Theme: Making Connections

We feel that a library can be a unique forum for sharing ideas and building community. Our mission in hosting TEDxNevinsLibrary is to help build bridges and address the growing problem of broken connections within ourselves, our community, and the natural world. We have gathered a diverse group of speakers from our community who will speak about their unique take on what “making connections” can mean. Get ready to be inspired and to rethink how, you too, can make these vital connections within yourself, your community, and the world at large.

Nevins Memorial Library
305 Broadway
Methuen, Massachusetts, 01844
United States

Christina Frei

Christina runs a boutique marketing practice, Innate Marketing Genius, where she helps solo business owners own their voice, market to their strengths, and get the right clients consistently. Personally, she's on a mission to live more sustainably; she volunteers with an anti-litter campaign and is a new convert to plant-based eating. In between, she chases her dog around with a stuffed animal snake, meditates on a pink couch, cold plunges like Wim Hof all year long, and obsesses over the perfect cup of green tea, all in a seaside town just north of Boston.

Ilabeshi Aina

Ilabeshi is the founder of Girls Talk With Tolu (GTWT) an organization that mentors, inspires, empowers and transforms women to fulfill their chosen purpose. She currently works in Human Resources and is a Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She enjoys reading, watching action-packed movies, and is a multiple Taekwondo belt holder.

Lane Glenn

Dr. Lane Glenn has been President of Northern Essex Community College since 2011. He has been described as an “optimistic thought leader” and is known for his strong advocacy of student achievement, community economic development, and for serving with distinction on many regional and state Higher Education boards.

Maurisa Charest

Maurisa has acted in Film, Commercials and on the Stage since 1995. Since 2001 she has taught Theatre and Communications to all age levels but mostly as an adjunct professor in NY and currently MA. Acting, Directing and Playwriting are her passions. Education is her calling.

Michael Gorman

Michael is a graduate of Methuen High School and Anna Maria College. He is a Clinician at Lowell Habit OPCO, Inc. In 2011 he founded a grassroots program, The Movement Family (TFM), designed to help young adults seeking a second chance in life. Michael is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Michelle Wax

Michelle Wax is the entrepreneur in residence at University of Connecticut and works individually with men and women to help them create amazing relationships that last. In 2019 she embarked on a three-month long road trip across all 50 states to interview more than 500 self-described “happy people,” which culminated in the independent documentary film American Happiness. She has been featured in Forbes, Boston Globe, and The Wall Street Journal for her inspiring work on how to create the reality you want.