Theme: Allegory

Allegory: a story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.

We are an accumulation of the stories we have been told, stories we have lived, and stories we will one day create. Bedtime stories and testimonies alike connect us to other people and the world around us, and even the most fictitious tales offer real insight on moral, political, and societal issues. Through TEDxNWC 2024, we hope to find people with stories to tell. Stories that will educate, inspire, and reveal aspects about ourselves and humanity that were previously hidden. What stories do the Northwestern community need to hear? How are stories used across different disciplines and fields of study? What voices have been previously silenced?

How will we use our words and experiences to share ideas that will reflect on our past, recognize our present, and change our future?

Please join us on March 23rd for TEDxNWC.

Christ Chapel
615 S Central Ave
Orange City, Iowa, 51051
United States

Jay Medenwaldt

Psychological scientist

Dr. Jay Medenwaldt is currently an assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern College, IA. He served in the Air Force as a behavioral scientist for nine years before earning a PhD in social psychology and an MDiv in apologetics, ethics, and biblical studies. His research and ministry work focus on how psychological factors affect religious beliefs. His forthcoming book examines the enneagram through the lens of science and Christian theology.

Jessica Nibbelink

Northwestern College Student

Jessica is a Psychology and Sociology student at Northwestern College. Through her time at Northwestern, she has participated and lead many research opportunities both in Psychology and Sociology, mainly focusing on purity culture and rape culture. She has also been a part of directed research labs looking into study skills, and pursued research in gender bias. She has been able to present at many conferences, including Celebration of Research, Siouxland Undergraduate Social Science Research Conference, and at the Midwest Sociological Society. Nibbelink is currently in her senior year and plans to continue to pursue research.

Kristi Huss

Journey Facilitator: Travel Advisor, Author, Speaker

Kristi Huss brings her unique flair to the TEDx stage. As a mom of six, including quadruplets, and a dynamic entrepreneur, Kristi has mastered the art of flipping perspectives. With her roots in travel, she has navigated life's journeys, both literal and metaphorical, with a creative twist. Her expertise in transforming challenges into opportunities is not just a skill but a lifestyle, inspiring others to embrace their potential. Known for her wordplay and innovative concepts, Kristi turns everyday narratives into extraordinary tales of triumph. Through her speaking, writing, and coaching, she empowers individuals to rewrite their stories, leveraging their uniqueness for success. Kristi exemplifies that it's never too late to pursue dreams, embodying resilience and transformation at any age or stage. Join her as she unveils the power of "The Flipping Point," a testament to finding depth in the shallow, turning setbacks into setups, and living a life of intentional joy and purpose.

Kristin Brouwer

Director of Discipleship

A Northwestern College graduate, Kristin holds a Master of Divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. She is ordained by the Reformed Church in America and previously was on staff at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, where she most recently served as pastor of young adults and community engagement. Kristin also taught Bible and history and served as the chapel chairperson for Pella (Iowa) Christian Middle School, as well as coached track, basketball and volleyball at the high school and college level.

Martha Draayer

Director of Intercultural Development

Martha serves as a board member of CASA (Center for Assistance, Service & Advocacy) of Sioux County, through which she helps Latino members of the community with issues such as housing, immigrant rights, public safety and education. She co-founded PIECE, a series of adult English-language courses aimed to meet the growing needs in the Latino community. She also speaks frequently on a variety of topics for local churches, Northwestern’s chapel, the Juntos program, Escuelita Familiar, and locally hosted Christian Community Development Association gatherings. She is a 2009 graduate of Northwestern College and earned a master’s degree in early childhood special education from the University of South Dakota.

Robert Hubbard

Professor and Chair of Theatre at Northwestern College

Robert Hubbard has taught in the Department of Theatre Northwestern College since 2002. Previously, he served as the Director of Theatre at Calvin College. Awarded an O’Neill Critics Fellowship, Hubbard regularly publishes articles and reviews in popular and academic publications. In 2015, Minot State University, Hubbard’s undergraduate alma mater, inducted him into its Academic Hall of Fame. A veteran solo performer, Hubbard regularly performs his original solo shows at fringe festivals and colleges across the country. He is the author of two books: Grace Notes: Stories of Surprise, Regret and Redemption and Scenes with My Son: Love and Grief in the Wake of Suicide.

Tina Bakehouse

Chief Communicator, Educator, Storyteller

Protecting audiences from boring speakers and speeches, Tina Bakehouse has started her own company, Tina B LLC, to provide holistic communication consulting and coaching to help heart-centered leaders and organizations internationally and nationally to communicate more effectively. With more than 20 years of teaching communication and theatre (10 years as an instructor at Creighton University), a former Walt Disney Cast Member, Leadership Iowa participant, and TEDx speaker and coach, Tina is passionate about educating others to become more self-aware and enhance their authentic speaker style through transformational workshops in improvisation, storytelling, temperament, and communication.