Theme: Align

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).

4 The One Studio
950 Farm to Market 1960 Rd E
Suite A
Houston, Texas, 77073
United States

Armando Anto

Comedian + Violinist

Armando Anto was born and raised in France. He began studying classical violin at the French National Conservatory at the age of 5. Armando believes that in order to be successful, you have to surround yourself with successful people. This explains all the mirrors in his home. He understood that laughing opens the heart and mind, and that people understand any concept better through humor. Following his twin muses, music and comedy, he has established himself as a standup comedian in Los Angeles. His first comedy special “Maestro of Comedy” is now out on the Dry Bar YouTube channel. For the last 10 years, Armando has been perfecting his unique style of comedy, utilizing his decades of classical violin mastery, his guitar skills, and even breakdance in his act. Discovered in Hollywood, he won first place in his very first stand up comedy competition. He now performs all over the US in various comedy clubs, colleges, competitions and theaters.

Dave & Andrew Tarvin

Humor Engineer

Dave Tarvin is a communication professor at Texas A&M University where he teaches courses including public speaking, intercultural communication, and the Rhetoric of Humor. He earned his PhD from Louisiana State University, where he also discovered the positive impact of using humor in the classroom. Andrew Tarvin is a comedian, keynote speaker, and all around nerd. He is the author of three books, including Humor That Works, and his previous TEDx talk on the Skill of Humor has more than 14 million views (only half of which were from their mom). Together the two brothers have developed these humor personas through 10+ years of research and application, plus a lifetime of being siblings.

Dr. Kellie Stecher

Physician & Author

Kellie Stecher is an OBGYN and Co-Founder and President of Patient Care Heroes, Physician at Minnesota Women’s Care, attending Northwestern Pritzker school of Law to obtain her MSL, and advisor to multiple other companies focusing on patient and staff safety, and mental health. She has won the Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine’s Top Doctors' Rising Star award for the last three years. She was recently runner up for The Sharp Index: Physician Well-being Leader of the Year. She was in the Top 50 most influential voices in healthcare globally in 2022. Her work has made her an invaluable contributor to both local and national publications, news, and podcasts. Her focus is on advocacy and policy change, centering around safety and equity.

Dr. Mohit Khera

Professor, Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Khera earned his undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University. He subsequently earned his Masters Degree in Business Administration and his Masters Degree in Public Health from Boston University. He received his Medical Degree from The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio and completed his Urology residency training in the Scott Department of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine. At Baylor, he completed a one-year general surgery internship and then went on to complete a five-year residency program in Urology. After completing his Urology residency, he went on to complete a one-year fellowship in Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Baylor. Currently he is a Professor in the Scott Department of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine, and he holds the F. Brantley Scott Chair in Urology.

Dusan Sajic

Dermatologist

An international board certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist and director of the deRMA Skin Institute, Dr. Sajic is one of the leading skincare innovators in North America. For the past 22 years, he has implemented industry-leading technology to pioneer new and non-invasive skincare therapies.

Katie Hornor

Entrepreneur

Katie Hornor, an expat entrepreneur in a historic seaside town in tropical México, has inspired millions of people with her books and unique approach to business. Katie takes her inspiration from the quirky pink flamingo and believes your message matters, you were created to stand out not blend in, and that everyone can find joy in their work when it aligns with their inner purpose.

Katrena Friel

Corporate Trainer

For over 25 years, Katrena has worked across every industry, specialising in people development. Katrena's life purpose is to offer unique solutions that develop creativity, leadership and communication skills for a leap frog effect in people's lives.

Love Odih Kumuyi

Attorney & NYU Faculty Member

As an attorney and Equity, Inclusion and Justice scholar-practitioner, Love founded Unsiloed with a singular mission: To help organizations make psychological safety and human-rights part of everyday culture, for everyone. Formerly the Associate Dean at Cornell University, Love worked in dynamic capacities with corporate organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the U.S. Peace Corps, law firms, and universities across the globe. With 15 years of interdisciplinary experience utilizing law, policy, education, and research to help organizations engineer inclusion, she believes with 100% certainty that when we create workplaces where it’s not too expensive for employees to be themselves, innovation abounds and everyone wins. She is an adjunct professor at New York University, certified Psychological safety trainer and coach, mediator and restorative justice practitioner.

Lynell Green

Strategic Management Consultant

Lynell Green is a strategic management consultant, leadership program leader and consultant. Her clients include leaders at Meta, Twitter, Netflix, Hilton and many others. She is committed to supporting leaders with their strategic planning and execution as they continue to expand their scope and impact nationally and internationally.

Shana Pereira

Storyteller

After thousands of needle pricks, multiple surgeries back to back, daily dialysis and even dying mid-conversation with her doctors and being brought back to life, Shana is an example that as humans we are capable of so much more than we think we are. Hailing from a family of political activists from Timor Leste, Shana was born in Australia and taught from a young age to stand up for people who are fighting for their lives. Introduced in her early years to many amazing people from different cultures who had escaped war torn countries, she saw the tangible impact of advocating for oneself and the privilege it was to be the voice for those who don't have one.

Spirit McIntyre

Arts Director & Cellist

Spirit Paris McIntyre (spirit/they) is an anti-disciplinarian at the intersections of: Arts Director, Sound Composer, Cellist, Singer, Writer, Reiki Practitioner, Compassionate Facilitator, Visual Arts and Community Builder who promotes empowerment by any medium necessary. They believe in: the importance of breath, the power of deep listening, holding space for complex emotions, healing intergenerational trauma, honoring lovability, and growing compassionately through tight places to find authentic connection. Spirit incorporates these beliefs in their work which focuses on: Black folks, Transgender and Non-Binary+ identities, Health & Wellness, Self-Expression, Ancestral Worship, and Grief Practices.

Teresa Lodato

Author + Entrepreneur

Teresa's exceptional breadth and depth of expertise includes a master's level background in psychology, advanced certifications in neuroscience, relational trauma and the psychology of negotiation. As an author and entrepreneur, she understands being successful in life doesn't always equate to feeling fulfilled.