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).

TDB
6735 18th Avenue East
Bradenton, Florida, 34208
United States

Ashley Brown

Ashley, spent her childhood in the Southeast United States, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The College of Charleston. In 1999, she moved to Florida, when she was recruited by a manufacturing company in Palmetto. She was the first female production manager in a transformer facility in the United States. In late 2002, after the company she worked for was sold and she was laid off, Ashley started working at the Women’s Resource Center, where she had been volunteering as a computer tutor. She was named the Executive Director in April of 2003. Ashley is an advocate for women; an innovative thought leader with a record of developing collaborative relationships. She is driven by her vision to make our region a place where women and their families can thrive.

Elizabeth Doud

Elizabeth Doud is the Curator of Performance at The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida, and has coordinated the museum’s Art of Performance program since 2019. A Florida- based arts professional, scholar and multi-disciplinary theater artist, she has over 20 years of experience and presenter, educator and performance maker, with an emphasis on international cultural exchange and climate arts. She has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean in the performing arts and has published several articles in English and Portuguese about climate arts, performance and bilingual composition. She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Miami, and a PhD in Performing Arts from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.

Michelle Grimsley Shindano

Michelle Grimsley Shindano is a dedicated public policy advocate and the current Director of Public Policy at the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. A Bradenton native, Michelle has built a robust career focused on legislative initiatives that promote health and social equity, including as a lobbyist and as legislative staff in the Florida House of Representatives. She is the current Chair of the Board for Manatee County Habitat for Humanity and serves on the boards of United Way Suncoast and the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College. Michelle embodies the principles of servant leadership, a value instilled in her by her parents. She is passionate about not only identifying challenges but also collaborating to find effective solutions for the greater good.

Oscar Portillo

Oscar Portillo-Meza is a Spanish-language Digital Research Analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue - US, where he specializes in analyzing digital ecosystems and addressing online harms affecting diverse audiences in the US and Latin America. Oscar has broad experience working with civil society groups, academic institutions, and private entities to understand US public opinion on a wide range of topics. Oscar has been featured in various local media outlets, discussing various US issues and political topics. Oscar’s academic background includes studies in US history and political science. A lifelong Floridian, Oscar is committed to community service and pro-Democracy advocacy.