Theme: Through a Different Lens

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).

Franklin Junior High
4801 Franklin Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa, 50310
United States

Abena Imhotep

Abena Imhotep is the founder and Executive Director of Sankofa Strategies Consulting, a firm that guides leaders and business owners in strategies for success through conversations around equity and awareness. A former candidate for Iowa lieutenant governor and an active advocate, Abena sits on the boards of the American Red Cross of Central Iowa, the African American Museum of Iowa, Union of Black America, and Des Moines’ Selma. A published writer, Abena created and runs the Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group (SLG) and the SLG Book Club which promote literacy and lifelong learning by celebrating works by black authors. An award-winning local stage actor and singer, Abena has performed with the Pyramid Theatre Company and Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Most recently, Abena began co-hosting a podcast, Black and Privileged in America, on amplifieddsm.com network, with unavoidable topics that black people navigate in today’s landscape. Abena lives in Des Moines with her husband, Negus, and family.

Efrem Jackson

Efrem Jackson is the founder and owner of Free to Serve Financial Ministries, an organization with a mission to help individuals free themselves from debt, unnecessary consumerism, and adverse financial decisions that can hinder one from pursuing his or her dreams and accomplishing life to the fullest. Efrem is an Operations Manager at Cetera Financial Group where he holds Finra series 7, 66, and 99 securities licenses. Efrem has 18 years of experience in investment products and financial services at firms including Wells Fargo, where he got his start, Principal Financial Group, and then at Bank of the West before moving to his current role at Cetera. Originally from Chicago, Efrem moved to Iowa to attend Iowa State University where he earned a B.A. in Business and Marketing and an M.A. in Financial Planning. Efrem lives in Bondurant, Iowa, with his wife, Xay, and their four young children.

Jack Clarke

Jack Clarke graduated from Valley High School in 2018, and he works at GuideOne Insurance and HyVee. For several years, Jack has been invited as a speaker to inspire others with his story. Jack was 8 years old when doctors said he’d never be able to walk nor talk again. Born with excess fluid on his brain, a condition known as hydrocephalus, his shunt implant became infected leading to six strokes within two weeks, and a month in a coma. Jack persisted and after 38 leg surgeries over the course of his childhood, he regained mobility. Nine years ago, Jack’s mom, Melissa, started an adaptive sports league, Courage League Sports, in honor of her son. Courage League provides accessible environments where youth with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities can do sports at their own pace, and Jack has spent many hours volunteering, coaching, and mentoring youth at Courage League. Jack lives in West Des Moines with his mom and stepdad.

Scott Bruxvoort

Scott Bruxvoort is a Standardized Patient Educator at Des Moines University’s Iowa Simulation Center for Patient Safety and Clinical Skills, a state-of-the-art facility for students and residents to develop and improve their skills using immersive simulated scenarios. Originally from Mitchellville, Iowa, Scott started out playing high-school basketball at nearby Prairie City-Monroe. He then played collegiately at the University of Albany in New York and later transferred to Quincy University in Illinois where he graduated with a B.A. in Communications. He also has a M.S. in Higher Education and Administration from Purdue University Global with a 4.0 GPA. Scott recently started a volunteer organization called priceofahug that began in September 2020 when Scott took photos of houseless individuals for the price of one hug which started a movement with a mission: “to selflessly, relentlessly, and radically change the world by promoting inclusivity.” The priceofahug community has sponsored outreaches to provide basic needs for the houseless and provided safe spaces and events for all individuals to be accepted. Scott lives in Des Moines.