Theme: FUSION

In a world overflowing with ideas, the true power lies not just in innovation but in the ability to seamlessly blend these ideas with practical application to create a lasting, explosive impact. TEDxWilmington: FUSION is an extraordinary event that celebrates the convergence of diverse concepts, disciplines, and practices, resulting in transformative change that reverberates far beyond the stage.

FUSION is more than a theme; it's a dynamic process that is critical to driving progress in today’s interconnected world. For Wilmington, DE, a city rich in history, diversity, and creativity, this fusion of ideas with action holds special significance. Wilmington’s vibrant community, with its mix of entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and activists, is uniquely poised to harness the power of FUSION to address the complex challenges we face—whether in business, education, healthcare, or social justice. This event will bring together visionaries and practitioners who have successfully merged innovation with implementation, showcasing how their work has led to profound and measurable outcomes.

TEDxWilmington: FUSION is an essential event for anyone committed to making a real difference. By attending, participants will gain access to groundbreaking ideas and practical insights that can be immediately applied to their own work and lives. This event is not just about inspiration; it’s about equipping the people of Wilmington with the tools and perspectives needed to turn ideas into action, driving meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Join us at FUSION to be a part of this powerful exchange of ideas and practices that will shape the future of Wilmington.

Theatre N
1009 Orange Street
Wilmington, Delaware, 19801
United States

Amanda Colford

Entrepreneur

Amanda Colford guides high achievers into their unrealized potential and inner peace. As a published author, international speaker, and the creator/CEO of Leading The Vision, Inc., Amanda has facilitated thousands of personalized transformational sessions and has led hundreds of breakthroughs, neural integration, ascension, and leadership group classes for clients from all over the world. Amanda combines her spiritual gifts with specialization in neural-pathway programming, consciousness expansion, and quantum communication.

Chad Stender

Managing Partner - SeventySix Capital

Managing Partner at SeventySix Capital, Chad Stender is a sports investor, tireless networker, and community activist. With a unique background that spans working across professional sports teams, Fortune 500 entertainment companies, startups, and over a decade as a venture capitalist, Stender has been a leader in the sports investment movement. Stender holds numerous board seats, both in for-profit and non-profit entities, and has been recognized across the industry, receiving a number of awards. Most recently, Stender was named DealMaker of the Year.

Daniela Baumann

Entrepreneur, Speaker, & Author

Daniela Baumann is an internationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to empowering women across the globe. As the founder of Women Leaders of the World and CEO of LOFT1, a successful chain of pole dance studios, she has built a powerful platform that inspires women to embrace their potential, gain financial independence, and lead with confidence. Her keynote, “From Broke to Boss,” tells her powerful story of rising from a single mother without financial support to a thriving business leader with 15 studios. Daniela speaks on international stages about motivation, personal growth, business building, and female empowerment. In 2023, she was honored with the Women Leaders Middle East Award for her impact. Her talks are bold, moving, and transformational—ideal for audiences seeking real stories and lasting inspiration.

David Roden

Executive Producer of “The Anti Diet, Diet Club Documentary”

David Roden, is a leader in sustainable weight loss and personal transformation. Once weighing over 400 pounds, he overcame obesity, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure through fitness, nutrition, and mindset shifts. Thriving for over a decade, down 200 pounds. He is the creator of The Anti Diet, Diet Club, a documentary uncovering the truth behind weight loss by sharing the stories of six individuals who lost over 1,400 pounds, alongside expert insights from top doctors. He hosts the "YOÜR BEST SELF" podcast, featuring inspiring guests and deep dives into weight loss, nutrition, and mindset. His work has impacted thousands, proving that transformation isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming life.

Dr. Glenn Toby

CEO / Founder of Glenn Toby Enterprises

A respected entertainment executive, entrepreneur, Dr. Glenn Toby is a humanitarian whose career spans over three decades. From his early roots as a pioneering musician in the 1980s to becoming a trusted advisor to global brands and high-profile clients, his work bridges culture, commerce, and community. With an honorary Ph.D. and a reputation for integrity, he has guided the careers of figures like LL Cool J, Olympian Samyr Laine, and the late Lance Reddick. His expertise extends across entertainment, sports, and business, where he offers strategic counsel and leadership rooted in experience. As founder of Glenn Toby Enterprises, he leads a firm focused on brand development, management, and strategic planning. His approach integrates creativity with structure, helping artists, athletes, and corporations align their talents and resources with long-term vision. In addition to his business achievements,

Elizabeth Moro

Small business owner, community activist and author

Small business owner, community activist, and author of The Civil Graces Project, Elizabeth Moro believes that we can transform our communities one table at a time. You can often find her in her cafe kitchen creating delicious dishes, writing, or working on various projects to strengthen community connections.

