Theme: Bridging the Past, Present, and Future - Exploring Universal Principles and Modern Innovations

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).

TEDxNazarethCollege
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, New York, 14618
United States

Dr. Daniel Connolly

Dean, School of Business at St. John Fisher University

Dr. Daniel Connolly is the Dean of the School of Business at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, and a global thought leader in hospitality information technology. His expertise spans business strategy, the strategic use of IT for competitive advantage, and customer experience management. Dr. Connolly frequently shares his insights at conferences worldwide and has authored numerous publications. Before joining St. John Fisher, he was a professor and dean at Drake University, with prior roles at Portland State University and the University of Denver. With nearly eight years at Marriott International's corporate headquarters and over a decade of hotel and restaurant operations experience, Dr. Connolly has also consulted extensively across the hospitality, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Dr. Ernest Fokoue

Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Dr. Ernest Fokoue was born in Cameroon, West Africa, developed an early passion for philosophy, mathematics, and metaphysics, inspired by his parents' dedication to learning despite their struggles. With a rich academic background, including a Ph.D. in Statistics, an M.Sc. in Neural Computation, and a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Ernest is a staunch advocate for intellectual unity, transcending academic boundaries. As a professor of statistical science, his mission is to empower students with state-of-the-art knowledge in statistical machine learning and data science, guiding them to become world-class experts in their fields. Passionate about the power and beauty of mathematics, Ernest remains committed to sharing his expertise generously, inspired by the belief that "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." His love for learning and his devotion to teaching are matched only by his pride in his daughter Ellie, who embraces both the tangible and ineffable in her art and fashion design.

Dr. Junior Dillion

President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York

Dr. Junior Dillion, Ph.D., LMHC, MA, is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for individuals to reach their full potential. He holds a Ph.D. in Education and Human Development from the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education. His research focuses on access and success in post-secondary education and the impact of fatherhood on children's health outcomes. Dr. Dillion is the President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York, which specializes in supportive housing, reentry, and early childhood education, serving over 5000 individuals annually. He is known for strategic planning, public speaking, and delivering impactful keynotes and workshops on human service topics.

Dr. LaRon Rowe

Senior Director for Integrated Clinical Systems at the University of Rochester Medical Center

LaRon Rowe is a healthcare visionary who bridges the gap between technology and patient care. As Senior Director for Integrated Clinical Systems at the University of Rochester Medical Center, he leverages his deep-rooted experience in IT and leadership to transform healthcare delivery. With a proven track record of implementing innovative solutions at Accountable Health Partners, Rochester Regional Health Information Organization (RRHIO), and Rochester Regional Health, Dr. Rowe is passionate about harnessing technology to improve patient outcomes. He holds a Doctorate of Healthcare Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg and a Master of Science from Nazareth University.

Dr. Özge Kantas

Assistant Professor at St. John Fisher University

Dr. Özge Kantaş teaches in both the Psychology Department and the Business School at SJF utilizing her unique blend of work and psychology. With a Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology, Özge is a certified psychodramatist and group psychotherapist. Her work focuses on fostering growth, development, and well-being through motivation research and play. Among her various roles as trainer, consultant, and advisor, her passion lies in researching autonomous motivation, bringing more play to groups, aligning teams, and promoting shared mindsets and individual authenticity with cross-cultural experience from global clients. Her company, PsychoSocial, specializes in designing sustainable well-being tools, change interventions, and supportive contexts. She creates social value by empowering individuals and advancing mental health and well-being in business contexts, enhancing their ability for inclusive and effective group dynamics and serving on several national/international committees.

Dr. Yi Liu

Assistant Professor of Finance

Yi Liu, CFP®, is an Assistant Professor of Finance at St. John Fisher University. She earned her Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Liu has authored over 15 publications in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on the intersection of psycho-social attributes and financial behavior. Her research, featured in top journals like Financial Services Review and Journal of Investing, explores how personality traits and psychological factors influence financial decisions. In 2023, she was recognized in Investment News's Forty Under 40. Dr. Liu is committed to advancing financial planning education, helping firms and advisers improve their clients' financial well-being.

Jake Kwiatkowski

Professional Bagpiper

Jake Kwiatkowski is a professional bagpiper and experienced leader in sales and marketing. With a background spanning corporate, startup, and small business environments, he excels in building consensus and fostering communication both internally and with clients. Passionate about trust and communication, Jake brings a personable approach to his work. He is also an avid gardener and cooking enthusiast. Jake holds a Master of Science in Global Business and Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in History, Philosophy, and German from Nazareth University. He was awarded the "Excellence in Global Business and Leadership Award" and served as a graduate student representative on the Visioning and Strategic Planning Board. Additionally, he worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Marketing and Communication Department, the School of Business and Leadership, and Legal Studies. Jake is also a member of Phi Alpha Theta. Born and raised in Rochester, Jake is a dedicated fan of the Buffalo Bills.

Lydia Nightingale

Senior Department Assistant for Nazareth University

Lydia J. Nightingale is a writer, actor, and public historian originally from Troy, NY. She is the Senior Department Assistant for the Nazareth University Theatre & Dance and Art & Design Departments, and will also be teaching at Nazareth starting in Fall 2024. She holds a Bachelors in Theatre Arts from SUNY New Paltz and a Masters in Public History from the State University at Albany. As a writer and researcher, Lydia is primarily interested in spotlighting untold or oft-overlooked narratives. Her twice-produced play ADELE IN BERLIN tells the story of a German woman living in Berlin just after World War II, and her soon-to-be-published novel Drawn explores the underground gay culture of 1950s New York City. Lydia is also very committed to mental health awareness and advocacy, and was recently interviewed about this subject on the National Women’s Health Network’s podcast “Your Health Unlocked”. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at the handle @LJNightingale.

Ruth Brown-Porter

Director, Program Manager, and CEO

Ruth is an accomplished Director, Program Manager, and CEO with over 20 years of experience in technology and systems integration. As CEO of REQ Global and founder of startups like Global Tech Consultants and Softech, she’s a PMI Certified Professional, Scrum Master, and Oracle Developer with a Master’s in MIS. Ruth is known for her ability to align technology with business goals, leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions. Recently, she developed an engagement platform using GPT-4, React, and PostgreSQL for non-profits and businesses. Ruth is also the founder of IBS Global Inc., a charity focused on engaging and building people through faith, empowerment and giving of service. Her leadership drives strategic outcomes, fosters innovation, and supports both business growth and impactful ministry work.

Zach Cavuniewicz

Assistant Director for Creative & Brand Strategy at NAF

Zach Cavuniewicz is a creative leader and educator, spending the last 18 years empowering data-driven growth for startups, nonprofits, and educational institutions with transformative brand strategies. He has worked with over 200 clients worldwide and has been able to partner with brands such as Apple, Lenovo, and Verizon to support client missions. He holds his BFA in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology and MS in Integrated Marketing Communications from Nazareth University. Today, Zach is the Assistant Director of Creative & Brand Strategy for NAF, a national education nonprofit, and an adjunct professor at Nazareth University for graduate and undergraduate classes in the School of Business and Leadership and the Visual Communications Design program.