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).

Menlo College
Menlo College
Atherton, California, 94027
United States

Basil Merk

Consultant, Speaker, Podcaster

Basil Merk holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has a background in Management Consulting. He is passionate about professional communication and self-development, and contributes to both fields. Basil is also the co-host of the Coffeebar podcast, which blends California’s laid-back coffee culture with insightful conversations designed to inspire growth across all areas of life.

Dr. Lan Jiang

Professor of Marketing

Dr. Lan Jiang conducts research in consumer psychology and behavior, with a focus on online user communities, interpersonal influences, and customer success. Her work has been featured in top marketing journals such as the Journal of Consumer Research and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, and covered by outlets like Harvard Business Review and NPR. Dr. Jiang serves on the editorial review board of the Journal of Consumer Marketing and regularly consults for non-profit organizations.

Dr. Wei Gordon

Professor of Biology

Dr. Wei Gordon earned her Ph.D. in genetics, focusing on the genetic factors behind the evolution of frugivory in mammals. Her research has been published in top journals such as Nature Communications, and her work has been featured by the San Francisco Chronicle and NPR. Dr. Gordon has received numerous grants, including the prestigious NSF GRFP and NIH EDGE, and has won awards for effectively communicating her research, such as the UC San Francisco Grad Slam Grand Prize. At Menlo College, Dr. Gordon teaches a range of courses in biology and serves on the Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee and the Social Justice Task Force.

George Retelas

Artist • Educator • Historian

George Retelas is a marketing professional and independent filmmaker, best known for his 2014 documentary “Eleven” The Movie, which chronicles the stories of eleven World War II veterans who served with his late grandfather in the Pacific. He is currently producing a sequel titled Sundown to Eleven, following the last surviving member of Air Group Eleven and the investigation of a missing-in-action case from 1944. George's talk explores the importance of looking to the past for inspiration and lessons, even in a world that often focuses on the future.

Michael Ayala

Head Women's Wrestling Coach

Michael Ayala is the head women's wrestling coach at Menlo College, where he led the team to the 2024 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship. A former collegiate athlete and first-generation college student, he has over 8 seasons of coaching experience. Michael holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has more than 5 years of work experience in various treatment facilities. In 2023, he led Menlo's women's wrestling team to a 4th place finish at National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics nationals. His coaching style focuses on developing strong, communicative athletes, fostering both individual growth and team success. Michael was named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, National Wrestling Coaches Association, and Cascade Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in 2024.

Natsumi Kitagawa

Entrepreneurship Student

Natsumi Kitagawa is a second-year student at Menlo College, originally from Japan and majoring in Entrepreneurship. She also serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) representative for the Student Government Association, working to foster an inclusive campus environment. At 17, Natsumi volunteered in the Congo Republic, Rwanda, and Uganda, where she witnessed the resilience of refugees and developed a deep passion for social entrepreneurship. These experiences continue to shape her commitment to addressing global inequality and empowering underrepresented communities. Natsumi plans to graduate in 2027 and hopes to create sustainable solutions for communities worldwide through her passion for social impact and commitment to global development.

Paul Breuer

Finance Student

Paul Breuer is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Finance. Originally from Heidelberg, Germany, Paul plays for the Menlo Men's Golf Team and co-founded the Business & Environment Club. This student-led initiative has grown into a hub for over 200 students and professionals, fostering dialogue on sustainable business practices and environmental innovation. Paul's professional background includes co-founding pm2K Real Estate and an internship at ReTHINKERS Consulting, where he advised global players in financial services within a startup-like consulting boutique.

Raymond Juballa

Inspirational Speaker

Raymond Juballa is a creative entrepreneur who has taken a non-traditional path to success. Raised in multilingual environments and immersed in diverse learning experiences, he honed hands-on skills at Merced College, studying mechanized agriculture and joining a collegiate livestock team. After a life-altering spinal cord injury, Raymond reimagined his future, earning an AS in Computer Aided Design at the College of San Mateo using adaptive tools. He later transferred to Menlo College, where he pursued innovation, revived the Oaks Innovation Club, became a University Innovation Fellow, served as President of the Student Government Association, and now manages the Innovation Center. Today, Raymond is passionate about forging new paths, believing that a positive mindset and innovative thinking are key to success. His talk will focus on pivotal experiences and the importance of giving back.

Steven Weiner

College President

Steven Weiner first joined Menlo College as Executive Vice President in 2013, and in 2017, he became the 11th President of the College. He obtained his BS from Northeastern University and his MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining Menlo, Weiner worked for 16 years at the University of Chicago and spent 10 years as a consultant before co-founding a successful medical software start-up. Under his leadership, Menlo College has earned recognition as a top institution for diversity and student success.