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).

Wharton Center for Performing Arts
750 East Shaw Ln
East Lansing, Michigan, 48824
United States

Cara Poland

Dr. Cara Poland, an internationally respected figure in addiction medicine at Michigan State University, brings a unique blend of personal and professional expertise to her field. Dr. Poland completed her fellowship in addiction medicine at Boston University, her work is revolutionizing how healthcare professionals approach people with substance use disorders (SUDs). In her moving TEDx talk, Dr. Poland shares her unexpected path to becoming an addiction specialist, shaped by profound personal losses including the death of her mother to a rare disease and her brother to suicide. These experiences ignited her passion for change, leading her to establish the MI CARES program to train healthcare professionals in treating addiction with empathy and kindness while also advocating for system change.

Jarrad Henderson

Jarrad Henderson is a respected industry leader who seeks to democratize journalism by empowering diverse voices to share their stories. A 4-time Emmy Award-winning visual journalist, multimedia alchemist and inspirational educator, Henderson has produced impactful content in large newsrooms for over a decade — specializing in access to visual storytelling education, documentary filmmaking, photojournalism, video editing, media entrepreneurship, media literacy, mentorship and professional development.

Natalia Khoshnam

Natalia Khoshnam stands out as an empathetic, creative, and highly adaptable pre-medical undergraduate at Michigan State University, where she is majoring in Arts and Humanities with a minor in Design Justice. Currently, she is applying her unique blend of skills and interests as a clinical research intern with Family Counseling and MSU Pediatrics. Khoshnam's academic and professional paths reflect her commitment to integrating artistic sensibility with medical science, aiming to innovate within the healthcare sector through a design justice lens. Her work in clinical research not only underscores her academic prowess but also her dedication to contributing meaningfully to patient care and medical practice.

Rosemarie Aquilina

Rosemarie Aquilina is an American judge. In 2018, Aquilina presided over the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal case. She allowed over 150 women and girls involved with the US Olympics gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar, to present personal testimony on their sexual abuse. Aquilina sentenced Nassar to 40–175 years in prison for sexual abuse of juveniles and young women over the past two decades. She attended the 2018 ESPY Awards, where she was honored for her efforts in sentencing Nassar.

Ross Chowles

With a storied career spanning over four decades, Ross Chowles has left an indelible mark on the advertising and design industry. As an Art Director and Creative Director at Y&R, and a founding partner of The Jupiter Drawing Room in Cape Town, South Africa, Chowles has been at the forefront of creative innovation and strategy. His expertise and vision have also led him to serve on the board of The One Club for Creativity, further cementing his influence in the field. Transitioning his wealth of knowledge and passion for creativity to academia, Chowles currently enlightens minds as a professor at Michigan State University. Here, he dedicates himself to teaching the next generation of creatives the art of creation and strategy in advertising and design, nurturing future leaders in the industry.

Sam Gucwa

Sam Gucwa, a talented saxophonist and woodwind player, has made a name for herself through her dynamic bandleading and creative solos in a variety of musical genres. Since relocating to Denver in 2020, she has showcased her versatility by performing with prestigious big band ensembles such as the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and the Dean Bushnell Orchestra, covering all reed parts. Her involvement extends to playing in Stafford Hunter’s Young Lions residency series and holding positions in both of Michigan State University's (MSU) jazz orchestras. Gucwa’s musical journey is marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between jazz ensembles, showcasing her skill across different settings. Expanding her musical footprint beyond jazz, Gucwa has collaborated with the Boulder Philharmonic, contributed to studio recordings with PureArtistMusic, and performed alongside Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe. Her talents also include arranging music for the indie rock band Bleak Mystique. Currently focusing on her studies at Michigan State University for a Bachelor of Music degree, Gucwa continues to perform in Michigan, including with Rodney Whitaker’s Gathering Orchestra and the Michael Dease quintet. Under the mentorship of saxophonist Walter Blanding, her career is a testament to her broad musical range and dedication to her craft.

Taylor Hughes-Barrow

Taylor Hughes-Barrow, a dedicated student at Michigan State University within the College of Social Science, is making strides in the field of Human Development and Family Studies. With a focused emphasis on Law, Justice, and Public Policy, complemented by a minor in Digital Humanities, Hughes-Barrow is driven by a vision to revolutionize educational media and technology. The goal is to create resources that not only promote social and emotional development but also highlight critical social justice issues, facilitating a well-rounded growth and development for adults. Beyond the academic pursuits, Hughes-Barrow is passionately committed to the broader mission of advancing a just and equitable curriculum across the nation. This commitment is manifested through vigorous advocacy for educational policy reform, aiming to reshape the landscape of learning to be more inclusive and impactful for all.