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).

City Winery
990 Fibert Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107
United States

Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya

Founder of African Women in STEM

Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya is the founder of African Women in STEM. She is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering women in their pursuit of success, offering them invaluable education, mentorship, and networking, to seize their potential, own their careers, and make a profound impact. With a wealth of experience spanning two decades in engineering, Adaeze is a master at transforming challenges into opportunities and developing creative solutions to complex problems. Her passion for STEM is contagious, and she strongly advocates celebrating the unique identities and contributions of cultural minorities in the STEM ecosystem. Through her dedication, Adaeze encourages the cultural minority to unlock their potential and leave a lasting imprint. Her rich experience and passion for STEM make her a guiding force in championing diversity and innovation within this global community. Born and raised in Nigeria, Adaeze now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.

Brian Tucker

Hospitality industry & Veteran of the United States Army

Brian Tucker is a veteran of the hospitality industry and a veteran of the United States Army. His 30 years of experience has ranged from restaurants, and catering, to contract food services. He has spent the last decade working in Human Resources in Learning and Development and HR Management Roles. In his current role as Human Resources Director for Elior North America, he partners with operations leaders to design a people strategy which aligns with the organization’s operational and growth goals. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and 2 children.

David Sylvester

Author, Filmmaker, Motivational Speaker, and Life Coach

No one owes more to a simple hug than David Hale Sylvester. That's because since losing his friend in the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks, Big Dave, as his friends know him, made it his mission to make the world a better place one hug at a time. After exchanging hugs, high5s, and good vibes with over half a million people throughout 50 states and 42 countries, Big Dave is now an award-winning author, filmmaker, world-renowned motivational speaker, life coach, and, most importantly, a better man. On the surface, traveling the world, giving hugs, and evolving into a better man sounds easy, almost trivial, but it isn't. So now, whether staging a Hug-Party in one of the nation's most depressed cities or going to a community affected by mass violence, Big Dave extends himself and his two decades of experience to engage people and help their smiles grow positively. For more hugs, high5s, and good vibes, always follow @TheHumanhigh5.

Lauren Cristella

CEO of the Committee of 70

It was Lauren Cristella’s passion for active citizenship, strong public leadership and practical policy-making that led her to the Committee of Seventy in 2018. She became the first woman to serve as CEO in 2023. Lauren was President of the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia and currently serves on the Board of the Forum of Executive Women. She is also a member of Impact100 Philadelphia and the Board of the Vare Washington Home & School Association. Prior to joining C70, Lauren helped to lead Penn's Fels Institute of Government. Before joining Fels, Lauren worked in the education department and the National Constitution Center and later joined the Center's senior management team as the Director of Special Projects for the CEO. Lauren, her husband, their two kids, and their dogs Utley & Kelce, reside in South Philadelphia.

Lyndsey Getty

Author of “Overthink” and founder of the Thought Method Co.

Lyndsey Getty, author of “Overthink” and founder of the Thought Method Co., is a researcher and innovator dedicated to bridging the gap between mental wellness education and practical implementation. Developing effective strategies, she empowers others to improve their quality of life by improving the quality of their thoughts. The perspectives and methods she imparts are derived from her experience of overcoming c-PTSD, depression, and anxiety. A survivor of domestic violence, she adopts a trauma-informed approach and takes pride in not only teaching revolutionary methods but also serving as living proof of their efficacy. She loves explaining complex topics in a fun and lighthearted way, listening to others talk about their passions, horribly good 80s movies, practicing Muay Thai, and naps.

Maybe Burke

Artist, Educator, Author, and Speaker

Maybe Burke (she/her) is an award winning artist, educator, author, and speaker with over a decade of experience changing and opening minds through storytelling. She is interested in telling the stories that haven’t been told, and passionate about helping people unlearn the ways they’ve been taught to think. As an educator, Maybe speaks all over the country, in person and virtually, about gender and sexuality. She has given keynote speeches, facilitated workshops and professional development trainings, and spoken on many panels. Maybe is one of the co-authors of I ❤️ Orgasms, the latest gender expansive sex ed book on pleasure and intimacy. Her solo show, Love Letters to Nobody, earned her the Fresh Fruit Spirit Award for Fostering Pride, Survival, History, and Progress as well as a nomination for the Doric Wilson Independent Playwright Award.

