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).

Colorado Mountain College
3000 County Road 114
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 81601
United States

Bianca Alves Machado

Bianca Machado is a Learning and Development Professional for one of the largest hospitality corporations in the world. Originally from the south of Brazil, Bianca immigrated to the United States, at the age of 19 where she embarked on her educational journey as a first-generation student. Her resilience and determination led her to find her voice by sharing her journey and inspiring others. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Bianca takes great pride in her Brazilian heritage and Latinx identity. She embraces her cultural roots and finds joy in promoting diversity and inclusion. In her free time, Bianca enjoys pursuing her hobbies and passion for the great Colorado outdoors by snowboarding, hiking and backpacking with her dog Rocky. Passion has always been the driving force behind everything Bianca does. She believes that when we discover and nurture our passions, we unlock infinite possibilities for personal growth and fulfillment.

Brook LeVan

Brook LeVan received a MFA, NYSCC from Alfred University, BFA, Kansas City Art Institute. He is a certified Permaculture designer and consultant and an alumnus of the Institute for Social Ecology (1978). He has consulted, practiced and taught sustainable design, green building, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, wetland creation and art and design. Mr. LeVan is a Fulbright Scholar and has extensive research and travel in Africa, Asia and North and Central America. He has held faculty positions at Pomona College, University of Connecticut and James Madison University. He has published, lectured and exhibited internationally. Mr. LeVan is a National Advisory Board Member of Solar Energy International and The Wright Way Foundation, a founding Board Member of the Thompson Divide Coalition.

Carrie Besnette Hauser

Since 2013, Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser has served as president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College. She has also held leadership positions in the philanthropic, public policy, and the outdoor industry sectors. A champion for access and equity, she often speaks and writes about rural communities and including their voices and participation in decision-making at the local, state, and national levels.

Colin Hoffman

Colin Hoffman is a sociology researcher specializing in disparate communications. He co lectures communication courses at Community College of Denver, producing novel understanding of ideas, and contracting research and presentations. Researching into science communication, psychology, neurology, sociology, communication, he applies resources to facilitate understanding and learning. In formal and informal settings, making concepts, themes, topics understandable, relatable, and applicable to everyone.

Dara Seidl

Dr. Dara Seidl is a geographic information systems (GIS) educator and privacy researcher. She is a graduate of the joint doctoral program in geography between San Diego State University and UC Santa Barbara and leads the GIS certificate program at Colorado Mountain College. An expert in spatial data analysis, Dr. Seidl studies the unexpected flows and consequences of location data sharing, including how location is used to influence our day-to-day behavior.

Jane Taylor

At age 16, Jane Taylor is a scholarly high school student who will get her Associates of Science degree a semester before she graduates high school. Taking on many challenges throughout her life, Taylor has learned how to create a place for herself where she can succeed in many of her endeavors, and she is fueled by a passion to help others do the same.

Mark Millhone

Mark Millhone is a groundbreaking educator, award-winning filmmaker and published book author. He began a career in film, graduating from Columbia University Film School where his student film, Christmas in New York, won an Academy Award for best student film. He went on to write several screenplays and direct the feature film Universal Squadrons. His memoir, The Patron Saint of Used Cars & Second Chances, was published by Rodale Books. As an educator, he created the first BFA program in film launched in partnership with a major Hollywood studio and served as Dean for Studio School, Los Angeles. He recently directed the world premiere of Keith Addison Tyler's Trying to Be Normal is Driving Me Crazy at the Landmark Theatre in Long Beach, CA. Mark is a partner in the conscious media company Valid & Required Productions (started with his life partner, filmmaker and artist Ashley Mosher) and is an Associate Professor at the Isaacson School of Communication, Arts and Media at Colorado Mountain College.

Mary Mason

Dr. Mason currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Founder for Little Medical School, an award-winning educational organization and franchise with offices in more than 60 locations worldwide focusing on healthcare workforce development. She is an Adjunct Professor of Law and the Associate Director for the Cordell Institute for Policy in Medicine & Law at Washington University in St. Louis where she focuses on patient privacy and cybersecurity issues in artificial intelligence and emerging heatlhcare technologies.