Theme: Dreaming Boldly

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).

West Broward High School
500 NW 209th Ave
Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33029
United States

Anna Dolce

Anna Dolce traded her Miss Georgia (Europe) crown and national fame for a $40 shot at the American Dream. Anna became a restaurant owner within 2 years of getting her start as a bartender in Brooklyn. Relocating to South Florida, Anna led operations of a private restaurant group for 10 years. She then founded an international business consultancy in her native country Georgia. Leveraging her 15 years industry experience, Anna now coaches restaurant owners and business professionals on organizational culture and peak performance.

Chris Norton

Chris Norton is a keynote speaker and author. Chris suffered a spinal cord injury playing college football in 2010. Initially given a 3% chance of regaining movement from the neck down, 4 years later Chris walked across the stage of his college graduation with the help of his fiancée, inspiring millions worldwide. Chris started the SCI CAN Foundation to help others with neurological disorders and authored "The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes." Chris was awarded the CBS Courage in Sports Award, has been on tv shows like Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, and featured internationally across the globe.

Dawn Maslar

After a series of failed relationships, biology professor Dawn Maslar MS, decided to use her research skills to study the science of love. Since then, she has become an award-winning author and quoted authority. She is a TEDxBocaRaton 2016 speaker on How Your Brain Falls In Love and worked with the TED Education division to create their Science of Attraction video. She is the author of Men Chase, Women Choose: The Neuroscience of Meeting, Dating, Losing Your Mind, and Finding True Love. She has been featured on South Florida Today, in the Pittsburgh Tribune and NPR.

Jim Barber

Jim Barber is a potential fulfillment specialist. (He helps people to discover their skills and talents.) An entrepreneur for over 35 years, Jim has written 18 published books, and has spoken to hundreds of audiences around the world. Jim created his first web site in 1995, and in 2000, PC World magazine declared it to be a “top ten” site for professional speakers. Jim has been an active member of Toastmasters International for over a quarter of a century, and has served as president of the Florida Speakers Association, and as the liaison to Florida for the National Speakers Association.

John Rizvi

John Rizvi is a patent attorney, author, and adjunct professor of law. He perfected his craft at one of the most prestigious and revered patent law firms in the world - a firm that counts Bell, Edison, the Wright Brothers and Ford among its distinguished list of clients. Instead of working directly with inventors, however, he found that his time was spent mostly in meetings with in-house lawyers of large, institutional, and corporate clients. As such, John formed his own law firm 15 years ago so he could work directly with inventors and entrepreneurs in protecting their ideas.

Marnino Toussaint

Marnino Toussaint is a South Florida-based Spoken Word/Hip-Hop artist and a Teaching Artist and Program Assistant with the Jason Taylor Foundation's Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network. Throughout the school year, Mr.Toussaint teaches poetry writing and performance in schools throughout South Florida all while performing both original music and poetry at cultural events such as Jazz in the Gardens, and Broward 100's Duende!. Marnino has also had the opportunity to write and perform in promotional poetry videos for the Miami Dolphins and Homestead Miami Speedway. Through his accomplishment, Marnino hopes to spread his passion for art to all he encounters.

Maryam Iqbal

Maryam Iqbal is top of her senior high school graduating class at West Broward High School, and she is an active member of numerous organizations. As an avid researcher, particularly on the subject of artificial sweeteners, Maryam has won various awards for her work at regional and state levels. She received the Harvard Book Award in 2016 and was selected to be a youth adviser for Youth Leadership Broward. Maryam is most passionate about creating change and exposing others to their own capabilities and potential.

Shawna Vercher

Columnist/TalkShow Host

Shawna Vercher is a national media figure who has worked as a strategist for notable figures and brands, including Disney, Pepsi, Actress Phylicia Rashad, Governor Jeb Bush and President Barack Obama. Shawna is a national news editor, columnist and talk show host. She has been featured on over 300 media outlets including the Huffington Post, Fox, ABC News, CBS and the Wall Street Journal. Her book, “A Fearless Voice: How a National Scandal Made Me an Advocate for Building a Better America”, discusses how everyone can make a tremendous impact by finding their own fearless voice.

Tiffany Lanier

Tiffany Lanier is a Speaker, Facilitator, and International Clarity Coach for modern entrepreneurs and creatives. Tiffany's passion to start-up and change the world was sparked when she launched her first organization in college on social and personal change. With the rise of Social Media, Tiffany has used her Personal Brand to motivate, educate, and inspire Dreamers all over the world to become doers. Tiffany is a firm believer in taking a leap of faith and trusting your gifts so you can impact in the world doing the work you love. She’s also pretty obsessed with musicals, traveling, and turquoise.