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).

Constitution Hall in the Nigh University Center
2nd Street and Garland Godfrey Drive
c/o 100 North University Avenue
Edmond, Oklahoma, 73034
United States

Emma Valgora

Student

Emma Valgora is a Junior at the University of Central Oklahoma, majoring in Musical Theater with minors in Theater and Political Science. Originally from Ponca City, Oklahoma, she grew up with her mother, Jill, and sister, Savannah. Emma began competing within the Miss America Organization over 5 years ago, and is currently serving as Miss Edmond 2024 and Miss Heartland 2025. She is passionate about using her platform to advocate for mental health education and awareness. Through her work, Emma published a children’s book to introduce mental health concepts to young children and established “Pause. Provide. Prevent.” as an official nonprofit organization in Oklahoma. She strives to continue her work and inspire others to engage in conversations that can help prevent loneliness in mental health challenges. While uncertain of where life will take her after graduation, Emma remains dedicated to her work in the arts, advocacy, and service.

Kristy Johnson

Higher Education Professional

Kristy Johnson, a certified Social and Emotional Intelligence Coach, currently serves as the College Connections/Financial Aid Coordinator at Eastern OK County Technology Center. Prior to financial aid, she taught employability and leadership skills to young adults transitioning from high school to college and career. A 22 year veteran educator, she has worked with students and adults of all ages in developing skills and strategies that will allow them to be successful not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. She has written and developed curriculum for courses on study skills, leadership, and career exploration including co-authoring curriculum for The One Week Job Project by Sean Aiken. Kristy and her husband, a high school English teacher of 18 years, are committed to encouraging Oklahomans to pursue growth in all areas of life.

Mark Walvoord

Higher Education Professional

Mr. Mark Walvoord is an Assistant Director of the Student Transformative Learning Record and a founding Co-Coordinator of the Sustainability Center here at the University of Central Oklahoma. Through those roles he trains faculty and staff in impacting and measuring student learning, and he co-leads the Broncho Bites food recovery program. Although his previous degrees were in biology, he is completing his doctoral degree this year at the University of Oklahoma in their Learning Sciences program. He was the founding President of the Oklahoma Compost and Sustainability Association and serves on the boards of two nonprofits dedicated to education and poverty relief in Madagascar.

Masood Abdul-Haqq

Author

Masood Abdul-Haqq is a dynamic speaker and advocate for youth empowerment, drawing from his journey of resilience and success. As a Black American Muslim man from Atlanta, Masood overcame significant challenges during his adolescence, including navigating a tumultuous school experience. Through determination and hard work, he transformed his life, eventually co-founding R. World Shirt Company, where he honed his marketing and public relations skills. Now a published author of The Giants in My Midst, Masood shares powerful stories highlighting universal success principles, inspiring young audiences to believe in their potential. As the co-owner of Peace of Mind Pediatrics, he combines his passion for healthcare with his commitment to community service and actively engages in it. Masood serves as the chair of the Board for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma and is the secretary of the Board for the OKC Black Chamber of Commerce.

Shane Owen

Non-Traditional Student

Shane Owen is a 47-year-old non-traditional student with a passion for learning and a self- proclaimed student of leadership. He has sought for ways to better lead others around him through current effective leadership strategies, better communication, and motivation through ownership. Shane recently graduated from Rose State College (2024) where he earned a cumulative GPA of 3.56, earning his enrollment as a member of Phi Theta Kappa – Alpha Eta Alpha, Psi Beta, and NSLS honor societies. He earned an embedded Certificate in Leadership and graduated with Distinguished Honors for conducting 12 credit hours of various Honor Projects in conjunction with his normal classroom studies. He completed all of this while working full time. He is a current Junior at the University of Central Oklahoma where he is earning his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Human Resource.