Theme: The Future We Create

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).

Center Stage Theater
1374 W Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, Georgia, 30309
United States

Ana Tardio

Bridge-builder

Ana believes that in an increasingly interconnected world, understanding cultural differences isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for building a more inclusive and compassionate future. As a Spaniard born in a small town near the Portuguese border, Ana has been immersed in cultural diversity since childhood. But her true passion for understanding, navigating, and thriving in different cultures took root when she left her hometown in 2000 to chase her dreams. For over 20 years, Ana has experienced firsthand the challenges and joys of cultural adaptation. Through her journey, Ana discovered that food serves as an emotional time machine and a bridge between cultures. From her mother’s cocido in Spain to unexpected dining habits in the U.S., she has learned that the flavors we cherish aren’t just about taste—they hold the stories of who we are.

Chantelle Rytter

Parade Artist

Chantelle Rytter turns sidewalks into stages and neighbors into artists—one lantern at a time. Best known for founding the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade with the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, she has spent the last 15 years creating community-driven parades across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Hapeville, Hilton Head Island and beyond. Her art is grounded in the power of public space, creative play and shared celebration and her journey began in New Orleans, where she lived for a decade. Chantelle was inspired by the city’s parade culture—a tradition she saw as a, “civic wellness program.” When she moved to Atlanta, Chantelle was determined to bring that same spirit of joyful public engagement to her new home. Partnering with the BeltLine, she helped transform city streets into luminous spectacles of art and connection.

Christos Athanasiou

Materials Scientist

Christos Athanasiou is redefining how we build for Earth and space. A mechanician, physicist, educator and inventor, he envisions a future where sustainable materials drive construction, reducing carbon emissions and supporting net-zero goals. His research focuses on designing structures using renewably sourced and recycled materials, advancing both sustainable communities and space exploration. His work has been featured in Forbes and MIT News, and he served as a guest editor for the Journal of Mechanics of Materials on machine learning applications. Born in Athens, Greece, Christos believes education and innovation are catalysts for social change. He holds a doctorate in photonics from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a master’s in applied physics from the National Technical University of Athens.

Dr Puneet Sharma

Neonatologist, AI Researcher

Dr. Puneet Sharma is working to build a future where AI-driven solutions give newborns the best possible start in life. Supported by the National Institutes of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Puneet’s research focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance diagnosis and treatment strategies in neonatal medicine. He is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine and a neonatologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. His work combines cutting-edge research with compassionate care to improve outcomes for critically ill newborns. Puneet completed his pediatrics residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Harvard Medical School, where he served as chief fellow.

Gaurav Byagathvalli

Inventor

Gaurav Byagathvalli wants to make cutting-edge medical advancements more affordable and impactful worldwide. He is co-inventor of Piezo Therapeutics’ novel drug delivery platform that utilizes the same technology found in a common BBQ lighter to administer vaccines at a fraction of the cost, making life-saving treatments more accessible. The innovation mindset comes naturally to Gaurav. Biosensors for wastewater diagnostics, viral vectored HIV vaccines and skin-targeted nucleic acid delivery are just some of his previous research projects. Before Piezo, he held roles at Moelis & Co., Capital One and Elevance Health, bridging science and business to drive innovation. Gaurav holds a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

George F. Baker III

Muralist

Muralist George F. Baker III’s—GFB3—mission is clear: to encourage people to take creative risks, embrace mistakes, and design the life they truly want--one brushstroke at a time. With over 50 murals to his name, including the Bonnaroo Mushroom Fountain, GFB3's art reflects his belief that life, like art, is built through bold attempts and continuous learning. He uses his work to awaken the inner child in all of us—encouraging curiosity, playfulness, and fearless creativity.

James Marlow

Sustainability Champion

James Marlow operates at the intersection of technology, business and sustainability. He is president of Atlanta-based Southface Institute and previously founded two clean energy startups. His career spans roles at Computerland, Lotus Development, IBM and Yahoo!, where he led digital transformation initiatives. With direct experience in engineering, design, construction, and operations, he has contributed to more than 350 solar and energy storage projects. A Georgia Southern University graduate and Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership fellow, James serves as a trustee for The Nature Conservancy of Georgia and is active in environmental and energy policy leadership.

