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).

Touhill Performing Arts Center
One Touhill Circle
St. Louis, Missouri, 63121
United States

April Foster

April Foster holds a Master of Social Work from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, with a concentration in gender-specific programming in the justice system. The first decade of her career was dedicated to juvenile justice initiatives before she transitioned to behavioral research. At Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work and the Department of Psychiatry, she coordinated studies on trauma and PTSD in adolescent girls, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and severe mental illness. Alongside her research, April remained actively involved in reentry work through volunteering, consulting, and board service with local reentry organizations. In 2019, she returned to her passion for working with justice-involved populations, particularly women, by joining the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry as the Director of Programs. In 2021, she advanced to the role of Executive Director, where she continues to make significant contributions to the field, championing the needs and rights of justice-involved women.

Bronwyn Morgan

Bronwyn Morgan is an FAA Part 107 certified sUAS (drone) pilot, FAA Safety Representative, and FAA Drone Pro. She is the Founder of Xeo Air, a UAS and autonomous systems manufacturer. She also leads Airversity, which offers professional UAV pilot training for commercial, industrial, and public safety entities, along with on-demand drone services and data analytics for telecom, utilities, energy, disaster response, climate monitoring, and civil infrastructure. Morgan was honored as the 2022 Women and Drone Entrepreneur of the Year. Morgan is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and has held executive roles in strategy, sales, and innovation at P&G and The Coca-Cola Company. She also served as the Associate Director of Georgia State University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute. Her leadership extends beyond her professional roles; she is the Founder of Black Women In STEAM and serves on the boards of Tulsa Innovation Labs, the Urban Low Altitude Transportation Association, and GeoFutures. Additionally, she is a Senior Member of the Civil Air Patrol at Scott AFB Squadron and hosts the XeoCast Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google, and YouTube, covering topics related to drones, geospatial technology, AI, autonomous systems, and space.

Hannah Joyner

Hannah Joyner is a self-taught vocalist who has been “performing as long as I can remember” and credits her family, especially her Mom, as her inspiration to continue singing. Hannah wants to study music in college and become a music educator—it’s her dream to educate others on the magic of music.

Hanz Dismer

Hanz Dismer is a licensed clinical social worker and sexuality educator working at the intersection of interpersonal and institutional violence. Much of their work focuses on practical application of Reproductive Justice in family planning and abortion care settings. As Director of Psychosocial Services at Hope Clinic, an independent abortion provider in the St. Louis Metro East, Dismer supervises a team of social workers and educators who provide comprehensive, evidence-based reproductive health education, counseling, and support to those seeking abortions. They serve as a field instructor for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in social work and public health. In addition to their work in abortion care, Dismer is also a feminist therapist serving primarily transgender youth and adults. Dismer also works to train healthcare providers on practices that foster compassionate, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and person-centered care. Dismer is a speaker, storyteller, writer, and activist. They are a certified sexuality educator through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Dismer was the 2022 recipient of the Counselor Advocate of the Year award through Illinois Counselors for Social Justice. They are a 2024 Public Voices in Public Health Fellow of the OpEd Project and Academy Health.

Laura K. Sawyier

Wardrobe stylist and confidence consultant Laura K. Sawyier works with Fortune 500 companies and individuals, using evidence-based research within the Applied Psychology of Fashion. She helps organizations and people develop the skills necessary to use their chosen style of dress to foster a healthy self-regard around how they present themselves externally and feel about themselves internally. Laura coaches individuals on their style through closet edits, budgeted shopping, special events, travel styling, and lookbooks, among other fashion and styling-related concierge services. A nationally recognized thought leader in the Psychology of Style, Laura consults organizations and teams on confidence, influence and presence, and personal and professional branding. She also leads seminars, workshops, and keynotes on the science behind what we wear every day and how it impacts performance, moods, behaviors, and relationships. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Psychology from Harvard University. A style expert for various media outlets, her work has been featured in MSNBC, Fast Company, Travel + Leisure, Elle India, The Zoe Report, among others. Clients include Mastercard, Edward Jones, Scoular, Washington University in St. Louis, FOCUS St. Louis, Hill Investment Group, Angad Arts Hotel, Summersalt, and Sarah Flint.

Molly Sallaberry

Molly Sallaberry has had a lifelong passion for singing, acting, and dancing. She received training at Kids Sing Studio under the tutelage of Lisa Casciola – who is also her biggest role model. Molly plans to attend college and keep performing!

Rhoda Mapenzi

While Rhoda is self-taught, she comes from a musical family – everyone sings – and she has been singing her whole life - in church, the community, at home, in school, and, while on trips. Her sister Phoebe is a strong influence, encouraging Rhoda to be more confident. Rhoda plans to become an RN after high school and will continue to pursue music, which brings her joy.

Yvonne Foo

Yvonne Foo is a visionary technology leader dedicated to pioneering innovation and advancing inclusivity within the industry. Her diverse experience fuels her work in a leading financial services firm, where she spearheads innovative solutions that drive efficiency. But Yvonne's passion extends beyond the bottom line. A recognized champion for inclusivity, Yvonne promotes broader representations and actively breaks down barriers. Her impactful efforts were acknowledged with the prestigious Unsung Hero Award at the 2022 OCA Convention in Las Vegas. After returning to a full-time role following a career gap, Yvonne noticed the persistent lack of women in the technology industry. Motivated by this disparity, she is passionately committed to increasing female representation. Yvonne actively mentors emerging professionals, providing crucial guidance to help them navigate and succeed in their careers. Her dedication stems from a desire to cultivate future female tech talent and foster greater equity within the industry. As an engaging and captivating speaker, Yvonne frequently addresses audiences, sharing her journey and insights to advocate for diversity and equity in the tech industry. Her inspiring talks motivate others to create inclusive environments where every voice is valued and celebrated.