Theme: Think Differently

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).

Straz Center
1010 N Macinnes Pl
Tampa, Florida, 33602
United States

Alexander Lange

Men's Coach, Writer, Speaker, & Aspiring Non-Profit Leader

Alex Lange is a father, writer, podcaster, and a messenger devoted to healing, shaped by profound personal loss. When his youngest son Liam passed away at 18 months old, Alex found himself standing at the crossroads of grief and meaning. That experience, along with his daughter’s diagnosis of a brain tumor, his own discovery of multiple brain tumors, and the unraveling and rebuilding of his family, revealed something deeper: pain is universal, but so is the potential to turn it into purpose. Now living and learning alongside his wife and four children as a world schooling family, Alex shares a message rooted in Liam’s legacy. It speaks to anyone who has ever suffered silently, carried invisible weight, or questioned their worth in the face of adversity. Through writing, speaking, and soul-level conversations, Alex helps people reimagine pain not as something to escape, but as a sacred invitation to live more fully, love more deeply, and lead with authenticity.

Arbaina Kawilan

Resilience & Emotional Well-being Advocate

Arbaina Kawilan is a speaker and store manager based in Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology. She began her career in the Mayor’s Office in the Philippines before transitioning to nonprofit work with A Single Drop for Safe Water and Nonviolence International Southeast Asia (NISEA). Through her work with NISEA, she was selected as a civil society fellow to deliver an intervention at a United Nations review conference in 2023. In 2018, Arbaina moved to the United States and began building a new life. She worked in the hospitality industry and now leads operations and client experience at a window treatment company. Outside of work, Arbaina shares videos on resilience, personal transformation, and quiet strength—offering insight from her lived experiences with the hope of reaching others navigating adversity. Her TEDx talk builds on that same mission: showing how lived experience can be transformed into a framework for growth, clarity, and quiet power.

Breanne Mertz

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Breanne A. Mertz is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at The University of Tampa. She earned her Doctorate in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University in 2022. Her research explores ways to enhance well-being and address consumer welfare issues within consumer behavior and service contexts, with a particular focus on social media wellness, workplace dignity, and modern slavery. Bre teaches courses in social media marketing and buyer behavior. Before academia, she worked for several years in marketing and now continues as an entrepreneur, offering consulting and photography services, bringing unique, real-world insight into her pedagogy and research. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, family, friends, and pup.

Chrysanthi Skaliotis

Economics and Data Science Student

Chrysanthi Skaliotis is an undergraduate student at the University of Tampa, pursuing a dual degree in Economics and Data Science. Throughout her academic career, Chrysanthi has developed an immense passion for research and uncovering new insights. Driven by her intellectual curiosity, she explores international affairs and geopolitical conflicts, with particular interests in development economics, as well as defense and peace economics. She possesses extensive experience in statistical analysis, leveraging several tools such as Python, R, SQL and SPSS. Through data driven insights, complemented with economic theory, Chrysanthi aspires to inform and contribute to counterterrorism policy.

Emilie Robinson

Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Emilie Robinson, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, is a licensed physical therapist, certified lymphedema therapist through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), and a certified Pilates instructor. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Nova Southeastern University and has been immersed in the field for over a decade. Emilie is the founder of Rise Pilates, where she specializes in sessions focused on mobility, lymphedema management, chronic illness, and end-of-life care. She also works as a physical therapist with BayCare Healthcare, extending her commitment to evidence-based and compassionate care. Based in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, her practice is grounded in connection and respect for the body’s wisdom. Emilie was honored with the Making a Difference Award from the Women in Healthcare Organization. Through intentional movement and education, she empowers people to move through recovery, aging, and transitions—including death—with strength, dignity, and purpose.

Jasmine Jenkins

Product Marketing Manager

Jasmine Jenkins has over a decade of marketing experience in the technology and SaaS industries and currently serves as a Senior Product Marketer at Hummingbird, a risk and compliance operations software platform. Above all, her most meaningful role is being a wife and proud mom to her two young children, Maverick and Maya. Jasmine has an MBA from The University of Tampa.

Jessica Dueñas

Residence Life Coordinator

Jessica Dueñas is a mother, writer, life coach, and Residence Life professional at the University of Tampa. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, and proud to call Louisville, Kentucky, a second home. A former classroom teacher, she was named the 2019 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year and recognized as a Kentucky Colonel in 2021 for her leadership in addiction awareness and mental health advocacy.

Kait Richardson

Licensed and Registered Dietitian

Kait Richardson, RD, LD is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian, author, and mom on a mission to redefine the conversation around nutrition and self-worth. She earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Missouri State University, where she also completed a Dietetic Internship with an emphasis in public affairs- an experience that deepened her commitment to compassionate, evidence-based nutrition care. For the past eight years, Kait has helped clients cut through the noise of diet culture as a lead dietitian at Nutrition Awareness, a private practice based in Orlando, FL. Her approach blends personalized nutrition counseling with practical strategies to support long-term success. Kait specializes in weight management, women’s health, and corporate wellness, empowering individuals and teams to take ownership of their health with confidence and clarity. Kait is passionate about challenging the societal obsession with willpower and perfection around food.