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).

Lorton Performance Center
550 S Gary Pl, Tulsa, OK 74104
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74104
United States

Christine Cocchiola

Christine M. Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is an expert on the experiences of adult and child victims of coercive control. A college professor teaching social work, she received her doctorate in clinical social work from New York University working under the tutelage of Dr. Evan Stark. She presents nationally and internationally on coercive control with a focus on educating professionals, advocates, and protective parents, on the experiences of children and best intervention strategies for adult and child victims of coercive control/narcissistic abuse. She is the creator of The Protective Parenting Program, a therapeutic evidence based attachment focused program for parents of children harmed by abusers.

Colby DeWeese

Colby DeWeese started his career in oil and gas before shifting to hydrogen combustion technology. Along the way, he realized the biggest challenge in clean energy wasn’t making hydrogen work—it was making it make financial sense. Now, he’s developing new electrolysis technology to make hydrogen production as efficient and scalable as battery storage. With a background in chemical engineering and a master’s in oil, gas, and energy law, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and industry insight to the future of clean energy.

Cordney McClain

"Cordney “MAC Woods”, is an Army Veteran, business development officer, curriculum developer, and youth professional development coach. A lover of words, he is known as “MAC Woods” in artistic spaces, and is nationally chartered in Spoken Word recorded music. Living by the saying, “I can be changed by what gymnastics, where, as an Olympic hopeful, she confronted the true cost of perfection. These experiences now fuel her passion for inspiring others to embrace setbacks, prioritize mental health, and advocate for child protection. Through her work, she empowers others to live authentically, resiliently, and free from impossible standards. happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it,” MAC has branded himself with the mantra of a “MAN ARTICULATING CHANGE (MAC)” to utilize his gift of gab, pen, and leadership skills to inspire self-love and actualization.

Estella Evans Hamilton

Estella Evans Hamilton is an educator with over 30 years of dedicated experience in education. As an educator she is committed to student engagement, empowerment and academic wellness and excellence. This commitment led to the development and implementation of G-SAP Life, a goal-setting action planning process that actively engages students in tracking their academic progress and improving their GPA with each progress report. This innovative approach not only fosters a sense of ownership among students but also cultivates a culture of accountability and motivation within the school community.

Matthew Cooper

Born in Tulsa to Deaf parents, Matthew Cooper grew up in a family active in the local Deaf community. Like many CODAs (Children Of Deaf Adults), he grew away from the Deaf community but eventually found his way back through life events. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, his teaching career began with middle school science. In 2017, he became an adjunct instructor teaching American Sign Language at Tulsa Community College. From there, he transitioned to teaching high school ASL, and in 2022, he accepted a full-time position at the University of Tulsa. He is currently in his eighth year with TCC and his third year at TU.

Melissa Robinson-Winemiller

Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is an expert in empathy and emotional intelligence. With advanced degrees in leadership, business, and statistics, and 20+ years of experience, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She has spoken at Oxford and Cambridge, appeared on nearly 50 podcasts and livestreams, and authored two articles for Authority magazine. Her first book, The Empathic Leader, releases this spring, continuing her mission to redefine leadership with empathy and emotional intelligence.

Nicole Hopkins

As a former private wealth banker and current mortgage lender, Nicole has spent thousands of hours having open conversations with individuals about their financial situations. In her talk, she dives into this vulnerable concept with our TEDx community as we explore the power of authentic money conversations.

Nina Maouelainin

Nina Maouelainin is a renowned leader in interventional pulmonology and the President and Founder of Lung Health Services, an innovative independent practice at the forefront of advanced respiratory care. She also serves as the Medical Director of Interventional Pulmonology at both Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Medical Center and Grandview Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Nina is also the founder of the Dr. Nina Lung Care Foundation, through which she provides education, coaching, and compassionate support for individuals living with complex lung conditions such as COPD, emphysema, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer.

Scarlett Gutierrez

Scarlett Gutierrez is a distinguished Presidential Scholar at the University of Tulsa, majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law focus. She plans to attend law school and make a lasting impact through legislation and legal advocacy in her community and beyond. Her journey began in the high-stakes world of elite gymnastics, where, as an Olympic hopeful, she confronted the true cost of perfection. These experiences now fuel her passion for inspiring others to embrace setbacks, prioritize mental health, and advocate for child protection. Through her work, she empowers others to live authentically, resiliently, and free from impossible standards.

Susan Hensley

Susan Hensley is an author, speaker, and transformational coach dedicated to helping people navigate life’s transitions with joy and resilience. With decades of experience, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with life changes. Her mission is to empower people to unlock their inner wisdom, creativity, and sense of play during times of uncertainty. Susan’s diverse career path includes serving as a broadcast journalist and news anchor, as well as holding executive positions around the globe. She has a BS in communication/social science from the University of California, and an MS in journalism from Northwestern University.