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).

ETSU Culp Ballroom
412 J L Seehorn Jr Rd
Third Foor
Johnson City, Tennessee, 37604
United States

Dustin Kidd

ETSU Graduate Student

After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration from ETSU, Dustin Kidd is now a graduate student working on a Master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. Originally from Maryville, Tennessee, Dustin is also a retired mascot who has performed for ETSU, a local baseball team, and even as a shopping mall Easter Bunny.

Em Hatcher

ETSU Undergraduate Student

A 19 year-old ETSU Honors student from Bristol, Tennessee, Emma (Em) Hatcher is double-majoring in Marketing (Entrepreneurship) and Spanish while minoring in both Global Citizenship and Leadership Studies. When she is not studying, Em enjoys translating for the East Tennessean, traveling, and substitute teaching. She dreams of starting her own non-profit to educate middle and high school students about different languages and cultures in order to promote inclusion and diversity in Appalachia.

Gheed Al Saji

ETSU Undergraduate Student

Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, Gheed Al Saji has a diverse cultural background, having moved to Dublin, Ireland, at the age of two and lived there for thirteen years before moving to Johnson City in 2019. A sophomore Nutrition major at ETSU, she also works part-time at the mall and enjoys indulging in reading as well as organizing events for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi.

Jared Huff

ETSU Undergraduate Student

Jared Huff, is a freshman majoring in International Business Management with minors in Japanese and Global Citizenship. He is a Global Citizen Scholar in ETSU’s Honors College, a member of ETSU’s Mock Trial team, and a Student Government Association senator. While growing up, Jared had the opportunity to live in Israel and Japan for six years; he has also visited more than 30 countries. After graduation, he plans to attend law school.

Kyah Powers

ETSU Undergraduate Student

Kyah is a pre-law sophomore at ETSU, double-majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, with a minor in English. A Roan Scholar, she is also part of the Undergraduate Research Honors Program for Philosophy, serves as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), and sings with the ETSU Chorale. Passionate about a number of causes, Kyah spent two months last summer working at an orphanage in Java, Indonesia, and recently organized a panel discussion about the opioid crisis in Appalachia.

Olivia Lamb

ETSU Undergraduate Student

Olivia Grace Lamb is a freshman from Russellville, Tennessee. A Roan Scholar at ETSU, she is double majoring in Media & Communication and English. An avid reader and book collector, she plans to work in the publishing field as a copyeditor. Olivia Grace is passionate about increasing awareness of mental health issues and removing stigma in this area; she also strives to offer understanding, empathy, and support to those suffering from such issues, as well as to the people who love them.