Theme: PIVOT

Transformative moments that challenge the familiar and inspire action.

Barry Auditorium
901 8th Street S.
Moorhead, Minnesota, 56562
United States

Alan Bjerga

Agricultural Policy Writer at Bloomsberg News

Alan Bjerga is an American journalist, author of the book Endless Appetites: How the Commodities Casino Creates Hunger and Unrest and the 2010 president of the National Press club. He covers agricultural policy for Bloomberg News. In 2012 he joined the faculty of Georgetown University as an adjunct instructor. He has been recognized for his work covering U.S. and international agricultural issues, receiving awards from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, the New York Press Club, the Kansas Press Association, the North American Agricultural Journalists, and the Overseas Press Club. He is also a frequent commentator on food and agricultural issues, appearing on Bloomberg Television, National Public Radio, the BBC and PBS Newshour, among other programs. Before working for Bloomberg News, Bjerga won the NAAJ's top writing award while working for the Knight-Ridder Washington Bureau.

Corwin Aragon

Assistant Professor of Philosophy

Dr. Corwin Aragon. is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He specializes in Moral, Social, and Political Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy, and Critical Philosophy of Race. Currently, he is preparing a manuscript, Situating Responsibility for Injustice, that articulates a theory of individual moral responsibility for structural injustice. In addition to this, Dr. Aragon has published or presented work on a wide array of philosophical topics, including the politics of racial humor, male feminism, and responsibility for immigration.

Jodee Bock

Consultant

Jodee Bock is principal and founder of Bock’s Office Transformational Consulting where she provides coaching, speaking, facilitation, development and delivery of customized workshops and seminars that support individuals and teams in succeeding at whatever they are committed to accomplishing. She holds certifications in Life Purpose and Career Coaching, LifeSuccess Consulting, PSYCH-K Facilitation, and Accelerated Innovation Facilitation. Jodee is author of the books Own Your Story: The Invitation, which was published last Christmas, and the second volume: Own Your Story: Goals to Glory, available now, and The 100% Factor: Living Your Capacity, as well as the blog InviteToTheWhite.com. She is co-author of the books Inviting Dialogue and Don’t Miss Your Boat. When she’s not writing, coaching or speaking, Jodee is probably singing with the City of Lakes Chorus, an award-winning barbersho

Kristin Geer

Emmy-Winning Journalist

Kristin Geer is a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who pivoted from television news after an ovarian cancer diagnosis and started a nonprofit to raise money for cancer research and education. She also started a television production studio, producing nationally syndicated television shows but had to pivot again, during the recession. Kristin is a 1991 graduate of Concordia College, currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Johns Hopkins University. Her goal is to incorporate her thesis research into a book she’s writing about pivotal transformations by women, who have not only bounced back after surviving a crisis, have gone on to turn their pain into purpose for the greater good.

Kylie Windecker

Student at Concordia College

Kylie Windecker is a senior at Concordia College, Moorhead. She is an aspiring social studies teacher with a minor in psychology, and is overly passionate about almost all the topics included in these studies. A current events junkie. Kylie lives neutral colors, tea, her siblings, Kayla and Thomas, and TED Talks. It has always been a dream of hers to give a TED Talk, and Kylie would like to thank the TEDxConcordia committee for helping her achieve a goal she though would be impossible, as well as her family and friends, especially Alayna Starr, for all of their support along the way. Kylie has lived her whole life in Moorhead, MN, and while she is looking forward to her future adventures, she will always cherish her time at Concordia, and will forever be a proud Cobber.

Lee Carlson

High School Teacher

Lee Carlson, a teacher and coach since graduating from Concordia College in 1988, holds state board positions with Education Minnesota, MN Education Equity Partnership, and MN Rural Education Association. Transitioning from Cushing’s Syndrome to Addison’s Disease served as notice for Carlson to search out a wide range of opportunities with his second chance at life, most recently speaking at Rare Disease Day at the Capitol in St. Paul. Carlson’s wife Susie and their three children; Sam, Madi, and Logan live in St. James, MN.

Megan Myrdal

Adjunct Professor at Concordia College

Megan Myrdal, MS, RDN is the director and co-founder of Ugly Food of the North, a Fargo-Moorhead (F-M) based organization working to build a more sustainable food system through education, networking & community organizing. In addition to directing Ugly Foods, Megan works as a consulting food and nutrition professional in the Fargo-Moorhead area. She is the project coordinator for the Cass Clay Food Systems Advisory Commission, an adjunct instructor for Concordia College, and the co-organizer of the Red River Market. She received her masters of science from North Dakota State University in nutrition & exercise science, and bachelors degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in food nutrition/dietetics and communications. She completed her dietetic internship w

Riah Roe

Disability Advocator

Riah Roe is on a mission to help bridge the gaps between people of different backgrounds. After gaining her degrees in Psychology & Sociology with a minor in Gender Studies at Concordia College, she set off to Minneapolis to engage in advocacy work. Currently, she manages an Independent Living Skills program for Opportunity Partners, a disability service non-profit organization. She also leads the organization in their public policy efforts and helps organize grassroots advocates. Outside of disability advocacy, she is a performance artist, queer community organizer, and civil rights commissioner for the city of Minneapolis.

Shar Berns

Dance Instructor

Shar Berns is the founder and Executive Director of Inspire Dance and Wellness Studios in Fargo. Her studio has an amazing staff offering training in a variety of dance styles to youth of all ages and abilities. Shar has trained in dance and movement education her whole life and has been teaching since 1997. Prior to opening Inspire Dance and Wellness Studios Shar had a career in sales management and local marketing. She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead with BA's in Communications and Spanish. Shar and her husband, Mac, live in West Fargo and have an adorable 4 year old son.