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).

WITCC Rocklin Center
4647 Stone Ave
Sioux City, Iowa, 51106
United States

Alessandra Mata

Advocate

Alessandra is an amazing human with a story to share.

Alex Watters

Advocate

After graduating 2004, Alex Watters was excited to begin the next stage of his life by attending Morningside University. However, in September 2004, Watters had an accident that fractured his C5 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. After six months of rehab at Craig Hospital, he was able to return to Morningside University and complete his degree. He then went on to Creighton University, where he earned his Masters's in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. Following that, he interned in Washington DC, at the US Department of Education in conjunction with the American Association of People with Disabilities. After returning to Iowa, Alex went on to work for various campaigns before ultimately running for office himself. Alex serves as a city council member for Sioux City, Iowa, and returned to work for Morningside University in 2013. He is currently the Director of Alumni Engagement for Morningside and continues to be an advocate for four people with disabilities.

Revathi Vongsiprasom

Dean of Inclusion

Revathi is a first-generation American. In 2020, Revathi became one of the youngest deans in the nation when she was appointed Associate Dean of Inclusion at Western Iowa Tech Community College; the first of this position at any Iowa Community College. She also serves as the only immigration attorney in Sioux City, Iowa. As a child of immigrants who came to the US in search of better opportunities for their families, Revathi assists her clients in achieving their piece of the American Dream. Revathi believes we are a reflection of our ascribed and chosen communities, and these experiences continue to shape our world today.

Steve Warnstadt

Government Liason

Steve Warnstadt has a multi-faceted background, providing a unique perspective to a wide range of issues. During a 30-year military career, he was an Intelligence officer in Operation Desert Storm, the senior military member on a NATO team advising the Ministry for Kosovo Security Forces, and the Iowa National Guard's commander for domestic disasters. He served eight years in the Iowa House of Representatives and additional eight years in the Iowa Senate, where he was the Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. Steve has worked full-time at Western Iowa Tech for the past twelve years, presently serves as the Government Relations and Special Projects Coordinator for Western Iowa Tech Community College as well as the coordinator for the Western Iowa Regents Resource Center to expand educational opportunities for residents of the region.