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).

Oakland University
Dodge Hall Room 201
2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester, Michigan, 48309-4485
United States

Barbara Rausch

Human Trafficking Activist

Barbara Rausch is a founding Board Member and Head of Strategy for Hope Against Trafficking, a non-profit creating a safe place for victims of human trafficking in Michigan to rediscover their dignity and rewrite their lives.

Justin Odisho

YouTube Video Star

Justin is a 2017 Oakland University graduate and creator of a popular YouTube channel, podcast, and website dedicated to video and photo production. He specializes in software such as Photoshop, After Effects, and Premier Pro, helping millions of people around the world become proficient in editing. Odisho has earned over 660,000 subscribers and more than 60 million views on his videos to date.

Mark Ostach

Digital Wellness Expert

Mark has been compulsively checking his phone for over a decade. He finally mustered up the courage to do something about it. A man of many interests and a wellspring of energy, he is on a mission to teach people healthy digital habits. Mark holds degrees in economics, psychology, technology, and even had a short stint at massage therapy school. He is determined to remind the world that human connection is the most powerful connection we have. A recipient of Crain’s Detroit Business 20 in their 20s and Oakland County’s 40 under 40 awards, Mark has experienced first hand how technology impacts the mind, body and spirit.

Mikhaella Norwood

Spoken Word Artist

Founder and CEO of Freelife Productions, LLL, Mikhaella Norwood uses the arts to change lives one dream at a time by daring people with the phrase, "because you've never had to..."

PJ Roberts

Musician

PJ is a sophomore, Pre-Public Relations major and current Vocal Performance minor at Oakland University. PJ is actively involved on campus, including being a member of OGL, PRAd, and OU's a cappella group, Gold Vibrations. As a songwriter, he has aspirations to pursue a songwriting career in Los Angeles after he graduates from Oakland University