Theme: Roll The Dice

This year’s TEDxBrownU theme, "Roll the Dice," invites us to explore the power of uncertainty and the transformative potential of risk. In a world that often craves control, this conference celebrates the bold moments, both planned and spontaneous, that shape who we are. Whether it’s a leap of faith, an unexpected turn, or a quiet act of courage, each story challenges us to reconsider what it means to take a chance. Join us as our speakers share how embracing the unknown can lead to reinvention, connection, and profound personal growth.

Salomon Center
Salomon Center
DECI Auditorium
Providence, Rhode Island, 02912
United States

Audrey Finocchiaro

Business Owner + Influencer

Audrey Finocchiaro is the co-founder and CEO of Nitro Bar, a pioneering coffee company known for its innovative take on coffee. With a passion for entrepreneurship, Audrey built Nitro Bar from the ground up, navigating early challenges like limited funds and social media scrutiny to create a thriving brand. Under her leadership, Nitro Bar has grown rapidly, gaining a loyal following online and a strong presence in the coffee industry. Audrey is committed to fostering a positive company culture, supporting her team, and continuously innovating in the beverage space, all while advocating for mental health and resilience in business.

Ava Garfinkel

Game Developer

Ava is a Brown University alumni who graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2022. After getting her Bachelor’s Degree, she enrolled in the joint Brown-RISD program MADE and earned a Master’s Degree in Design Engineering. Since graduating from Brown and RISD, Ava has been working as a Game Designer at Hasbro on the brands Monopoly and Clue. In 2024 she won several awards for her first published board game Monopoly GO, including a TAGIE for Rising Star Innovator of the Year from the People of Play organization. Ava is passionate about designing games that are innovative, accessible, and human-centred. Some of her favorite board games include Splendor Duel, Apiary, and Rock Hard 1977.

Malik Boykin

Assistant Professor

Dr. C. Malik Boykin, aka Malik Starx, is a psychologist, professor, and globally traveled hip-hop artist whose public work unites science and music. An Assistant Professor at Brown University, he researches intergroup relations, bias in AI, and racial identity while teaching the psychology of stigma and prejudice. His artistry and scholarship inspire resilience, advocacy, and joy. With an improvisational style in both the classroom and on stage, Malik uses rap to spark discourse and reinvention. In The Power to Try, he blends rhythm and narrative from his journeys in hip-hop and academia to explore the power of persistence and transformation.

Mark Zonfrillo

Emergency Medicine Doctor

Mark R. Zonfrillo, MD, MSCE, (Brown ’99 and MD ’03) is a pediatric emergency medicine physician, clinical epidemiologist, and Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. His research focuses on pediatric injury epidemiology and prevention, with an emphasis on risk factors and outcomes for motor vehicle occupant injuries and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, he has completed over 120 hours of improvisational comedy training and performs regularly with two local improv teams. He hopes to inspire others by demonstrating how spontaneity, deep listening, and a “yes, and” mindset can enhance communication, teamwork, and adaptability in their personal and professional lives.

Samantha Holvey

Healthcare Communications Expert + Author

Sam Holvey is a healthcare communications expert, author, and speaker with a knack for turning complexity into clarity (and occasionally, a punchline). She’s been a guest on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and The New York Times—but not for the reasons you’d expect. A survivor of rare and autoimmune diseases, Sam knows firsthand that the only thing strong enough to stop her is... well, herself (and bread). The author of The Stairway to Heaven is Not ADA Compliant, she brings sharp insight, humor, and a fresh perspective to every stage she steps on.

Sofia Barnett

Journalist

Sofia Barnett is a New England journalist and senior at Brown University studying history and English nonfiction. Sofia has reported on Native American communities, reproductive and public health, state and higher education, and breaking news for a handful of newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, The Providence Journal, and The New York Post. In her free time, Sofia enjoys freelancing for publications like WIRED, Teen Vogue, and The Daily Beast, where she writes about technology and culture. This summer, Sofia will join The Minnesota Star Tribune’s News and Politics desk. Sofia is a member of The New York Times Corps class of 2025 and a proud alum of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program for low-income high school journalists.