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).

Fountain Hills Branch Library
12901 N La Montana Dr
Fountain Hills, Arizona, 85268
United States

Elena Thornton

Director of Arts

Elena has more than 25 years of hands-on experience in education, business and nonprofit sectors. She has taught all grade levels and College. She held positions as a Director of an after school program and also Director of Training for a Phoenix based company. Elena’s education is in Secondary Education, with both B. A. and M.A. degrees from the University at Albany, NY. Elena’s education and career experience combined with real-life experience makes her the successful organizational leader she is today. Currently, together with the Arizona Consortium for the Arts Board of Directors and Volunteers, she is spearheading the efforts in developing relationships through networking/partnering with local Non-Profits to bridge resources and forge collaborations with individuals, public, private and government organizations and agencies, educational institutions, business community to reach their goals, objectives ultimately establish and sustain a multi-cultural arts/performing center.

Marshall Shore

Hip Historian

The basic principles of historical research have applications far beyond categorizing and interpreting the long-lost treasures and remnants of past civilizations we find buried in literary works and historical ruins. By demonstrating these principles through innovative ways, Marshall reveals a perspective that opens up broad fields of possibility to anyone willing to think outside the box, peer into a looking glass and perhaps journey deep into the realm of one’s imagination. Marshall’s Story Marshall Shore is the Hip Historian. His passion is uncovering the weird, the wonderful, and the obscure treasures from our past: the semi-forgotten people, places, and events that have made us who we are today. Current involvement includes various TEDx Projects, Phoenix Pride, and managing Arizona’s LGBT+ History Project. He sits on the board of the Pioneer Cemetery and is a member of the Alhambra Village Planning Committee. Holding a Masters in Library Science from Indiana University,

Olenka Cullinan

CEO Rising Tycoons, Inspiring TEDx Talk Speaker

Olenka Cullinan is a Founder of Rising Tycoons, where she turns teens into mindful tycoons. Bestselling author, inspirational speaker and Gen Z & Millennial success coach, Olenka has developed a “Backbone of Success”™ method that helps young leaders become CEOs of their lives. Olenka Cullinan is a CEO and Founder of Rising Tycoons, where she turns teens into mindful tycoons. Bestselling author, Passionista, Gen Z and Millenial speaker and youth success coach, Olenka has developed a “Backbone of Success”™ method that helps teen leaders become CEOs of their lives. She brings 10+ years of experience in business and youth education. Olenka has worked with top leadership & entrepreneurship organizations in the nation, consulted startups, and partaken in development of a wave of young entrepreneurs globally. Having been mentored by top leadership speakers in the country, such as John Maxwell and Darren Hardy, Olenka has become one of the nation's premiere inspirational speakers.

Taryl Hansen

Taryl Hansen is an educator and Board Certified Teacher holding an Ed.D in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. She is a highly skilled graphic recorder and trained provider of professional development and has presented at local, state, and national education conferences.