Theme: In retrospect . . .

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).

The Vets
One Ave of the Arts
Providence, Rhode Island, 02903
United States

Carlene Fonseca

Carlene Fonseca is the CEO of The Greatest You Consulting, where she empowers individuals to center wellness and healing in their lives through innovative workshops, public speaking, and a wellness product line. She is a trailblazing millennial, survivor, and mental health and recovery community advocate with over 15 years of unique personal and professional experiences. As a first-generation Cape Verdean American, Carlene believes that education, mental health wellness, financial empowerment, and self-advocacy are the keys to healing and living a happier life. In November 2023, Carlene took on the role of Statewide Director for the Rhode Island Afterschool Network, bringing her expertise and passion for youth and community development to the forefront. Additionally, Carlene spent four years on the Central Falls City Council, demonstrating her commitment to public service and community advocacy. She continues to educate and inspire as a faculty member at College Unbound, where she supports non-traditional adult learners. Carlene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Criminology from The George Washington University. A lifelong learner, she is also a certified Social Emotional Learning facilitator and yoga instructor, bringing a trauma-informed lens to all her work.

Carlon Howard

Carlon is the Chief Impact Officer and Co-Founder of Equity Institute. He leads organization-wide strategic and operational planning, ensuring EI’s vision is realized through clear prioritization and high-impact operational execution. In addition to helping launch the Equity Institute, he co-founded re*generation (formerly EduLeaders of Color R.I.). Now an initiative of the Equity Institute, re*generation hosts monthly meetups designed to support education leaders from underrepresented backgrounds. Before entering his current role with Equity Institute, Carlon was executive director of Breakthrough Providence, served as a City Year AmeriCorps member and Impact Manager, was a classroom teacher, and was a policy fellow for a former Colorado Senator. Outside of his full-time work, Carlon is an adjunct instructor at College Unbound and a leadership coach, primarily serving social impact leaders from historically marginalized backgrounds.

Claudia Cardozo

Claudia is the author of Love Is the Path, a TEDx Speaker, and founder of InnateFive, a consultancy specializing in corporate coaching and workshop facilitation. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Chopra Meditation Instructor, and Diversity & Inclusion specialist, Claudia takes a holistic approach to personal growth and teamwork. As a first-generation Colombian immigrant to the U.S., Claudia draws on her unique background to advocate for compassionate leadership and foster inclusive cultures. She believes that love is a powerful force for creating belonging, helping individuals feel valued, included, and empowered.

Frank Williams

Frank J. Williams is the former Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He was appointed by Governor Lincoln Almond and unanimously confirmed by the state legislature in January 2001, after serving for five years as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. On December 30, 2003, the President of the United States, through the Secretary of Defense, invited Chief Justice Williams to be a member of the then Military Commissions Review Panel for tribunals to be held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with the rank of Major General. The Military Commissions Act of 2006 created the Court of Military Commission Review on which Williams serves as Chief Judge. Chief Justice Williams is also one of the nation’s leading authorities on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, and one of the country’s most renowned Lincoln collectors, having amassed an unsurpassed private library and archive that ranks among the nation’s largest and finest. In addition, for more than twenty years he has been widely acknowledged as the foremost leader of America’s Lincoln fraternity – the large, nationwide community of Lincoln historians, students, and enthusiasts.

John Tarantino

John Tarantino, a lifelong Rhode Island resident and renowned attorney, has built a remarkable career spanning over 40 years. As President Emeritus and Senior Counsel at Adler, Pollock & Sheehan P.C., John has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of America’s top lawyers by Best Lawyers of America. Known for his courtroom prowess, he has successfully handled high-profile cases involving toxic torts, constitutional law, bribery, ethics violations, and voting law, representing prominent clients like the Atlantic Richfield Company and Rhode Island’s government leaders. Equally committed to pro bono work, John has received numerous awards for his advocacy on behalf of lesser-known clients. His dedication to underserved communities stems from a formative college experience when a conversation with an Indigenous classmate deepened his understanding of cultural sensitivity and justice. This lifelong passion for equality and fairness earned him the RI Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame Award in 2019, cementing his legacy as a legal trailblazer and compassionate advocate.

Juan Rodriguez

Juan Rodriguez is the Founder and Executive Director of Winners' Circle XR Academy, Inc. and NextGen Classrooms, two organizations breaking barriers in education by providing underserved students and educators with access to cutting-edge technology and innovative learning opportunities. Growing up without access to the tools and resources he now champions, Juan understands firsthand the weight of untapped potential. What started as a bold vision to level the playing field has evolved into thriving initiatives—hosting annual MindBlast Hackathons, eSports tournaments, and professional learning communities that empower students, families, and educators alike. From middle schoolers building robots to high schoolers designing virtual worlds, Juan’s work transforms classrooms into hubs of creativity, curiosity, and confidence. As an underdog who turned his obstacles into opportunities, Juan is on a mission to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the chance to dream boldly beyond and shape the future with technology as their canvas.

