori thrives at the intersection of people, insights, social impacts, and organizational goals. An agile and relatable communicator, she values authentic dialog that enables people to find clarity in the chaos, connect with others, and change the world in meaningful ways. She spent more than 25 years working in large, complex Fortune 500 companies, including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Quaker Oats, PepsiCo, and Conagra Brands. A champion of gender equity, she also wrote a book called ZagZig Parenting: The (Mis)Adventure of a Career-Driven Mom and Stay-at-Home Dad. www.Linkedin.com/in/korireed/

Lisa Jones

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Lisa is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, keynote speaker and author, who has been working in nutrition communications for over 20 years. She is also a contributing author of the book, Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide. Lisa's passion for nutrition started in childhood when she learned about the powerful connection eating together can create, and now helps clients by creating more meaningful connections while eating together. Today, Lisa consults with companies and other healthcare organizations on how to leverage creative solutions to eat better. www.LisaJonesLive.com

Pam Harper

Strategic Growth Advisor + Author + Founding Partner & CEO of Business Advancement Inc.

Pam Harper is a keynote speaker, author, and Founding Partner / CEO of Business Advancement Inc. (BAI), a strategic growth advisory firm. She is a trusted resource for top executives in companies across over 30 industries. She has been quoted, featured, and written articles for prominent business media including Business Week, Investor’s Business Daily, Pharmaceutical Executive, and Chiefexecutive.net. Her critically acclaimed book, Preventing Strategic Gridlock®, has been read in universities around the world. Pam also hosts the widely praised podcast series Growth Igniters® Radio with Pam Harper & Scott Harper. www.BusinessAdvance.com

Simone Knego

Author + Entrepreneur + Mom of Six

Simone Knego is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and the author of the best-selling and award-winning book, The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You. A former accountant who has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, she leads an ordinary life filled with extraordinary moments. She believes that what we do matters and that the small choices we make to do good in the world have the power to inspire others. She lives in Florida with her husband and six multicultural children. www.SimoneKnego.com

Wakako Wheelock

Educational Consultant specializing in Autism Spectrum and ADHD + Director of BrainWorx Japan

Wakako Wheelock is a keynote speaker who specializes in helping parents of neurodivergent children. She focuses on creating deep connections with children by meeting them where they are. Sounds easy, but this is where most parents unknowingly get stuck. Her “PAWS” process lets us overcome our hidden blocks so we can connect with our children in a truly beautiful way. She partners with Global Autism Solutions and BrainWorx Inc. to connect, motivate, and rebuild a solid developmental foundation so both parents and children can reach their potential with joy. www.WakakoSpeaks.com