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).

Van Nostrand Theater
Suffolk County Community College
Crooked Hill Rd
Brentwood, New York, 11717
United States

Ajada Reigns

Singer

Born in New York City to a musically inclined family, artist Ajada Reigns has performed for and with stars such as, Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige, Queen Latifah, Chaka Khan, Vic Mensa, and many more. Ajada shaped her unique style of singing with the training she received from the Harlem School of Arts. She also attended the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City where she learned to sing in four different languages. Noted for her stage presence, style, and positivity, many can agree with grammy-nominated artist, Major, when he says "the world needs what she brings."

Alyscia Cunningham

Author, Filmmaker, Photographer

Alyscia Cunningham is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and photographer who has contributed to the Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and AOL. After the success of her first book, "Feminine Transitions", a photography book with portraits of raw feminine beauty, Cunningham produced, "I Am More Than My Hair" a book and documentary film. It includes interviews of women who've experienced hair loss due to a health-related condition and their journey of self-empowerment to see beauty beyond the media’s standards. Alyscia wrote and directed the horror films "Annexation" and "Douen". Alyscia is the Founder of Her House Media a media company that produces documentary and horror films by and about women of color. She is also one of the FrontLine Voices for Stop the Beauty Madness, a campaign focused on changing the dynamics of beauty globally. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, Fox 5, ABC 7 and Proud2BMe.

Ashley Scott

Data Professional

Ashley M. Scott is an award-winning Fortune 50 data professional and entrepreneur who uses her experience in data analytics and business to encourage and champion diversification of the data practitioner pipeline. Scott previously co-led the project management of an American medical tourism facility in Tanzania, East Africa. She created the #DataGirl social media campaign, which received international recognition and supports the Data Girl Scholarship. With her online platform, Data Girl Ash (DGA), Scott demonstrates tactical approaches to making data-driven decisions while empowering others to pursue their successful careers. Scott holds an MBA with distinction from Mercy University, a BS in Public Health magna cum laude from the University at Albany (SUNY) and has earned a Women's Entrepreneurship certificate from Cornell University.

Asia Lee

Artist

As a respected artist, entrepreneur, and marketing professional, Asia Lee dedicates her creative, communication and people skills to providing outstanding work and commitment of the highest level to the communities, organizations and individuals she serves. She focuses much of her efforts in support of a wide array of local, regional and national charitable projects. Regularly scheduled exhibitions of her photographic artwork, along with the many non-profit and corporate promotions she is heavily involved with, raise substantial funds and much needed attention for worthy causes. Her artwork is owned and displayed by collectors, museums and galleries nationally and internationally. Asia Lee has photographed a wide range of celebrities from Madonna to Michael Jackson, Joe Torre, and President George Bush. Asia, as an artist, is best known for her unique ability to capture rare, beautiful moments of nature and everyday life at their best.

Carrie Kerpen

CEO and Co-Founder of Likeable Media

Carrie Kerpen started Likeable Media, one of the world's first social media agencies in 2007, with 10,000 dollars in the bank. Likeable grew to a global agency, named as the 6th best place to work, before she sold it in 2021 to technology firm 10Pearls, where she now leads the global digital division. Carrie is the author of bestselling book Work It, Secrets for Success from the Boldest Women in Business, and has been featured in The New York Times, ABC World News Tonight, and CNN as a frequent contributor and expert on women business owners, and what holds them back.

Christine Maier

Author, Speaker

Christine is an author, coach, and speaker, empowering individuals and organizations to overcome obstacles. After surviving 25 surgeries and hearing stories of what she couldn’t achieve, she became an award-winning author, an instructor in the NYPD’s Police Academy, and the first female Director of Watch Command at NYC Emergency Management. She is passionate about guiding you through changing your thinking and re-igniting your passion. Christine brings a sense of adventure to her storytelling to influence transformational change. We all love stories; Christine will help you focus on the right stories. You may have seen Christine speak at Book Con, the National Homeland Security Conference, or featured on CNN.

Corrinne Graham

President, Graham International Consulting & Research, Inc.

Dr. Corrinne Graham is a multifaceted business leader who combines sustainability, diversity and entrepreneurship. She is President of GRAHAM International Consulting and Research Inc., a NYS Certified MWBE that offers management consulting services to small and start-up businesses. She is also the founder of Designs by Dr. G, a sustainable lifestyle brand that gives back 10 percent of its sales to charities. Dr. Graham has a PhD in Healthcare Administration and has published on topics such as profitability, cultural diversity and sustainability.

Dwayne Jenkins

Cancer Surgeon

Dr. Dwayne is a cancer surgeon on a mission to teach a generation the power of meditation and self-acceptance. To that end, he’s building a collaborative framework where high-performing tree huggers can align their self-care and service to others. He writes on faith wellness and spirituality on Substack No Hard Conversations with Dr. Dwayne, hosts the Words of Love with Dr. Dwayne podcast and is launching RxFaith, a concierge integrative wellness ecosystem.

Julia Kusher

CEO of Meylor Global LLP

Julia is a CEO of Meylor Global LLP — one of the biggest suppliers of diamonds and Guiness Book of Records winner- and a founder of a jewelry brand Solo for Diamonds. Being a certified gemologist and an expert, she wants to educate consumers about the sustainable impact of lab-grown diamonds. Born and raised in small Ukrainian town and initially working a university lecturer, Julia became a certified gemologist and a CEO of the Alkor-D plant - one of the largest diamond producers in the world. Recently they have innovated formula that allows one to grow a diamond from anything – be it a tree leaf or a drop of blood as well as gems from special memorial items - wedding bouquet, photo albums or even lock of a child’s hair!

Phyllis Ayman

Ambassador for Aging Life Management

Phyllis Ayman, Ambassador for Conscious Aging Life Management is a #1 WSJ and USA Today Bestselling author. She created and trademarked the word IMpathy ® essentially the inner game of empathy, which is at the heart of the IMpathy® project, her innovative and proprietary coaching program, helping her clients develop a Personalized Longevity or Wellbeing Action Plan so they can age as healthfully and gracefully as they possibly can. The program is also at the heart of her work with public and private sector business. IMpathy® is the solution to employees S.O.S. calls: Stressed, Overwhelmed, and Stretched so they can become more productive as individuals, enjoy improved collegial relationships and work more productively for the organization.

Subrina Oliver

Founder & CEO, O-High Technologies, LLC

Dr. Subrina D. Oliver is a dynamic thought leader, acclaimed speaker, and dedicated educator passionate about bridging the gap between education and career success. With expertise in talent development and workforce readiness, she equips graduates with the tools and mindset to navigate the complexities of the professional world. Challenging conventional notions of post-graduation success, she inspires graduates to be proactive, resilient, and adaptable in pursuing their dream careers. With extensive experience across industries, in academia, and a deep understanding of the challenges graduates face, Dr. Oliver is a prominent voice in talent and workforce development. She collaborates with educational institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders to enhance career readiness programs and advocate for aspiring professionals.