Theme: Bridging the Past, Present, and Future - Exploring Universal Principles and Modern Innovations

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).

TEDxNazarethUniversity
245 East Avenue
Rochester, New York, 14618
United States

Dr. Junior Dillion

President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York

Dr. Junior Dillion, Ph.D., LMHC, MA, is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for individuals to reach their full potential. He holds a Ph.D. in Education and Human Development from the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education. His research focuses on access and success in post-secondary education and the impact of fatherhood on children's health outcomes. Dr. Dillion is the President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York, which specializes in supportive housing, reentry, and early childhood education, serving over 5000 individuals annually. He is known for strategic planning, public speaking, and delivering impactful keynotes and workshops on human service topics.

Gerard Zappia

Director, Marketing program

Gerard Zappia directs the undergraduate Marketing program and teaches marketing strategy, consumer behavior, market research, and entrepreneurship courses. He holds a B.S. in Business and Accounting from SUNY Oswego, an MBA in Marketing from Rochester Institute of Technology, an M.S. Ed from Nazareth College, and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) from the Digital Marketing Institute.

Jeffrey Allan

Director, Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT)

Jeffrey Allan directs the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT) and teaches AI courses. He is a social cognition psychologist specializing in cross-cultural interactions, with 15 years of experience living in Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia. Jeff holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology from the University of North Dakota and is pursuing a Ph.D. in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University.

Lydia Nightingale

Senior Department Assistant for Nazareth University

Lydia J. Nightingale is a writer, actor, and public historian from Troy, NY. She is the Senior Department Assistant for the Nazareth University Theatre & Dance and Art & Design Departments and will start teaching there in Fall 2024. Lydia holds a Bachelor's in Theatre Arts from SUNY New Paltz and a Master's in Public History from the State University at Albany. She has worked with institutions such as Ten Broeck Mansion, Nantucket Historical Association, Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and Fort William Henry. Her post-WWII drama, ADELE IN BERLIN, was shown at the Rochester Fringe Festival in September 2023 to two sold-out audiences. Her queer romance novel set in the 1950s, DRAWN, is currently in revisions with an independent publisher. Follow Lydia on Instagram: @ljnightingale.

Ruth Brown

Senior Project/Program Manager

Ruth is a dynamic Senior Project/Program Manager with 15+ years of experience in technology and systems integration. A PMI Certified Professional, Certified Scrum Master, and Certified Oracle Developer, she excels in orchestrating technology solutions that drive strategic business outcomes. Ruth has led diverse teams through complex initiatives, focusing on aligning technology with business goals. She recently developed a comprehensive engagement platform for non-profits and businesses, utilizing technologies such as GPT-4, React, Redux, and PostgreSQL. Ruth is known for transforming project delivery methods, driving innovation, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

Zachary Cavuniewicz

Assistant Director for Creative & Brand Strategy at NAF

Zachary Cavuniewicz has an 18-year career in the creative industry and is currently the Assistant Director for Creative & Brand Strategy at NAF, a national educational nonprofit. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology (2014) and an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications from Nazareth University (2020). Zach is an adjunct professor at Nazareth, teaching Digital User Experience at the graduate level and Graphics Lab I and II for the undergraduate Visual Communication Design program.