Mike Twining

Leader of trusted Farm Performance Advisors

Mike Twining grew up on a poultry and grain farm on the eastern shore of Maryland. His love of farming and food production led him to a degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University and a 30+ year career serving farmers in the Mid-Atlantic region. He leads a team of trusted Farm Performance Advisors for an independent ag retailer that influences over 500,000 acres of crop production in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A father of two adult children, he is passionate about helping people discover the power of their food choices to both reverse climate change and live a healthier life.

Najya Williams

2025 M.D. Candidate at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Najya Williams (she/her) is a 2025 M.D. Candidate at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Temple University), 2025 Grad.Cert. Candidate in Narrative Medicine and multidisciplinary artist who is currently based in Philadelphia, PA. Najya is an advocate for self-care and self-preservation, especially within the Black community, and this passion is reflected in many of her projects, service efforts and literary works. Her poetry, essays, and other writings have been accepted and/or published by a number of organizations, including POETRY Magazine, Black Youth Project and Healing Points. Currently, she is also a Managing Editor for the Katz Journal of Medicine and Board of Director Member for Girls Health Ed.

Nicole Bailey-Williams

Author and Educator

Nicole Bailey-Williams is an author and educator. Educated at Hampton University, where she earned a BA in English, and Temple University, where she completed her Master’s degree in Education at the age of 23, Nicole has taught on the middle school, high school, and undergraduate levels in addition to conducting workshops and giving lectures to colleagues. A former radio personality, she had the pleasure of interviewing hundreds of authors on “The Literary Review” on WDAS-AM in her hometown of Philadelphia. Her successful radio program ran from 1998-2007. She has penned seven books and written numerous articles, essays, and short stories that have been included in magazines and anthologies.

Ssanyu Lukoma

Teenage Entrepreneur, Author, and Public Speaker

Ssanyu Lukoma is a teenage entrepreneur, author, and public speaker! She is also a freshman at Howard University, studying broadcast journalism. At 13 years old, she founded Brown Kids Read, a non-profit organization dedicated to motivating all children, especially children of color, to read more diverse literature. Since then, she created an online and pop-up bookstore called The Brown Reads Bookshelf and in 2021, she wrote a children’s book, Suubi’s Sunny Smile, through her publishing company, Share a Smile Books. Most recently, she published her second children’s book in 2023 called Chi-Chi’s Toothy Grin! She also presents workshops for corporate audiences and students. Ssanyu is a dynamic creator and changemaker who thrives on amplifying diverse voices, making big ideas come to life, and inspiring those around her. She wants everyone to know that regardless of age, gender, social status and other factors, being themself is enough to change the world!

Theo Major

Speaker, Singer, Songwriter, and Mental Health Advocate

Theo Major, a dynamic speaker, singer, songwriter, and mental health advocate from Philadelphia, transcends artistic boundaries, drawing inspiration from Teddy Pendergrass, Andre 3000, Childish Gambino, and Westside Boogie. His narrative unfolds with authenticity and versatility, extending beyond soulful R&B vibes. Committed to mental health advocacy, Theo fearlessly reveals his journey, offering glimpses into his world with integrity and originality. Beyond liquid vocals and infectious songs, he envisions storytelling as a powerful tool for connection and empowerment. With a debut EP on the horizon, Theo aspires to be a Major force, not just in music but as a compelling speaker, ushering in a world where words become catalysts for change and understanding.

Tina Neal

Writer, Speaker, and Podcaster

Tina Neal, a seasoned writer, speaker, and podcaster, is a fierce champion for transgender youth. Drawing from over a decade as a parent navigating the evolving landscape of politicization and acceptance, Tina founded Tertium Quid, a 501(c)(3) organization addressing the unique challenges faced by transgender youth and their families. At the heart of Tertium Quid is a free annual family camp, offering a traditional experience for gender-expansive children and educational sessions for parents led by diverse experts. Tina's impact extends through "Tertium Quid Talks," a dedicated podcast exploring issues for allies of transgender youth. With three children and residing in the greater Philadelphia area, Tina Neal is not just an advocate; she's a catalyst for change, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive world for transgender youth and their families.