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).

Bowen-Thompson Student Union
1001 E Wooster St
Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402
United States

Casey Knutson

My name is Casey Knutson and I am a political science student with a focus on international relations. My passion for democracy and global communication has driven me to intern for the U.S. House of Representatives, lead voter engagement initiatives, and study abroad in Strasbourg, France. I’ve honed my skills in policy research and public speaking through roles with Model United Nations and public engagement projects. I’m dedicated to promoting civic engagement and addressing global challenges, aspiring to make a lasting impact by advancing democratic values and encouraging international collaboration.

charity Anderson

Charity Anderson pursued a Ph.D. from BGSU, and graduated with an MA, BA, BS, AA, and AS from other universities. She currently instructs women's studies and literature courses at BGSU. She is a licensed teacher and taught in Ohio and Michigan grade schools for 14 years before becoming a college instructor. She is the mother of four children and is a member of the disabled community. Her research is focused on disability rhetoric and marginalized voices. She has presented research at multiple universities and professional organization conferences, and she was awarded several accolades for her writing.

Cherie Spino

Writer and creator. Traveler and life-long learner. Wife and mother of four (five, if you count the dog I said I’d never get). Marketing content strategist on BGSU’s marketing team. I was raised in Sylvania, Ohio, the fourth of five girls. Armed with a journalism degree from Northwestern University, I’ve worked at an innovative publishing company in Tennessee, freelanced for newspapers and magazines and eventually found my happy place in higher ed. If I ever get a tattoo, it will be of the two words I try to live by – wonder and wander.

Geizi Amon

Geizi a Senior at Bowling Green State University. He was born in Guatemala but raised in Amherst, OH. He is currently pursuing my BSBA with specializations in Finance and Marketing. He is a Student Ambassador for the Schmidthorst College of Business. He holds positions in: American Marketing Association as the VP of DE&I, Financial Management Society as the Social Events Chair, Students of Color in Business as the Marketing Director, the President of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., and BGSU's National Pan-Hellenic Council's Public Relations Chair. He also has a great fondness for driving.

Isabel Wolke

Isabel Wolke (b. 1999) is a painter and educator from Northwest Ohio who received her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Cincinnati in 2024. She is a drawing and painting adjunct professor at Bowling Green State University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art in 2021. Wolke’s canvases are a colorful expression of pop culture and her love for the horror genre. Since a young age, she had always loved the allure of horror and her fascination crept its way into her paintings and academia.

Jarod Mariani

Jarod Mariani is a full-time BGSU employee in the College of Education and Human Development where he helps run the college's Virtual Simulation Program. Before becoming an employee of BGSU in May of 2023, Jarod was a Ph.D. in Theatre candidate in the university's Department of Theater and Film; he graduated in August of 2024.

Joe Hupp

Licensed Clinical Social Worker / psychotherapist in over 40 US states. Twenty year career working with individuals, couples and families who work to overcome mental health issues and challenges. He has worked in large community practices, private practice as both a direct service clinician, administrator, quality assurance director as well as clinical director. He has a passion for being able to keep individuals engaged in meaningful treatment to help them to achieve their goals. In process of earning an MBA with expected graduation date Summer 2025. Will be pursuing a Doctorate in Business administration Fall 2025.

Kathryn Phillips

Kathryn Phillips seasoned professional specializing in business development, strategic planning, and leadership development. Kathryn teaches Business Ethics and Social Responsibility at BGSU challenging students to live a life of integrity and responsibility in all things they do. As a self proclaimed humanitarian Kathryn hopes to study the use and abuse of power in individuals, organizations, and overall society during her career at Bowling Green State University. Kathryn is grateful for her two daughters who inspire her to grow everyday.

Katie Chaney

Katie Chaney is the Coordinator for Leadership in the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at Bowling Green State University. She is a proud two-time graduate of BGSU and a former secondary educator, now dedicated to fostering leadership development and foundational competencies in college students.

Madalyn Thayer

Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024.

Madi & Adam Smith

Adam and Madi are both two-time BGSU graduates, who both currently work full-time at Bowling Green State University. Adam and Madi live in the Bowling Green area with their two dogs Acadia and Olympia. Their academic backgrounds include Sociology, History, Environmental Sciences, and Leadership. They enjoy traveling, hiking, yoga, meditation, ultra-marathon running, and spending time outdoors.

Matt Cole

Matt is a young entrepreneur and leader on campus who wants to inspire positive change and bridge gaps in my community. He is also a content creator who uses his platform to help others be purpose driven in their journeys.

Myles Johnson

Myles Johnson, a Lansing native, has been passionate about leadership and community impact since high school, where he served as Class President at Sexton High. After earning a degree in Advertising from Bowling Green State University and assisting on local campaigns, he felt called to give back to South Lansing. Myles ran for Ingham County Commissioner, and was re-elected, connecting with residents through grassroots eZorts, social media, and community outreach. His dedication made him the Ingham County Commissioner, driven by a mission to create meaningful change in the neighborhood that shaped him.

Saadia Farooq

Saadia is a 3rd-year Ph.D. student at Bowling Green State University, She studies critical interpersonal and family communication in the School of Media & Communication.

Tobias Hysell

Noah is a Resorts and Attractions Management major at Bowling Green State University. He has studied the attractions industry independently for about eight years and has independently studied advertising for around twelve years. He is a published musician, and in his free time he enjoys drawing. He has always been an incredibly creative person especially when it comes to music and visual art. He is a little bit of a horror buff, however, his biggest interest is the attractions industry. He is extremely passionate about creating heavily themed experiences for people in amusement parks.