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).

Rowling Hall: Crum Auditorium
300 West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Austin, Texas, 78705
United States

Dr. Janat Blackmon

International Educational Leader

I am a passionate international educator who has experienced education systems in several countries and through this lens work to transform education to empower students to be successful in their futures. I have worked in education for 19 years, with 15 of those years being international. I have a Ph.D. in Education Leadership, Teacher Certifications in 3 countries, Montessori Certification, and Texas Principal Certification.

Dr. Michael Maclin

Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility | Diversity Thought Leader

AWARD-WINNING LEADER offering over 20 years of experience and a strong performance record in driving results-oriented Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility outcomes, Dr. Michael Maclin is considered one of the region's most efficient and effective diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) specialists. As a DEIA expert, his ability to strategize and execute programs to create an environment of cultural diversity in the workplace has earned him numerous awards. Dr. Maclin has been honored with several well-deserved awards, such as the New Principal of the Year Award and Educator of the Year Award. Dr. Maclin's accomplishments include earning many certifications, e.g., the Racial Equity Facilitator from Harvard University and the Yale School of Management certificate for Fostering Inclusion and Diversity. CIO Views, a globally recognized magazine, recently named Dr. Maclin one of the 10 Most Successful (DEI) Leaders to Watch in 2023.

Krizel Rodriguez

Coaching Expert

As a seasoned Learning and Development Specialist and Coach with over 15 years of experience, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. My passion for education and coaching has driven me to attain several coaching certifications and to dedicate myself to helping professionals reach their full potential. With recent work experiences including leading a cohort of Latinas in a Leadership Academy with the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) and delivering leadership trainings for Executive Women in Texas Government, I am well-equipped to share my insights and strategies for personal growth and professional development. My latest project, the "Leading Lady Network" podcast (coming later this year), further demonstrates my commitment to empowering individuals through coaching and leadership development.

Lizzy Samples

Program Development Professional

Lizzy Samples is a lifelong learner with an entrepreneurial spirit that loves people. She has spent over a decade perfecting work processes, internal and external communications, and building team cultures. Lizzy is the Co-Owner of The Moving Crew LLC, and manages Sales & Marketing programs for Algolia, a global tech company that powers search & discovery. She began her professional career as a small business owner in Tulsa in 2008 and again in Austin in 2015. In 2018 she began working at Hutto ISD as the Director of Hutto Education Foundation & Community Education. She is a Certified Scrum Master and Volunteer Manager. Lizzy is working toward her master's degree in Marketing Communications from the University of Denver and looks forward to graduating this August. She is a proud mom of two amazing kids, Archer & Theo, and has been married for 14 years. She believes that by fostering human connections, all things are possible.

Noureen Hashim

Civic Engagement & Community Development Leader

Noureen is the Chief of Staff at the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago whose mission is to foster in students a passion for public service, meaningful dialogue, and active engagement in our democracy. In this role, her work is focused on the critical role of young people in fostering pluralism, building bridges across differences and supporting a strong civil society and a vibrant democracy. Prior to this role, she led the development and implementation of key public policies and programs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for the over 5 million people that reside in Cook County, IL. In this position, she advocated and secured funding for the rights of survivors of domestic violence, developed a mentorship program to encourage positive youth development for justice-involved youth, and executed several multi-sectoral partnerships focused on economic and civic progress to support historically-marginalized communities.

Paige Velasquez Budde

Partner & Chief Executive Officer at Zilker Media

Paige is Partner and the CEO at Zilker Media, an Austin-based agency building people-driven brands. She has led the marketing campaigns and strategies for some of the world’s most recognized experts, including The New York Times bestseller and Fortune Magazine Senior editor-at-large Geoff Colvin. Her approach to thought leadership marketing has been featured in many media outlets including Inc., Thrive Global, KevinMD, Texas CEO Magazine, Authority Magazine, Business News Daily and Business.com. During her tenure as CEO, Zilker Media has been named one of the Fastest Growing Companies in Austin and Best Places to Work two years in a row by Austin Business Journal and has been listed on Austin Inno’s Coolest Companies.