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).

Sadler Center
200 Stadium Drive
Williamsburg, Virginia, 23186
United States

Aanchal Goenka

With a background in finance and data science, Aanchal Goenka led as President of William&Mary’s Smart Woman Securities and played a key role in University Advancement's Engagement and Senior Class Gift Committees. Now an Analyst at Deloitte Consulting, she remains deeply connected to William & Mary as a Class Ambassador and an active member of Young Guarde. Beyond the numbers and boardrooms, Aanchal is fascinated by the power of curiosity, human connection, and storytelling. She loves meeting new people, traveling, and hearing the experiences that shape them.

Dr. Tingting (Rachel) Chung

As an award-winning professor of Business Analytics at William & Mary, Dr. Tingting (Rachel) Chung has spent her career not just teaching, but transforming the way students engage with complex ideas. From using chocolates and toys to break down mathematical concepts to writing AI The Magic Box, a book that explains AI to middle schoolers, she's always sought to make learning both accessible and fun. She's also the founder of Artificial And Natural Intelligence Education (AANIE) and Hampton Roads Tech Meetup, creating spaces for people to explore technology together. A longtime TED Talk fan, Dr. Chung believes in the power of storytelling to make complex ideas resonate. Now, she's bringing that passion to the TEDx stage, helping others see AI not as a mystery, but as an exciting tool anyone can understand.

Elise Montemayor

Elise Montemayor has seen firsthand how small wins, smart failures, and strong communities fuel success, both on and off the court. After graduating summa cum laude from Saint Francis University with a degree in International Studies and Spanish, along with minors in Political Science, Global Languages and Culture, and Global Community, she continued to challenge herself, now earning her MBA at William & Mary while working in Athletics Administration. When she's not helping others push past their limits, you'll find her flying drones as an FAA-licensed pilot, caring for her turtle, Mr. Clean, or enjoying a coffee and croissant.

Emma Lankford

Emma Lankford is a senior at William & Mary studying Biology and Integrative Conservation and her life has been defined by a passion for uncovering the hidden histories of the landscapes we cherish. Emma is a Trip Leader for the Tribe Adventure Program, a Student Sustainability Council member, and an avid rock climber. She's also checked off every Virginia State Park, once opened for a touring production of Hamilton, and—perhaps most impressively—somehow got lost on Disney's Lazy River as a kid. For Emma, TEDx is an opportunity to inspire others to think deeply about the spaces they inhabit. Given William & Mary's own Native history, she believes these conversations aren't just important—they're necessary.

Jack Rizzo

Meet Jack Rizzo— a senior at William & Mary who thrives at the intersection of leadership, creativity, and community. A Business Analytics major with a History minor, Jack has spent his college years not just learning, but building. From serving as Investment Fund Portfolio Manager and VP of the Econ Club to mentoring peers and becoming a Founding Father of Pi Kappa Alpha's Gamma Chapter, he's always sought to create meaningful impact. But his passion doesn't stop in the classroom. As the founder of T-Swap, a campus thrift store promoting sustainability, and the lead guitarist for his rock band Halcyon Lane. Jack believes in the power of creation-whether through business, music, or community initiatives. A lifelong TED Talk enthusiast, Jack has dreamed of stepping onto this stage since 8th grade. Now, he's making that dream a reality, sharing why creation is essential to the human experience.

Michael Foley

As President of the Mason Investment Club and Co-President of the Finance Academy, Michael Foley is no stranger to making strategic decisions. But beyond finance and economics, he's deeply invested in the future of democracy. On campus, Michael also serves on the Institute for Integrative Conservation Student Leadership Council and is a proud member of Delta Chi Fraternity. And when he's not analyzing markets or debating political reform, he's proving his skills at the dartboard, navigating life with 40 first cousins, or still coming to terms with the fact that he isn't actually a British citizen. For Michael, TEDx is more than just a stage - it's a platform for bold ideas. He's here to challenge conventional thinking and ignite a conversation on the future of democracy.

Rachel Chung

As an award-winning professor of Business Analytics at William & Mary, Dr. Tingting (Rachel) Chung has spent her career not just teaching, but transforming the way students engage with complex ideas. From using chocolates and toys to break down mathematical concepts to writing AI The Magic Box, a book that explains AI to middle schoolers, she's always sought to make learning both accessible and fun. She's also the founder of Artificial And Natural Intelligence Education (AANIE) and Hampton Roads Tech Meetup, creating spaces for people to explore technology together. But her passion extends beyond the classroom. AI is often seen as an intimidating black box—something mysterious, even unsettling. In her TEDx talk, Illusion or Innovation: The Secret of AI The Magic Box, she pulls back the curtain, revealing why AI doesn't have to be confusing or scary—and how, in many ways, it's more adorable than we think. A longtime TED Talk fan, Dr. Chung believes in the power of storytelling to make complex ideas resonate. Now, she's bringing that passion to the TEDx stage, helping others see AI not as a mystery, but as an exciting tool anyone can understand.