Igor Vainshtein

Founder/CEO

Igor Vainshtein is a startup serial entrepreneur, best-selling author and the inventor of Entrepreneurpoly, a groundbreaking board game that captures the highs, lows, and realities of entrepreneurship. His entrepreneurial journey began at 17, scaling numerous ventures across industries, including e-commerce, technology, manufacturing, and golf. As the founder of 24/7 Golf, Igor achieved remarkable success, expanding to the USA, and securing a successful exit to GOLFTEC. He continues to innovate in the space with Golftrak.app, a cutting-edge solution that helps golfers improve their game using just their phone. A best-selling author of Practical Manifestation and Agile Manifestation, Igor provides actionable strategies for turning dreams into reality, blending principles of project management and agile systems. His work has inspired countless entrepreneurs to embrace resilience, adaptability, and bold thinking.

Jackie Ivy

Owner of Guesthouse Studios

Jackie Ivy is a creative leader in design and systems thinking, with an extensive career in academic and commercial experiential design. She has applied her design to physical spaces, branding campaigns, as well as leadership and non-profits. More recently, Jackie has been a Fellow at the Garrison Institute, where she integrated mindfulness, painting, and embodied social justice practices into her work. Over her career, Ms. Ivy has worked for brands such as Nike, Anthropologie, Soho House, and rag & bone, focused on the design of physical spaces as well as operational and financial management. Ms. Ivy started her career focused on curatorial studies, primarily at the Albers Foundation and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, Italy. Ms. Ivy received her Master of Environmental Design from Yale University, graduating with academic honors. She received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Jay Wheeler

Author | President, Wheeler Financial | Senior Financial Advisor, RJFS

Jay Wheeler is a financial planner, author, and speaker who is passionate about the human side of planning and investing. As the President of Wheeler Financial, Jay is known for building meaningful connections with his clients to understand their dreams, challenges, and goals. Blending an analytical mindset with empathy and approachability, he specializes in simplifying complex financial strategies and helping clients feel confident about their future. He is the author of Un-Surprise Me, a relatable life planning guide designed to help readers anticipate life’s predictable events and reduce uncertainty. Through his book and speaking engagements, Jay equips people with the tools to approach life and money with clarity, empowering them to make intentional choices and avoid the stress of preventable surprises.

Jennifer Lazzarini

Speaker & Business + Leadership Consultant

Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini is an internationally recognized chef, entrepreneur, and speaker who helps organizations tackle high turnover, unclear roles, and low profitability by building engaged, high-performing teams. A DISC personality profiling expert and winner of MasterChef USA Season 2, Jennifer equips business owners, HR professionals, and team leaders with the tools to improve communication, retain talent, and drive profitability. Her Yes, Chef leadership experience immerses teams in real-world challenges, fostering collaboration and adaptability. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she has worked with major brands like Hasbro, CVS, and QVC. Passionate about mentorship, she supports organizations like Foster Forward and the USO. Whether leading teams or kickboxing, snorkeling, or traveling, Jennifer champions the 1% Rule—proving small, consistent efforts lead to massive results.

Lavar Matthews

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Lavar Matthews is a dedicated leader with extensive experience in leadership and a strong commitment to fostering inclusive environments across organizations. Currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, A U.S. Army veteran Lavar served nine years on active duty, beginning his military career enlisting in 2015 and commissioning as an officer in 2020. Lavar also holds a Bachelor of Science from Framingham State University, and a Master of Science in Human Capital Management from Columbia University. His leadership and impact were further recognized when he served as the graduation speaker for his graduating class at Columbia. Lavar serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Delaware Historical Society, his work on the board ensures that diverse perspectives are valued and represented in the preservation and sharing of history.

Lovell Kosh

CEO of 3&D Personal Training and Performance

Co-founder and CEO of the award-winning fitness studio, 3&D Personal Training, Lovell Kosh is a coach, keynote speaker, and master connector. He has worked with athletes from Europe, the NBA, NFL, and MLB. He is a Delaware Business Times 40 under 40 honoree, and he has helped hundreds of individuals forge connections for over 20 years.

