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).

Slocum Auditorium
146 College P
Syracuse, New York, 13210
United States

Anthony DeMario

Anthony DeMario is on a mission to be a relatable voice of hope, to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and to help stop suicide. He is a “passionate dude” who loves coffee and discovering eclectic coffee shops to write poems in. He is obsessed with music, deeply connecting with people and growing who he is, and what he gives. A super curious feeler who loves soaking in life’s wisdom and carving his own unique path, inspiring others and crushing moments with the amazing people he has in his life and grateful to the core, Anthony loves to inspire others to “Be You.”

David Zuleta

David Zuleta is a recent graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in Neuroscience and Biotechnology on the premedical track from the College of Arts and Sciences. He is also the founder of a digital healthcare startup intended to disrupt the healthcare industry by offering the first mobile, online, general, and prescription pre-programmed treatment plans. He is a first-generation undergraduate student born and raised in Colombia, and he is determined to provide patients with the treatment guidance they deserve, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Duane Hughes

Duane L. Hughes is an executive in financial services in New York City. He is also a sought after speaker on diversity and inclusion (D&I) and career development, with focuses on cognitive bias, in-group favoritism, leniency bias, and individual strategies to succeed in one’s career. His engaging and thought-provoking diversity training sessions have earned rave reviews from participants over the years. Duane is also a repeat winner of many prestigious D&I awards and has served as a mentor to countless professionals.

Elisee (Eli) Joseph

Elisee (Eli) Joseph is currently an Economics Professor at Queens College and Marymount Manhattan College. He is also participating in a developer challenge hosted by a major technology company. As a consultant, he has worked on a variety of quantitative projects with a few major Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, Eli competed as a finalist in a quantitative finance contest, organized by a large financial services firm. In the upcoming summer, Eli will be joining the HBX | Harvard Business School CORe Cohort Program.

Jill Catherine

Embodiment is at the heart and soul of Jill and her work in the world. An all-around athlete, dancer, and drummer, Jill aims to help people integrate body-mind-soul by thinking differently about health, beauty, and body image. Through her work as a performer, public speaker, educator, and mentor, she aims to inspire and empower audiences to revolutionize the way they relate to their body. A native of Syracuse, NY, Jill is the author of, A New Body Consciousness, founder of 44 Hearts, and Spokesperson/ Lead Warrior for Ophelia’s Place.

John Torrens

John Torrens is a Professor of Entrepreneurial Practice at Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management and has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His Talk explores his experience as an entrepreneur with ADHD and research showcasing that ADHD is quite possibly an "extrepreneur's superpower." He hopes to spread his message that even though ADHD is considered a disability, there are ways that it can be an advantage in the context of entrepreneurship.

Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson is the Head of Corporate Brand and Co-Founder of a media and technology company focused on empowering Black millennials through original content, video and dynamic experiences. With a social reach of over 30M people a month, the company now operates a robust network of digital brands and conferences inside a dynamic portfolio of sites. Previously, he worked across various roles at a professional, social networking company across human resources, advertising and most recently as an editor overseeing a program which brings together 500 of the world’s top thought leaders to engage with members through original content. He also wrote the charter and co-founded the company’s first ever racial-affinity group for employees of descent from the African Diaspora. Recently, Jonathan has been named a 2019 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

Komal Sharma

Komal is a recent graduate of Syracuse University, with a degree in Economics. In her free time, Komal has participated in several pageants, winning the titles of Miss Teen India International and Miss India USA Miss Chairman’s Professional. Komal will be speaking on a theory she has developed over the course of her time in college, entitled the “Theory of Imperfection.” This theory was inspired by her own experience, being born in the Eastern part of the world and immigrating to the United States, the people she met along the way, and the way it shaped her mindset.