Theme: A Better Look At Ourselves and Those Around Us

Three TEDx conversations about reflection of our own perspectives and ways that we might strengthen that understanding by looking to the world around us. This is Transylvania University of Lexington, Kentucky's first TEDx experience.

Carrick Theatre
300 N Broadway
Lexington, Kentucky, 40508
United States

Debra F. Faulk

Actress, Entrepreneur and Professional Comedienne

Debra F. Faulk was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky. She majored in Theatre In 2013 Ms. Faulk received her Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) in Media Studies. She implemented a Life Skills Theatre course for the Asian American Drug Addiction Program (AADAP) as a part of the Los Angeles Mayor’s office effort to reduce gang membership and gang violence. A professional comedienne for more than two decades, she is the founder and artistic director of Rainbow Attractions, LLC, combining entertainment with education by highlighting serious health issues with elements of humor and joy. Rainbow Attractions has featured Debra in her one woman show 'Nobody Does It Alone' which helps explain the effects and symptoms of dementia on the elderly and their families. She received the Lola Robinson Theatre Scholarship for dedication to the art of theatre.

Jason T. Mitchel

Speaker, Blogger, Live Event Host + Emcee, Director of Enrollment Management

Jason T. Mitchell also known as #MCJason has been on stages nationally and internationally since the age of 8. Throughout his career in music and theater Jason developed a passion for people and a love for inspiring others to create the best version of self. Through his active thought blog and speaking engagements on topics of diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias, Jason has been able to educate audiences mainly on university campuses to think more widely about who they are and what they offer to their own self-awareness. Jason can be seen often on stages nationwide emceeing live all-star dance and cheer competitions where he has worked alongside stars from So You Think You Can Dance and America's Best Dance Crew. More recently, Jason took the reins of the nationally ranked University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) office of Enrollment Management as its Director where he employs his passion for issues on diversity in education. Jason lives in Lexington, KY.

Kremena Todorova

Educator and Artist

Kremena Todorova teaches 20th- and 21st-century American Literature as well as classes that ask students to meet their neighbors and get to know them. Born and raised in Communist Bulgaria, she continues to draw inspiration for her art and teaching from Timur and his commitment to community. She became an official American in December, 2010. Over the last 10 years, Kremena has frequently collaborated with Kurt, with whom she shares a fondness for street art.

Kurt Gohde

Artist and Educator

Kurt Gohde teaches Studio Art at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY and makes art to invite conversations about contemporary social issues, from marginalized sexualities to the experience of homelessness. Recently, he has become newly invigorated by plans to reseed the clouds over Kentucky with meat, in loving memory of the Kentucky meat rain of 1876. Over the last 10 years, Kurt has frequently collaborated with Kremena, with whom he shares a fondness for home-made ice-cream.