Theme: Reckless

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).

Atlas Theater
211 W Lincolnway
Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82001
United States

Annalee Irani

Artist; Vice President, Pole Mountain Electric

Annalee Irani is a native of Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 2009, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wyoming. Shortly thereafter, Annalee packed up her belongings, moved to India, bought a tuk-tuk, drove down the western coast, and met the love of her life, an experience that taught her--first hand--that the everything she ever wanted was on the other side of fear.

Eric Trowbridge

Headmaster, Array School of Technology and Design

Eric Trowbridge is a Cheyenne, Wyoming native who worked for Apple for 8 years, where he trained and mentored employees. Recently, Eric returned to Wyoming where he was approached to serve as headmaster of Wyoming's first technology and design school, Array. In the spring of 2017, Array produced its first class of graduates--far ahead of schedule. Eric's perspective on education is unique, disruptive, and challenges the status quo.

Jason Begger

Executive Director, Wyoming Infrastructure Authority

Jason lives and works in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As Executive Director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, Jason travels the state frequently – meeting with local and state energy and government leaders and touring production sites Jason is the Executive Director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA). The WIA works to diversify and expand the state’s economy by adding value to Wyoming’s energy resources and infrastructure for the benefit of Wyoming and the region. This includes advancing energy technologies. The Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC) is one of the WIA’s principal projects. The ITC is a pioneering public-private partnership designed to foster the next generation of energy technology. Slated to be completed by Fall 2017, the ITC will provide space for researchers to test Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) technologies using actual coal based flue gas from Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Dry Fork Station near Gillette. Jason currently serves as Executive Director of the organization, overseeing all day-to-day operations and managing the energy projects under WIA’s purview

Julie Smith

Psychotherapist

Julie Smith is a licensed psychotherapist. Julie helps parents and other caring adults learn to translate adolescent behavior to understand what kids really need to thrive. Julie never pretended to be the perfect child, and was labeled a "bad kid," a "loser," when in reality, she was a confused teen silently screaming for someone to listen. Today, Julie is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker and author, and the mother of three teens.

Ken Chestek

Law Professor, University of Wyoming

Ken Chestek is a law professor, and has been specializing in legal writing and analysis for the past 17 years, first at University of Michigan, then Indiana University and currently the University of Wyoming.

Mandie Shattuck

Caregiver

Mandie Shattuck is an artist, writer and performer from Cheyenne, Wyoming. She is interested in the process' and emotions of life, ultimately channeling her relation into her creative works.