Jeff Hilimire

Purpose Architect

Jeff Hilimire believes that big impact starts with small, purpose-driven actions. He is the best-selling author of the Turnaround Leadership Series and a serial entrepreneur with two successful exits. His current business, Purpose Group, is a purpose-driven holding company focused on proving that business can be a profitable force for good in the world. Jeff is also co-founder and board member of digital agency Dragon Army, publishing company Ripples Media and nonprofit organizations 48in48 and A Pledge. Active in the civic community, Jeff serves on the boards of Goodie Nation, In the Action, The Carter Center and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and their five children.

Jordan Arogeti

Compassion Connector

Jordan Arogeti is on a mission to make showing up for others as effortless as it is essential. As CEO and co-founder of SupportNow, she is transforming how people offer help. The free, customizable platform provides clear guidance for giving funds, food, or time, ensuring that support is immediate and impactful. Before launching SupportNow, Jordan was a top enterprise strategist at Salesloft, helping scale the company from $1 million to $200 million in revenue. A champion for women in tech, she helped shape policies that paved the way for working mothers. She also invests in and advises startups nationwide. Jordan is a University of Georgia graduate and lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.

L. Denise Wells

Accessibility Advocate

L. Denise Wells is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across industries. A John C. Maxwell-certified speaker and award-winning author, she brings over 25 years of experience as a storyteller, DEIA advisor, and transformational leadership coach, helping individuals and organizations create more inclusive and equitable spaces. Her commitment to empowerment is evident in her acclaimed book, “An Anthology of Sisterhood,” a 2013 NAACP-nominated collection amplifying the voices of 22 dynamic women. With a foreword by the late Ruby Dee, the book has received multiple literary honors and is required reading in ethnic studies at Santa Barbara College. Denise co-benefacts the Ruby Dee Legacy of Sisterhood Scholarship and holds degrees from the University of Georgia and Central Michigan University.

Patricia Stathatou

Chemical Engineer, Sustainability Researcher

Patricia Stathatou is working to redefine how sustainable water and energy systems are designed and assessed. She is an assistant professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at Georgia Tech, specializing in sustainable water and energy systems. Patricia’s research, featured in Forbes and WSB-TV, integrates life cycle and techno-economic assessments with real-world data to drive sustainability. And, she has contributed to international standards, including marine fuel guidelines for the International Maritime Organization. Patricia earned her doctorate in chemical engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and conducted postdoctoral research at MIT. Through her work, she is accelerating the transition to cleaner technologies and more sustainable environmental solutions.

Sandeep Ahuja

Sustainable Urban Spaces Architect

Sandeep Ahuja is passionate about transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction industry— and to save the planet. She is the co-founder and CEO of cove.tool, an AI-driven platform, that integrates energy analysis into the building design and construction process, accelerating decarbonization and reducing costs. By automating up to 50% of sustainability tasks, her work makes high-performance buildings more accessible and scalable. Recognized as an Inc. Top 100 Women CEO, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and an Atlanta Power 30 Under 30 leader, Sandeep has spoken at the UN Environment Assembly and SXSW. She is co-author of “Build Like It’s the End of the World: A Practical Guide to Decarbonize Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.”

Tia Robinson

Slow Fashion Evangelist

Tia Robinson gives us a whole new way to think about fashion and makes the case that we can transform an industry by the choices we make. As CEO and founder of Vertical Activewear, she eliminates waste by producing on-demand, ethically made activewear. In 2023, Tia expanded her vision by launching an in-house, vertically integrated supply chain. Her brand has been featured in Essence, Shape and New York Magazine, and she received Beyoncé’s NAACP and BeyGOOD Foundation Grant. With more than 15 years in marketing, merchandising and wellness, Tia offers solutions that reduce environmental and social harm. She is a Morgan State University graduate and Georgia Tech ATDC portfolio company member.

Walt Brown

Workplace Catalyst

Walt Brown is on a mission to remove the “yoke of organizational confusion and dysfunction” that holds employees back from being their best selves at work. By breaking down barriers and aligning teams, Walt is reshaping the way businesses operate—one trust-filled workplace at a time. He believes trust is the foundation of a thriving organization, and when confusion and misalignment persist, distrust takes root. Through years of observation and action, Walt has developed actionable models that help companies foster Buy-in, Inclusion, Trust, and Engagement. His work has directly impacted more than 55,000 employees across 185 companies, empowering organizations to build healthier, more cohesive cultures.