Julie Owens

Julie is CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse: a catalyst for the social entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. SEG has supported 2,300+ social entrepreneurs over 15+ years, equipping them with the knowledge, capital and community they need to protect our environment, create better access to health care, and forge new pathways to economic prosperity. Prior to joining SEG in 2022, Julie spent 25+ years as a consultant who cultivated strategic thinking and created positive impact at health care organizations across the country. Her work focused on both delivery of care (creating innovative programs that improve the patient experience) and financing of care (decreasing barriers that are often experienced by the underinsured).

Lauren Rugani

Lauren is an accomplished marketing and communications executive with nearly 20 years of experience shaping the stories of some of the world’s most iconic science and technology organizations. Currently, Lauren serves as VP of Marketing and Communications at REGENT Craft, leading efforts to redefine the future of coastal transportation with innovative all-electric seagliders. A physicist by training and communicator by trade, Lauren has led strategic communications projects spanning the discovery of the Higgs boson, flying autonomous internet drones, and launching quantum computers on the cloud. Prior to REGENT, Lauren has held roles leading Marketing and Communications at Rigetti Computing, guiding the company from Series B funding to a successful IPO; driving Technology Communications at Facebook; and holding positions at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and CERN. Holding a BS in Physics from Syracuse University, an MS in Science Journalism from Boston University, and an Executive Credential in Public Policy and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School, Lauren blends deep scientific understanding with the art of storytelling to make complex ideas accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

Rob Lewis

Rob Lewis is a celebrated music arranger, composer, producer, and thought leader at the intersection of artistry and technology. With over 30 years of experience working alongside Grammy-winning artists such as Christina Aguilera, Babyface, and Toni Braxton, Rob has shaped iconic performances and contributed to award-winning recordings. Beyond his work in music, Rob is pioneering new approaches to creativity by exploring how AI can empower artists while addressing ethical concerns. As guest faculty at Carnegie Hall’s The B-Side program, he mentors young artists on navigating the business of music with a focus on innovation and integrity. His upcoming TEDx talk, "Ego, Ethics, and Evolution: How AI is Redefining Creativity," explores the evolving role of artists in a digital world and advocates for solutions that ensure creators maintain control and receive fair value for their contributions.

Sara Monteiro

Sara Monteiro is an African/Cape Verdean/African American Providence Native: her focus and talents have been utilized to provide quality service to under-represented communities by way of education and community organization. She is an entrepreneur and artist. As a mother of she is passionate about creating and supporting fruitful programs for inner city youth. She is a URI alum with a background in African American Studies & Human Development, who currently serves as Co-Chair to URI’s Alumni of Color Network. She specializes in managing community partnerships and directing special projects. Sara is passionate about serving and collaborating with community partners to create spaces for equal/diverse representation. Sara’s goal is to preserve culture and history through community.

Sendurai Mani

Sendurai A. Mani is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Brown University. He is also the Associate Director of Translational Oncology at Brown University Legorreta Cancer Center. Dr. Mani earned a Ph.D. from The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India and then did postdoctoral work with Dr. Robert A. Weinberg at the Whitehead Institute/Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He then joined the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas as an Assistant Professor in December of 2007 and has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2013. In late 2022, Dr. Mani joined Brown University Legorreta Cancer Center as a professor and Associate Director of Translational Oncology. Dr. Mani has received numerous prizes and awards for his research, including a Jimmy V foundation’s V-Scholar Award and The American Cancer Society Research Scholar award. Dr. Mani’s original finding demonstrating the cancer cells acquire stem cell properties by activating latent embryonic epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program provided the foundation and explanation for the presence of plasticity within the tumor as well as the development of resistance to various treatments.

Shannon Shallcross

Currently, Shannon is the head of Client Services for the Silicon Valley-based InsurTech Pinpoint Predictive. Pinpoint uses big data, deep learning and behavioral economics to quantify unpriceable risks for top P&C insurers. Shallcross serves as an appointee for the State of Rhode Island’s HIE Advisory Commission which oversees technology that connects data across health care providers throughout the state. She has a Master of Science degree in Insurance Management from Boston University.

Tyler Griffin

Tyler Griffin is a student leader, innovator, and aspiring sales professional studying Innovation and Leadership Management at Bryant University. Born with a speech impediment, Tyler has turned this challenge into a source of strength, delivering speeches and leading initiatives that inspire others. As President of the Bryant CEO Club, Tyler has launched impactful programs and pitch competitions like G-Pitch, empowering students to tackle real-world challenges. With experience in sales competitions, sales internships, and speaking at events like the CEO Global Conference, Tyler demonstrates that obstacles can fuel bold leadership and meaningful change.