Noa Mills

Miss Delaware USA 2023, Philanthropist, Author, Corporate Partnerships Specialist

Noa Mills is a dynamic professional specializing in corporate partnerships for top dental surgery practices nationwide. A philanthropist, founder of “ReThink Edu”, and three-time Barnes & Noble published author, she earned the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Service Award, 2022 Mill Summit Impact Award, and is Miss Delaware USA 2023. Noa led efforts for Delaware Regulation 615 2.0, mandating mental health resources in schools, and founded a namesake scholarship. A Google Techstars and Aspen Ideas: Health fellow, Noa is associated with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Forbes the Culture, and Leadership Delaware. Named one of Delaware Online’s Most Influential People for 2025, she champions excellence as the standard and inspires others to think, be, and achieve big.

Oma Christopher

Mystic

Oma has overcome the odds and has been captivating audiences with her story and sharing wisdom on the liberation of mind. She once was suddenly struck by an indescribable experience, causeless, timeless, mindless, that left her with a profound realization.

Rhett Power

CEO and Co-Founder Accountability Inc.

CEO, Author, Executive Coach, Speaker, Forbes and Rolling Stone Columnist, Rhett Power, CEO and Co-founder of Accountability Inc., is an internationally recognized executive coach and a six-time founder whose work has reshaped leadership and organizational culture globally. As a bestselling author and distinguished Rolling Stone and Forbes columnist, Rhett consistently delivers insightful, actionable content on management, leadership, and entrepreneurial success. Honored by Global Gurus as one of the world's foremost management and startup thinkers, Rhett is also a distinguished member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches community. He is regularly invited to speak at premier global forums, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, SXSW, and Web Summit, captivating audiences with his transformative insights.

Sean Farrington

PhD student in Chemical Engineering

Research engineer and communicator Sean Farrington is a published scientific author and a speaker at national and international academic conferences. With his passion for solving problems with engineering, Sean takes to the TEDx stage to share the motivation behind his research. Through his PhD, Sean studies the fluid flow properties of human blood and how that information could be used as an early diagnostic technique for cardiovascular diseases. You can follow Sean on LinkedIn to learn more.

Sharece Sellem-Hannah

Theatre/Film Professional & Community Health Educator

Theatre/Filmmaker, Community Health Educator, and Cycle-Breaker, Sharece Sellem-Hannah challenges outreach methods and explores how creative storytelling can build more empathy, improve training, and make human services more effective. With a career in theatre, documentary filmmaking, over 15 years in the human services field, and Master of Science in Community Health and Prevention Science, she combines these worlds to create more meaningful impact in the social professions.

Tim Adams

Integrated Performance Coach, Advisor, & Author

Integrated Performance Coach, Advisor, & Author. Going on 39 years of guiding outliers of outliers helping make the impossible possible. Tim has coached for 3 professional sports teams, worked on 2 movies & TV shows, a documentary, & 3 world tours. He has advised 19 pro sports Hall of Famers, military operatives, & industry leaders. He creates an ecosystem for pioneers, impactful leaders, & purpose driven performers to accelerate growth, advance beyond limits & expand who they are, what they do, while creating sustainable success in all Arenas of their life. So they can fulfill on their influence, impact, calling, dreams, while improving the human condition.

Travis Hearne

Entrepreneur

Dr. Travis Hearne is the Founder and CEO of the Titanium Consulting Group (TCG), an international best-selling author, a globally sought-after keynote speaker, a Marine Corps Combat Veteran, a former Intelligence Officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency, a cybersecurity and leadership industry expert, father, husband, and son. Travis earned his Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California in 2021 and holds several certifications, including an executive certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School in Leadership in Homeland Security. Having led Marines in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and having worked with everything from Fortune 10 companies to startups, Travis has consistently found that the cornerstone of success is how well people are led.

Viraj Kamath

Vice President of RareGen Youth Network

Vice President of RareGen, Viraj Kamath, is a rare disease policy advocate, researcher, and speaker dedicated to amplifying youth voices in healthcare. Diagnosed with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), he helped kickstart RareGen to empower young advocates and drive policy changes for rare disease patients. Through legislative efforts, global speaking engagements, and community-driven initiatives, Viraj works to ensure rare diseases are prioritized in healthcare systems and public policy.