Theme: TEDxNewburgh: Ebb & Flow

The rhythmical pattern of the Hudson River tides along the shores of our city inspired this year’s TEDxNewburgh theme. The factors which shape Newburgh and its residents are in constant flux; from change comes innovation, and from struggle, growth. We see these patterns in our rich history, in the people who walk our streets and in the hope and resiliency we see everyday in our city’s youth. We hope you will join us on May 18th as we work to share ideas, co-inspire and celebrate the thinkers, innovators and change makers in our community.

TEDxNewburgh
Broadway
Newburgh, New York, 12550
United States

Anthony Barrett

Anthony is a high school student and a recording artists who started his musical career at the age of 14. He believes in the power of hard work and the importance of making others smile.

Azariah McLymore

Student and Community Activist

A Newburgh native, Azariah McLymore attends Excelsior Academy and will receive her Associates Degree and high school diploma in 2018. In 2016, Ms. McLymore started McLymore Foundation Inc., with the mission of “empowering people to rise above expectation.” A recipient of the NAACP award for future leaders, a Human Rights award from the Orange County Human Rights Commission, and the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, she encourages others and teaches everyone to rise above expectations, as she strives to do herself.

Chaya James

Senior at NFA

Chaya is a senior at NFA who will be attending the University of Georgia this fall. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor Society, and will soon obtain a seal of bi-literacy in German. She is an advocate for environmental protection and promotes diversity in underrepresented communities.

David Lionheart

Founder of Play for Your Freedom and Dave's Tanks

Born in the City of Newburgh in a single parent home, David has learned the value of life through his mothers incredible influence. Despite various obstacles he has proven that a single person can make a positive impact not only for themselves but for the world around them by helping others. Do as much as you can, for as many people as you can, for as long as you can.

Dominic Cordisco

Environmental Lawyer

Dominic Cordisco is a partner with the Hudson Valley law firm of Drake Loeb PLLC. He practices land use and environmental law for municipal and private clients. Mr. Cordisco lectures on various topics including SEQRA, wetlands regulation, endangered species, mining, underground storage and oil spills, and appears regularly before the New York Association of Towns, the New York State Bar Association, the New York Planning Federation and the Orange County Municipal Planning Federation. He received the Murray Award for Outstanding Public Service. In 2012, the Orange County Partnership honored Mr. Cordisco with its MVP Most Valued Partner award, and in 2013 he received the Henry Award for Valley Visionaries from Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. Dominic lives in Cornwall-on-Hudson with his wife Amy and son Rocco, and serves as secretary to the Cornwall-on-Hudson Elementary School PTO.

Ebony Green

Director, Division of Equity and Access, NECSD

Dr. Ebony Green, an Equity fellow in the Racial Equity Leadership Network, is a pioneer in creating systemic equitable outcomes for underrepresented students. During her eleven years as a special education teacher in the South Bronx, she opened a tutoring company specializing in one-to-one tutoring for students with exceptional needs. Dr. Green leads the Division of Equity and Access in Newburgh Schools and was instrumental in developing an Equity Report Card and a district Fair Student Funding Formula.

Inaudy Esposito

Executive Director, Human Rights Commission

Inaudy Esposito, MS, is the Executive Director for the Orange County Human Rights Commission. She has dedicated her career to gender violence prevention and awareness, and taught English as a Second Language for over 10 years. Inaudy’s passion is working on eliminating oppression, racism, sexism and gender inequality in her community.

Jen Ostrow

Founder of Paper Thoughts Program

Jen Ostrow grew up in Pine Bush, NY. She graduated from SUNY Purchase with a BA in Psychology, then moved on to get her Master of Social Work from New York University. She has worked in the mental health system for 6 years. She is passionate about helping others find their voice and learn to help themselves.

JoVan O'Neal

Poet and Community Activist

Jo’Van O’Neal is a writer, content creator, teaching artist, and social critic currently based in Newburgh, New York. Using his platform as a performance artist, one of his many missions is to advocate for his and other marginalized communities voices to be valued and prioritized where they haven’t been before. Jo’Van has been a featured performer at Poughkeepsie, New York’s inaugural Poetry Festival, P.R.O.P’s (police reform organizing project) Outspoken Arts event, and a multitude of other creative spaces. When he isn’t leading writing workshops or creating his own written works you can find him Netflix binging or concert hopping.

Juan Carlos Piñeiro

Professor and Self-Cultivation Coach

Juan-Carlos Piñeiro has spent more than 15 years researching, developing, and facilitating experiences that utilize artistic expression as a tool for self-cultivation and psychosocial development among diverse populations. He holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Black Studies and focuses in both Women’s and Caribbean Studies along with a MA in Transpersonal Psychology with a Specialization in Spiritual Psychology and a Concentration in Transpersonal Eco-Psychology from Sofia University’s Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.

Kai Cuttino

Student

Kai Cuttino is a senior at NFA who will be attending Saint John's University in the fall. She was named the 2018 Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls club of the Hudson Valley. She hopes to use this position to bring positive change to her community.

Naisha SIngleton

Student

Naisha is an 18 year old high school student with a passion for all things having to do with writing. She is a creative spirit and has big goals for her future. She is African American and Puerto Rican, which ends up being the center for a great deal of her writing.

Phoebe MIller

Founder of nOMad

Phoebe Miller is a yoga teacher and founder of nOMad always at OM. Since 2015, nOMad has offered yoga events, retreats, and trainings with its mission to bring more joy, gratitude confidence, and connection in our world through new experiences. Phoebe was a dancer in New York City.

Supriya Makam

Founder, Educate Without Borders

Supriya Makam is a senior at Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, New York. She is an honors and AP student, and is at the top of her class among over 700 students. Supriya participates in numerous choral activities, including international, national, and state-level choirs. She is the founder of Educate Without Borders, a not-for-profit that fosters literacy and education among youth in the Newburgh community and abroad. Additionally, she has participated in research opportunities to further her knowledge and skills in the sciences.

Tim Sarrantonio

Team member at NeonCRM

A graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, Tim Sarrantonio is a team member at NeonCRM and has more than 10 years of experience working for and volunteering with nonprofits. He has raised over $3 million for various causes, engaged and enhanced databases of all sizes, procured multiple grants, and formulated engaging communications and fundraising campaigns for several nonprofits. He volunteers heavily in his home of Niskayuna, NY.