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).

Farber Hall | Old Main | USD Campus
414 E Clark St
Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069
United States

Aaron DeVries

Education, Law/Human Rights, Social Sciences

Aaron DeVries is the founder of The Inclusive Dad, an organization whose mission is “Building stronger communities through inclusion.” He is a 2011 graduate of USD with a MS in Administrative Studies. He is the father of two young adults. He was introduced to the world of disabilities and special education after his daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy at an early age. He has spent over 15 years advocating for inclusion for his daughter in school and the community. He has served on various boards and committees of disability related organizations. He has given a TEDx talk entitled “The Power of Inclusion.”

KC Santosh

Business/Economics, Law/Human Rights, Technology

"Prof. KC Santosh, a highly accomplished AI expert, is the chair of the Department of Computer Science at the University of South Dakota (USD). He is also the founding director of the Center for AI Research & Enginneering at USD. He served the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a research fellow. Before that, he worked as a postdoctoral research scientist at the LORIA research centre, Universite de Lorraine in direct collaboration with industrial partner, ITESOFT, France. He earned his PhD in Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence from the INRIA Nancy Grand Est research centre (France).

Lamia Katbi

Science/Medicine

Lamia Katbi, MD is a multi-lingual pediatrics specialist, a board-certified pediatrician, a member of the Children's Community Physicians Association, and an educator who enjoys providing families with guidance on health and wellness. After struggling with her own health and emotional challenges, Dr. Katbi discovered the secrets of optimal health and the healing power of awareness. Now, she is on a mission to help people cope with burnout - and avoid it altogether.

Lisa Parry

Other

Lisa Parry grew up in nursing homes—they call them care centers now—and had more grandmas and grandpas than anyone she knows! As a child, she couldn’t foresee the wisdom surrounding her would one day drive her leadership style. In particular, Lisa learned much about the value of time, the importance of relationships, and the vulnerability of the young and the old. She is a speaker and mentor who enjoys connecting with those who seek healthier ways to think about, talk about, and react to challenges. Her expertise transcends the K-12 space and includes a focus on topics including, but not limited to, people-pleasing, likable leadership, master mindsets, and everyday engagement. Lisa earned her M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership from South Dakota State University and a B.S.Ed. in English Education from the University of South Dakota.

Stephanie Wilson

Social Sciences

"I'm Stephanie May Wilson and through my books, courses, and podcast, I help women take off the pressure of what they think their lives are supposed to look like by now — and then intentionally, confidently, and authentically build the life they actually want to live. My biggest passion is helping women navigate some of the major life transitions so many of us experience in our 20s and 30s... Being single and getting into a relationship, getting engaged and then married, changing jobs, moving to a new city, and (this is the HUGE transition I've been going through lately!)... becoming a mom. I’m here to be a mentor, a friend, a guide, and a cheerleader. I'm here to tell you that you're not alone in what you're going through, and that you WILL make it through. I’m also here to equip you with as many resources as possible to help you not only survive these gigantic transitions, but truly thrive. (My favorite is the Girls Night Podcast!)"

Tracy Goodwin

Business/Economics, Social Sciences

I am the owner of Captivate the Room. I am a voice researcher and coach and communication consultant, and I’ve been doing this work for over 30 years. My research has led me to some profound conclusions around our voice and how we use it. I’ve won speaking awards and writing awards and my actors when I directed plays have won many awards but the greatest honor is the thousands of voices I’ve had the opportunity to transform from an internal perspective giving people internal freedom and a voice that is always heard. My most recent work is a research study on voice and trust and buying and when all those things intersect. I’m also the single mother of a 22 year old comic book designer that is on the autism spectrum and I have a field bred English Cocker Spaniel that is being trained to be a search and rescue cadaver dog. She needs a job and that’s a great way for us to give back.