Theme: Mindshift

It’s all in the mind. Though a simple proposition, what if this was true. What if the changes we desired to see in our communities, in our lives, and in our very selves began with the thoughts in our mind.

The TEDxFlatbush 2019 theme embraces that thinking through a carefully selected collection of talks designed to encourage a mindshift; a quality of mind that encourages forward-thinking and creativity regardless of surrounding circumstances. This conference is our reminder that a mind is too valuable a tool to waste.

Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York, 11210
United States

Beatrice Anderson

The Conscious Neighbor

B. Anderson is a mediation teacher and community organizer.

Carl Joseph-Black

The SouSou Man aka The People's Financier

Carl Joseph-Black is a Law Student at the City University of New York School of Law and the Founder of RaisingBenjamin.com, a website dedicated to increasing the wealth of young black millennials by sharing insights on Capital Markets and Wealth Management that's as easy to learn as a Drake verse. After obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Finance from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2011 he began his career at JPMorgan. Through his work, he found the need for financial literacy and empowerment among minority communities. This inspired him to create #RaisingBenjamin. He’s a life-long Brooklynite who currently works as an Associate at SEB Group in their Securities Division. During his spare time, he likes to sip Kombucha while reading the Wall Street Journal and advises local businesses on strategy. If he isn't doing those things he's probably watering his plants or listening to Drake somewhere.

Dr. Janina Jeff

The Geneti-'SIS'

STEAM-activist, educator, motivational speaker, and podcaster. Dr. Janina M. Jeff is the first African American to graduate with a PhD in Human Genetics from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Jeff has a unique perspective to offer in the world of Human Genetics. While revering the power of the genome and its infinite possibilities, Dr. Jeff has never participated in consumer genetic testing. As an African-American woman, Dr. Jeff is conscious of the lack of ethical research and compassion for African descendant communities. Dr. Jeff’s mission is to inspire a MINDSHIFT to AFRO-futurism through the power of the genome and its ability to predict and mitigate detrimental health outcomes.

Janine Hausif

The Sustainable Seamstress

Janine Hausif is a Black queer millennial, wife and mother of three. Raised by two immigrant parents, she learned the value of hard work and resourcefulness. She is a serial entrepreneur and a lover of DIY projects. Currently, she is the founder of Sew Sustainable Alterations, an on-demand alterations company helping people keep their clothes longer. In this venture, Janine she has married her love for fashion and the Planet to encourage sustainable choices.

Laurie Gerber

The Out-'LIAR'

Passionate about personal development, Laurie has been coaching individuals and groups for over 15 years. She holds a degree in Education and Political Science from Swarthmore College, and was certified to teach elementary school. Her professional and personal mission is to better the world by teaching people to tell the truth and pursue their dreams. Laurie feels blessed to spend her days (and most nights) doing work that makes her proud and she is inspired by Handel clients for having the guts to look at themselves honestly. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and three kids.

Monica Rivera

The 'Lone' Survivor

Monica Rivera is a first-generation Latina from NYC who is a marketing professional by day and podcaster by passion.

Natasha Johnson

The Flatbush Feminist

As an activist, academic, attorney, and yoga teacher I work to systematically right wrongs restoring integrity and dignity to those denied it.