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).

Carolina Union Auditorium
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
United States

Karuna Jain

Karuna Jain is a certified Hypnotherapist, Energy Healer, Life Coach, and Speaker. Jain has a Master’s in Physics and a host of certifications. She loves to combine science and spirituality in her work. Jain has traveled to 15-plus countries, doing seminars and talks, and working with clients from diverse cultures.

Lior Vered

Social worker, scientist, policy consultant, and mental health advocate.

Dr. Lior Vered-Langley is a social worker, scientist, policy consultant, and mental health advocate. After her veteran husband lost his battle with post-traumatic stress, Dr. Vered-Langley vowed to dedicate her life to seeing our military service members and veterans thriving as she worked to end veteran suicide. Dr. Vered-Langley founded Heart Redeployment, a community project aimed at fostering protective relationships and community support to combat mental health challenges. She is also a public speaker on wellbeing and how communities can come together to thrive amidst mental health challenges. Dr. Vered-Langley consults to different military installations on force resiliency and mental health issues. She was also a member of the Council for Social Work Education Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Military Social Work Task Force. She is currently working as a Social Work Trainee at the Durham VA’s Trauma Recovery Program and Substance Use Disorders Program.

Marisa Thalberg

Marketing Executive and a leading voice and advocate for women, particularly mothers, in the workplace.

Marisa Thalberg is a globally recognized brand-building innovator, and a champion both of women and creativity in the workplace. She is 1 of only 18 to be inducted into the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame. Thalberg is considered one of the most dynamic and versatile marketing executives in the industry, moving from being a leader in luxury beauty, to fast food, big-box retail, and theme parks and entertainment. As a pioneer of digital, social, and eCommerce marketing, Thalberg has orchestrated blockbuster product launches, unexpected cultural moments, and is known for inspiring teams to take brands to new heights of consumer resonance, cultural relevance, and business performance.

Michael Omeka

Michael Omeka is an inspirational speaker, coach, and aspiring author who believes in unleashing human potential via physical fitness and mental resilience. Growing up in some of the poorest regions in rural Africa, his relentless pursuit of academic excellence and a strong give-back ethos would laud him several leadership accolades including winning the highly prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at the University of California in Berkeley.

Neal Shah

CEO of CareYaya

Neal Shah is the CEO of CareYaya, one of the fastest-growing health-tech startups in America, solving home care for those with elderly loved ones and medically vulnerable children. After a successful career as a hedge fund manager, deeply personal caregiving experiences inspired a pivot to social entrepreneurship for Neal Shah. Now, determined to transform care delivery through technology, Shah has built a rapidly growing tech startup to expand access to affordable care. Shah has pioneered cutting-edge AI applications to fundamentally elevate the quality of life for those needing care. Motivated by creativity and humanitarian progress. Leveraging experiences guiding multi-billion dollar investments to make an impact on improving care for our most vulnerable populations. Leading with both heart and analytical rigor.

Samuel Perry

Disability Advocate

Samuel Perry is a sophomore at UNC. Despite being born with Spina Bifida and hearing loss, Sam attacks each day with determination, joy, and a whole lot of physical activity. Perry never allows his disability to stop him from moving forward. At UNC, he is a tour guide, RA, and coxswain on the men’s rowing team, among many other activities on campus. Rarely can Sam be found sitting around. He takes pride in his persistence when facing challenges and hopes to share his story with others, far and wide. Sam is passionate about proving that disabilities are not who people are; they are simply a part of identities.

Tristan Luis

Global Chief Innovation Officer and Advisor

Tristan Louis is a repeat entrepreneur and former global CIO, who co-founded and successfully exited five companies. He currently serves as the president and CEO of Casebook PBC, the leader in SaaS software for social services.

Yakob Lemma

Co-Director of Campus Life and Student Experiences

Yakob Lemma is a junior at UNC from Raleigh, North Carolina. Lemma is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development & Family Science. As a McNair scholar, Lemma aims to pursue doctoral studies in Counseling Psychology in the future. In addition to his academic pursuits, Lemma also plays a vital role in student government, holding the position of Co-Director of Campus Life and Student Experiences. Lemma is a proud Honors Carolina student, dedicated to both academic excellence and active engagement in campus life.