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).

Wayne State University Fieldhouse
1290 W Warren Ave
Detroit, Michigan, 48201
United States

Al Bettis

Singer Songwriter + Speaker

Inspired at age 30, singer/songwriter Al Bettis picked up a guitar and a notepad and got to work. The self-trained acoustic guitarist has gained popularity for his smooth vocals and sincere lyrics. His shows are a journey through love, heartbreak and redemption as he offers stories about the musings behind many of his songs. Reminiscent of legends like Al Green and Otis Redding, with musical influence from artists such as Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz his soothing voice and raw sound is something you surely want to experience.

Asim Williams

Technology Leader

"Detroit Native and Howard University Alum. Asim Williams is a Technology Leader, Explorer, Humanitarian and Musician. His mission is to be a part of teams that invent technology and music through entrepreneurship that universally improve fundamental aspects of life. As a Technology Leader Coach he educates his future teammates."

Beth Mach

Global Marketer/Communications Leader + Start-up Co-founder + Mentor

Beth Mach brings over 25 years of experience driving growth through marketing, media, and technology solutions for Fortune 500 brands. She is currently the Co-founder and COO of Spacely and an advisor and moderator for The Room. Beth actively contributes to several start-ups such as Compliant, Brandstory Architech, and Influential and is also an accomplished public speaker, mentor, investor, and active volunteer. Beth holds a B.A. from Walsh College and is pursuing a CME through Harvard Business School.

Brandon & Jalen Martin

Brothers Co-Founders and Sports Technology Innovators

Brothers Brandon and Jalen Martin are the founders of Reaction Technologies, combining their experiences as athletes and coaches to enhance athlete safety and performance in sports. With a shared background in sports, they've pioneered a training tool that refines technique and reduces injury risk while enhancing performance. Driven by seeing a 13-year-old football player become paralyzed in a football game, they are committed to revolutionizing sports training with data-driven insights and real-time feedback, empowering athletes at all levels to reach their full potential safely.

Charity Ward

Performing Artist

Charity’s originals cover subject matter like relationships, religion, self-love and coming-of-age with a disarming kind of vulnerability. Her songs and live shows are a sanctuary, a therapy session, a good friend’s living room. And as for her genre- you wonder if it’s R&B, if it’s Neo-Soul, if it’s Folk, if it’s Gospel? But you can’t help but realize after a listen to her latest single "Cruel" that Charity is Motown.

Chris Lambert

social entrepreneur + author

Chris Lambert is the Founder + CEO of Life Remodeled, award-winning author of Next Level Nonprofit and Founder + CEO of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system. From lists like Crain’s 40 Under 40, Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40, and SMART BUSINESS Dealmaker of the Year, Chris’s reputation precedes him. But it’s the journey ahead—and the people who are helping to lead the way—that excites him most.

David Walmroth

U.S. Director of Business and Project Development, PIX Moving.

My current role is focused on business and project development in the U.S., and on behalf of PIX Moving, an autonomous mobility startup with a growing international customer presence. I also devote significant time to the Autoware Foundation where I am a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, the Technical Steering Committee, and also co-chair of the Open ADKit Working group.

Elizabeth Toye

Teacher

Elizabeth Toye is a secondary math teacher at Cody High School in Detroit. Elizabeth began her teaching career as a City Year student success coach in Chicago, before relocating to Detroit as a 2019 Teach for America corps member. Since then, she has taught various grade levels between 6th and 10th grade in Detroit Public Schools Community District. She earned her BA in Political Science from Florida International University, and a MSEd in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Imani Ma’at AnkhmenRa Amen Taylor

West African Drum & Dance Educator, Cultural Artist, and Healer.

Imani Ma’at AknhmenRa Amen Taylor is a Kresge Arts Fellow, educator, and cultural artist specializing in traditional West African drum and dance. As a Detroit Public Schools instructor and performer, Imani empowers youth by connecting them to their heritage through movement and music. They’ve curated performances at TEDxDetroit and lead interactive workshops, blending cultural expression with healing and community building. Their work honors ancestry while sowing seeds for future generations.

Jen Brace

Chief Futurist, Ford

As Chief Futurist at Ford, Jen Brace leads a team of strategic thinkers charged with analyzing the trends, demographic shifts, and emerging technologies that will help shape our world in the years to come. She helps Ford anticipate challenges and seize opportunities to build resilient strategies for the future. She's a passionate advocate for the future of mobility and delights in challenging her colleagues to think beyond the horizon.

Jennifer Dukarski

Shareholder, Geek Lawyer and "Recovering" Engineer

A "recovering engineer" and "geek lawyer," Jennifer Dukarski leads Butzel’s Automated and Connected Vehicle Team. She focuses her legal practice where technology, communications, and mobility meet. A leader in the area of automated vehicles, she negotiated some of the first robotaxi agreements in the world. A champion of the responsible use of AI, she regularly advises and teaches on AI risk mitigation. She was named one of the 30 Women Defining the Future of Technology by Warner Communications for her innovative thoughts and contributions to the tech industry.

JoJo Dries

Arch Angel of Change

Author. Speaker. Nonprofit Founder. DV Survivor. JoJo shares an empowering message. She provides survivors with direction, resources, and community. Her abusers tore her apart from the love of her life, who she is now married to. They have two sons, and a rescue dog.

