Theme: IMPACT meets PASSION

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).

Valdosta State University
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, Georgia, 31698
United States

Alexandria McGill

Alexandria L. McGill, born and rasied in Valdosta, GA. She’s 27 years old. Master Cosmetologists and Hair Care specialist. While serving 8 years in the hair care field, she has worked towards building clients and women of color up. Her love for hair started from a self-love path. As a Black woman, she found her inner-self during her first years of her Natural Hair journey. She embarked on this journey of self love July 4th, 2011. She would never had imagined her natural hair journey would turn into her love to teach other women of color just how special their hair truly is. Having a hair type of kinky coil course texture (4c hair type), it motivated her to create a Natural Hair Care line, Black Girl Magic Products. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching others and giving hair advice to the community via TalkWithAHairLady. A motto she lives by is: “Love your beauty for what it is, don’t compare your hair to no one else’s journey.

Craig Hawkins

Earning an MFA in Drawing and Painting from the Lamar Dodd School of Art (2011), Hawkins works as a professional studio artist and a tenured associate professor teaching drawing and painting at Valdosta State University. Exploring ideas and questions about what we all believe and whether or not it is true, Hawkins' faith gives momentum to the creation of works exhibited nationally, and internationally. His work has been included in such publications as New American Paintings, Juxtapose Magazine, and Manifest Gallery's International Drawing Annual. Mason Fine Art gallery in Atlanta, GA and Anne Neilson Fine Art gallery in Charlotte, NC currently represent his work. You can see more of Craig's artwork and read artist notes about various series of his work at craighawkinsart.com

Jasmine McMillan

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Jasmine McMillan didn't have a life surrounded by positive inspiration. Yet, it was her drive, determination and will to succeed that led her to achieve her goals as an educator, motivational speaker and change agent. This motivational moment shares best practices on how to reach life goals in spite of one’s surroundings and is a guiding light to those looking to find purpose on their journey. Follow Jasmine as she reflects on life, offers inspiration, and gives the hope needed to find your own success.

Loren Bass

Loren Bass, M. Ed, received both her Bachelors in Speech Communications and her Masters in Higher Education Leadership from Valdosta State University. She now serves as the Recruitment and Marketing Coordinator for The Graduate School at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her work focuses on not only recruiting graduate students but assisting them in understanding their career goals and where an advanced degree can take them. She has had a great track record in minority recruitment at both UTC and as the previous Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Loren is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Sylandi Brown

Sylandi is a Senior at Valdosta State University (VSU) pursuing a B.F.A. in Communication with a concentration in Organizational Communication. Sylandi is from Hawkinsville, GA, and has actively cultivated her passion for public speaking, advocacy, and rural development into six years of experience within organizations that work to positively impact rural Georgia and rural America. She currently serves as the Student Assistant for Campus Service with the VSU Department of Student Leadership & Volunteer Services and interns for the Georgia Chamber Center for Rural Prosperity. At Valdosta State University, she has been recognized as a Dean's List recipient for six consecutive semesters and was recognized as an Ethics Award winner in 2017. This year, she was selected as a recipient of the Eternal Flame Award which recognizes students whose influence, ideals and activities throughout their college career have left a lasting, positive impression on the institution and raises a standard of excellence for future generations.