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).

The Athena Center at Barnard College
3009 Broadway
New York, New York, 10027-6598
United States

Anthony Frasier

"Anthony Frasier is the co-Founder of The Phat Startup, a media company that produces resources for entrepreneurs. His work has been featured on CNN Money, Forbes, Black Enterprise, and Black In America. Frasier was also named an innovator by AT&T which led to a spot that aired to millions weekly and was praised by The Washington Post. A serial entrepreneur, Frasier founded the startup Playd and award-winning gaming site, The Koalition. Frasier is actively involved in Newark, NJ, helping aspiring entrepreneurs. His initiatives have been recognized by the Business Outreach Center and he was granted the Award for Community Impact in 2012."

Dr. Danielle Sheypuk

Wheelchair-dependent since childhood, psychologist Dr. Danielle Sheypuk once described her NYC dating and relationship experiences as “Sex and the City, disability style.” After snagging the title “Ms. Wheelchair NY 2012,” Sheypuk found herself in demand from a variety of media focused on her particular area of expertise – the psychology of dating, relationships and sexuality among the disabled community. Her "walk" down the runway as a model during the February 2014 New York Fashion Week has been deemed by some as a "Rosa Parks moment" on behalf of women living with disabilities.

Jeanne Sullivan

Jeanne M. Sullivan is an Advisor, Speaker, Investor, and Connector, but her favorite title is Chief Inspiration Officer. Sullivan is a co-Founder of StarVest Partners, a venture capital firm in NYC. Prior to her 20 years in the investment community, she gained her operating chops with the likes of AT&T and Bell Labs. A "voice” for women, Jeanne serves on the Global Board of Trustees of Astia, funding high growth women entrepreneurs, the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School and is an Athena Entrepreneur Fellow for Barnard College. The New York Hall of Science recently honored Jeanne for inspiring girls and women in science and technology (STEM) fields.

Jordyn Simmons

Jordyn is a sophomore at Barnard College hailing from Houston, Texas majoring in Africana Studies and minoring in Computer Science. While at Barnard, she has been involved in several organizations including the Columbia University Black Students' Organization, the Columbia University Society of Hip Hop, the Columbia University National Society of Black Engineers, and the Athena Digital Design Agency. In addition to her continued involvement in these student organizations she has been able to maintain an internship, and student employment with Barnard College's Instructional Media and Technology Department. Jordyn is passionate about the intersection between technology and creativity, and hopes to carry that passion into a career as an entrepreneur. In her free time Jordyn enjoys visiting some of New York City's finest museums & attending concerts around the city.

Michelle Herrera Mulligan

As the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmo For Latinas, Michelle Herrera Mulligan is an influencer who reaches more than two million women every month. Her essays and reporting have appeared in the New York Times, Glamour, Time, and the award-winning anthology "Count on Me: Tales of Sisterhoods and Fierce Friendships and Borderline Personalities: A New Generation of Latinas Dish on Sex, Sass, and Cultural Shifting" a collection of stories she also co-edited. She dedicates her spare time to trying to decipher financial planning.

Rae Silver

Dr. Rae Silver is the Helene L. and Mark N. Kaplan Professor of Natural & Physical Sciences and the head of the Silver Neurobiology Laboratory at Columbia University. Since 1976, Professor Silver has been a member of Barnard College’s faculty and has taught courses in Quantitative Reasoning, Neuroscience and Psychology. The National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Mental Health, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Office of Naval Research are among the organizations that have supported her research. Currently, she is a US Representative and serves as Chair on the Council of Scientists for the Human Frontiers Science Program and a member of the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine Forum on Neuroscience.

Rakia Reynolds

Rakia Reynolds is the founder of Skai Blue Media, a multimedia public relations agency with an all-star roster of lifestyle, technology, non-profit and fashion clients such as Uber, Forbes, “Project Runway” winner Dom Streater, Serena Williams, HSN, Ted Baker London, Campbell’s, Dell and Big Brothers Big Sisters. An influencer in the creative business industry, Reynolds is sought after by companies to provide expertise in creative development, branding and strategic communications. Reynolds has guest edited Marie Claire magazine, was featured in Essence and Lucky and writes entrepreneurial-focused articles for outlets like Forbes.com, Living in the Grey, Idea Mensch, and Killer Startups.

Sandra Goldmark

Sandra Goldmark is a theatrical set and costume designer and the founder of Pop Up Repair. She is committed to sustainable design practices, and her designs have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Drama Desk and the Hewes. In 2013, she launched Pop Up Repair, an itinerant repair service for household items, and was the recipient of a Barnard College Presidential Research Award to investigate larger patterns of consumption and waste, with a focus on repair as a driver of change. Sandra is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale School of Drama, and Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Barnard College.

Wayne Escoffery

"The London born, 2014 Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Star and Grammy Award winning tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery is one of the Jazz world’s most talented rising stars and in-demand musicians. He received a Bachelor of Music while studying with Jazz legend Jackie McLean at The Harrt School, and a Masters of Music while attending the Thelonious Monk Institute at The New England Conservatory. Escoffery is a member of the famed Mingus Big Band and a member of legendary trumpeter Tom Harrell’s quintet. He frequently tours internationally with the aforementioned groups as well as with his own quartet."