Joshua Wilde

Magician

Joshua Wilde has been performing his unique blend of magic and comedy for the last 20 years, spreading laughter and magic from coast to coast!

Kimberley Hanke

Founder of Elm Park Labs

Founded by Kim Hanke, Elm Park Labs transforms healthcare education through immersive experiences. We empower patients and caregivers with essential knowledge on medical conditions, care, and device operation. Our low-stakes simulations for healthcare professionals, students, and technicians ensure they are well-prepared and confident in their skills. By integrating advanced technology and pioneering educational methods, Elm Park Labs enhances patient safety, improves healthcare outcomes, and drives innovation in the healthcare industry.

Michelle Red

Creator of Multicultural Musings; passionate explorer of cultures

Michelle Red is a speaker on multicultural topics. She has lived in South Africa, Germany, UAE, China and the USA and is fascinated by the insights she has gleaned living in different cultures. Her social media channels Multicultural Musings look into the fun ‘Quirky-Mundane’ things she has discovered during her travels, but also touch on more serious topics like intercultural marriages and recycling habits around the world. Michelle also created the Expat 101 podcast giving practical advice to first time expats embarking on their global adventures.

Neil Jones

Game Developer

Neil Jones also known as Aerial_Knight has created multiple video games as a solo developer in Detroit as well as building small teams of developers for global launches of his mulitplatform titles. Best know for Aerial_Knight's We Never Yield.

Nikunj Jain

Entrepreneur / Innovation Specialist

A believer in empowerment of rural and underdeveloped communities. Nikunj is a Creative artist and engineer who has worked in corporate boardrooms as well as taught in village classrooms. Having worked globally as a seasoned innovator on rural development models and energy solutions. Skilled in Ideation, business development, partnerships, and scaling innovative technologies.

Oluwami (Wami) Dosunmu-Ogunbi

Roboticist. Engineer. Professor.

"Oluwami ""Wami"" Dosunmu-Ogunbi, PhD, is a trailblazer as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Robotics from the University of Michigan. Her research focus is in robot control and engineering education. Navigating academia as a person at the intersection of numerous identities, Wami faced many challenges, including being expelled from her first PhD program. However, with the unwavering support of mentors, she overcame systemic barriers and made history. Wami is committed to paving the way for future generations, demonstrating that while she may be the first, she certainly won't be the last! "

Randy Roberts

Founder, Creative Director, XR / AI Experience Designer, Electronic Musician

Randy Roberts is a futurist and multidisciplinary artist at the forefront of AI and XR technologies. As the founder of an AI companion startup, he's pioneering the fusion of gamification and artificial intelligence to enhance human potential. With a background in electronic music, AI and virtual reality, Randy has performed globally and created immersive VR experiences featured in the New York Times & The Venice Film Festival. Randy's unique blend of technological innovation and artistic creativity drives his mission to shape a more empathetic, interconnected future.

Rhonda Walker

News Anchor - WDIV - 4; Founder/President, Rhonda Walker Foundation

Rhonda Walker has been helping Detroiters get motivated and ready for the day with her incredible energy, enthusiasm, impeccable style, and passion for her hometown for the past 21 years as co-anchor of the weekday morning newscast at WDIV-Local 4 News since 2003. Committed to serving the Detroit community, Rhonda is the founder and president of the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF). In its 21st year, RWF is a five-year mentoring and leadership program dedicated to empowering teen girls. A native Detroiter raised in Lansing, Rhonda holds a Communications degree from Michigan State University.

Scott Monty

Executive Coach & Speaker

"Scott Monty is an executive coach, advisor, and public speaker who uses a values-based approach to help leaders and their teams identify their character strengths, build culture, and tell better stories. A Fortune 10 leader whose background in classics positioned him to see through the shiny objects, Scott focuses on timeless elements of human nature that motivate us and connects values to vision and action. He was ranked by The Economist as #1 atop the list 25 Social Business Leaders and Alan Mulally, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, called him “a visionary.”"

Steve Acho

Keynote Speaker, Musician, Author

Steve Acho is a keynote speaker, author, and musician whose music and performances have reached tens of millions globally. Known for his engaging talks on rapid learning, adaptability, and unity, Steve blends business insights with music to inspire audiences. He simplifies complexity and helps others rapidly achieve goals. Steve is dedicated to unlocking human potential, and passionate about fostering unity through shared purpose.

Tim Finkel

Comedian and Educator

"Tim Finkel is a local comedian and 2022 TEDx Presenter. His path to comedy began 15 years ago when his older brother unexpectedly died on his 30th birthday. He teaches a youth comedy class at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, focusing on promoting mental health through laughter. Tim is the creator of Laugh’s 4 Wishes, an event supporting Make-A-Wish Michigan. He also works with Comedy 4 Cancer, helping to raise money to support childhood cancer families."

Tom Kuntzleman

Chemistry education and science communication

Tom Kuntzleman is a scientist, educator, and communicator dedicated to inspiring curiosity through chemistry. With a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, he has taught at the university level for 20+ years and authored 40+ peer-reviewed articles. As associate editor of the Chemical Education Xchange, he’s written 150+ blog posts on science education. He’s also performed 300+ public science shows and runs a YouTube channel, "Tommy Technetium," with nearly 500K subscribers, and TikTok @pchemstud, with over 100K followers. His motto: "No failed experiments, only new observations."