Theme: (re)imagine

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).

Mary L. Gates Learning Center
701 N Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia, 22314
United States

Adam Rocap

Deputy Director, Miriam's Kitchen

I believe that we can end homelessness as we know it today. I am passionate about sharing how Miriam's Kitchen has been a catalyst in that movement and how what we've learned can powerfully propel other social change efforts.

Adrienne Fikes

Soul Power Coach™

I want to be remembered for reminding you of how powerful and amazing you’ve always been.

Catharine Young

science + technology + innovation

My talk is important to me because we need to learn how to navigate our world better. You'd be surprised to learn that I have ridden an ostrich, swam with sharks, owned a horse, chased by a warthog, stalked by a crocodile, got my motorcycle license, been bridge jumping, had car racing lessons.

Hillary Stires

Healthcare Policy

Dr. Hillary Stires received her PhD from Rutgers University in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences and has always been interested in how steroid hormones (specifically estrogen) influence breast cancer development. Hillary's work focuses on the endocrine resistance in breast cancer. Dr. Stires interacts regularly with other scientists, medical oncologists, and patient advocates to improve science communication.

John Chapman

Owner of Manumission Tour Company

My subject of black history is important because as we continue to find out more about how our communities and our country was built, we owe it future generations to normalize the true telling of that real history. I want to be remembered for being one of great community historians/experts on African Americans in early and current Alexandria, Virginia.

Julie Kilcur

Noble Pursuit Magazine

Julie Kilcur is the founder and editor of Noble Pursuit, a print magazine with a mission to tell stories from a world of good that elevate hidden heroes, encourage hearts and inspire impact. She has worked in media and PR in the United States Senate and for two international humanitarian organizations and is a proud wife and mom.

Matthew Stensrud

Elementary Music and Movement Teacher

Matthew uses non-verbal communication everyday to reach all students, regardless of ability or language.

Michael Kramp

College Professor

On a personal level, I am raising two boys; on a professional level, I am an academic scholar who writes about representations of masculinity.

Nancy Lorentz

Executive Director, PK Move

Our country is in the midst of a major crisis, a falls epidemic for older adults. Parkour provides an answer to that problem and could save a lot of lives.

Yolonda Smith

Cybersecurity

After over a decade working various roles in cybersecurity, I think it's time that we shift our focus on the people that are actually hurt by a data breach; I think we need better ways for victims of a data breach to voice the actual damage a breach will inflict upon their day to day lives. I think we spend so much time focusing on the big number, that we lose sight of the fact that it's people's real lives that are impacted by these breaches: homes that can't be purchased due to identity theft; businesses ruined due to credit fraud; harassment as a result of personal data exposure. It's not just on consumers to just protect themselves from this. We need the media to go a step past 'the big number' and ask about the victims. We need policies and legislation that includes provisions to cover more than just the number of records lost--it needs to cover the actual damage to the victims.