Theme: Still Anything but Normal

This year’s theme, Still Anything but Normal, is a tribute to the
bold spirit that first brought TEDxNormal to life and a
celebration of 10 years of groundbreaking ideas right here in
our community. A decade ago, this stage was just an idea—
now, it stands as proof that Normal is anything but ordinary.
We are surrounded by incredible talent and big ideas that
deserve to be heard, and today’s speakers are a testament to
the power of innovation thriving in our own backyard.
TEDxNormal isn’t just an event—it’s a movement, reminding us
that this community is
capable of shaping the future in ways that are unexpected,
inspiring, and, of course, anything but normal.
On behalf of the entire organizing committee, thank you for
being part of this milestone celebration. Let’s continue proving
that Normal is where extraordinary happens.

Heartland Community College Astroth Community Education Center
1530 Millenium Drive
Normal, Illinois, 61761
United States

Amber Collins

CEO of Recreate

Amber is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of recreation. With a Master’s in Kinesiology & Recreation, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for youth to explore diverse recreational experiences through nature, art, and literature—sharing her research through writing to make academic insights more accessible. Her work highlights recreation as a pathway to rest, growth, and social change. This passion also led her to found Recreate, an initiative dedicated to expanding recreational access for youth. She is also a published author in the National Recreation and Park Association Magazine

Cedric Williams, Ph.D.

Founder + CEO, Legacy Consulting & Research Group LLC

Dr. Cedric Williams is a licensed clinical and consulting psychologist and the author of Brick by Brick: Becoming a Clinical and Consulting Psychologist. He integrates psychological science and leadership development models to support individuals, teams, and organizations in achieving meaningful growth. Dr. Williams brings extensive experience in executive coaching, organizational consulting, and assessment, working with leaders across sectors including technology, financial services, and nonprofits. His research interests focus on multicultural humility, occupational thriving, leadership, and followership. He has served on the executive board of the American Psychological Association’s Division 13, the Society of Consulting Psychology. In addition to his work as a psychologist, Dr. Williams has served soldiers and their families in the United States Army—both Active Duty and Reserve—for over 23 years.

Dr. Rebecca Hubbard

Clinical Psychologist at Grounded Wellness LLC

Dr. Rebecca Hubbard is a licensed clinical psychologist, yoga instructor, former student athlete, and recovering perfectionist. She has been on her own wellness journey since she was a teenager and uses her personal experience and professional training to co-create spaces for healing and growth in her Chicago-based private practice.

Jennifer E Caldwell

Founder of UniquelyMe Consulting

Jennifer Caldwell is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for authenticity and empowerment. As the founder and CEO of UniquelyME Consulting, she is dedicated to helping individuals embrace their true selves and overcome obstacles that hinder their personal and professional growth. In addition, Jennifer serves as a Coordinator in Career Development at Heartland Community College. In this role, she supports students in their career journeys, helping them navigate their professional paths with purpose and resilience.

Kimberly Ku

Physician Partner, Illinois Cancercare

In addition to current bio please add the following: Kim is also a participant of the highly prestigious and competitive American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Leadership Development Program 2025-2026 in a year-long program where a select group of oncologists will learn and practice advanced leadership skills, as well as presenting their strategic competencies for the ASCO Board of Directors, who are tasked to help bring up the next generations of leaders in the field of Medical Oncology.

Noah Tang

President of the Bloomington Revivalists: Strong Towns Blono

I am a high school social studies teacher and community organizer who focuses on bottom-up solutions to crises facing our community and its built environment. As the President of the Bloomington Revivalists: Strong Towns BloNo, we have focused our efforts on rebuilding neighborhood bonds, picking up trash, showing the importance of the traditional downtown built form, and fostering better pedestrian connections with public art.

Ruth K. Burke

Interdisciplinary artist

Ruth K. Burke is an interdisciplinary artist and educator who collaborates with animals, plants, and land in her creative practice. She makes land art, moving image, performance, and installations to engage ideas around multispecies histories, land use, interspecies kinship, and settler colonialism.

Shanika Green

Career Curriculum Development Advisor

“Currently serving as a Career Curriculum Development Advisor at Illinois State University, Shanika considers herself a champion of people. Prior to her current role, she served as Career Navigator Workforce Equity Initiative and Coordinator of Operations in continuing education at Heartland Community College. In addition she owns her own company teaching career readiness, professional development and helping moms transition back into the workforce. Shanika has a background in building processes and creating procedures. Her career spans several industries including banking, healthcare, social service, and claims. She is passionate about helping others learn the “expertise and leadership strategies they need to succeed in any industry they choose.” Shanika earned her Health Services Administration from Lincoln College and a Master of Business Administration-Project Management at Capella University. She also served as the Vice President of Education for Toastmasters.

Shannon Epplett

Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University

Dr. Shannon Epplett teaches Indigenous literature, film, and popular culture courses at Illinois State University. He received his Ph.D. from University of Illinois. He is a theatre director and deviser, as well as dramaturg for Rosy Simas Danse, a Native-led modern dance company in Minneapolis.

Vivian Kong Doctora

Owner/Partner of Bao Destination, Beyond Social, and Kobe Revolving Sushi Bar

I stepped away from a 21 year corporate career to follow my passion for enterpreneurship- a leap that was both terrifying and incredibly rewarding. Today, I own multiple businesses including my latest project of a new revolving sushi bar. I have learned invaluable lessons along the way. I am released my first children book, Life As Bao in 2023. MCLP graduate and an active member of the Mclean County Chamber. I co-founded the Women Elevate Women resources group at the chamber with the intent to create space for women business owners and professional to connect and elevate each other. My mission is to help others, especially youth and minorities, achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. That's why I created the Young Entrepreneur Market in 2023. As we approach our 3rd annual event in 2025, I'm committed to continuing to empower and invest in the next generation of dreamers.