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).

DePaul University Holtschneider Performance Center
2330 N. Halsted Ave
Gannon Hall
Chicago, Illinois, 60614
United States

Carlos Roqués

Carlos is a sophomore in the College of Computing and Digital Media; studying animation and philosophy. He is originally from the rural farmland of Skagit Valley, Washington, and spends his free time performing in theatrical productions, doing freelance animation work, reading poetry and watching Lord of the Rings with his tabby cat.

Desirie McKay

Desirie is the director of field education in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences social work program and a licensed clinical social worker. She enjoys supporting and guiding students as they begin their careers in social work. The Chicago native is the proud mother of her tenacious 10-year-old, Violet Amina McKay, who is destined for greatness.

Isaiah Boozer

Isaiah is freshman in The Theatre School. He is a multifaceted artist, playwright, screenwriter, 2021 US Presidential Scholar semifinalist and 2021 National YoungArts Winner as an actor. His mission is to create art that interrogates his trials, tribulations and triumphs, and our flawed culture pertaining to race, gender, sexuality and the cognitive dissonance within our societal norms.

Joseph Chen

Joseph is a licensed clinical psychologist and an associate professor at DePaul’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Through his clinical work and in the classroom, he is guided by the principle of helping others. In both settings, Joseph aims to foster hope, explore ways to make positive personal change and instill self-confidence through some of life’s defeating moments.

Liam Heneghan

Liam is not a poet, botanist or musician – although he’s sometimes mistaken for these. Rather he is a Dublin-born writer and DePaul professor. His essays have appeared in Aeon, The Irish Times, Los Angeles Review of Books and other publications. His most recent book is “Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children’s Literature.”