Theme: Innovation and Impact

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).

Laurel Ridge Community College - Fauquier Campus
6480 College St
Warrenton, Virginia, 20187
United States

Carol Moore

Public Speaking Coach, Storyteller

With over 15 years of experience in communication consulting and public speaking coaching, Carol Moore helps clients build confidence and develop personalized styles of communication. She holds a Master of Science degree in Professional Writing from Towson University and is the CEO of Carol Moore Presents, LLC, a company that provides professional services in all areas of public speaking. As a professional storyteller, she has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival, and is a Moth StorySLAM Champion.

Dawn Christian

Leader Life Catalyst

Dawn Christian, a pioneering and highly sought after leadership advisor, revolutionizes the field with her Ethos-Driven Leadership® approach. As founder of BeLeadership™ | Belong by Dawn Christian®, she redefines leadership through belonging, a fundamental principle that emphasizes authenticity and well-being. Her thought leadership centers belonging as a core leadership competency™. Dawn inspires leaders to fuse their values with their leadership roles. Her unique approach, which puts belonging at the forefront, boosts team collaboration and enhances effectiveness through trust and humanity.

Dr. Omekongo Dibinga

UPstander

I have spent the last 20 years traveling to nearly 30 countries helping communities find common ground. I have worked with gangs as well as child soldiers. I have aided community centers in America to community centers in Congo and beyond to create programs where youth can see their full potential. I have partnered with organizations like the U.S. State Department and the World Bank to create or enhance programs that seek to enhance humanity. My award-winning trilingual music, which I have also shared at the United Nations, has also aided in increasing understanding throughout the world.

Hannah Keeley

America's #1 Mom Coach

Hannah Keeley is "America's #1 Mom Coach", whose work has been featured on TODAY, GMA3, Rachael Ray, Fox & Friends, Access Hollywood, ScaryMommy.com and Parents.com. Hannah is a Parenting Expert, Master Board-Certified Life Coach, and mom of seven with a background in behavioral therapy and neuroscience who combines faith and psychology to help moms create radical transformation in their lives! She is also a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur whose mom coaching company made the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list in 2021.

Harvey Castro MD, MBA

AI Futurist and Healthcare Innovator

Harvey Castro MD, MBA, is an emergency medicine physician and AI futurist dedicated to bridging technology with compassionate healthcare. With experience in healthcare innovation, Dr. Castro advocates for AI’s potential to make patient care more accessible, personalized, and efficient.

Jackie Barbieri

Founder, CEO

Jackie Barbieri is the Founder and CEO of Whitespace, a defense technology company developing sensemaking AI. Her experience as an intelligence analyst for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) shaped her vision for Whitespace's Iris, an AI platform that synthesizes multi-modal remote sensing data into an answer based on a user's question. Iris is poised to revolutionize defense intelligence by serving as a virtual assistant, augmenting the capabilities of sensors, operators, and analysts to detect invisible threats instantly.

Monica Kelly

Life Coach, Author, Speaker

Monica Kelly is a sought-after life coach, yoga teacher, corporate team building coach helping clients align their hearts desire with actionable steps in the second half of life. Her 1st book, Open Your Presence: A Simple Method to Find Calm in Chaos (published as Monica Fernandi) guides the reader in three easy steps to overcome any and all mountains they may face daily using the power of their breath to change their tune and live with more joy. Prior to that she raised 3 children after a musical theater/T.V career. Learn more about her and her coaching options at awakenedsoulmate.com

Neal Wavra

Hospitality Practitioner

Hospitality Practitioner. Founder of FABLE Hospitality, Proprietor of Field & Main Restaurant and CEO of Red Truck Bakery, Neal holds degrees from Whitman College, The Middlebury Institute for International Studies, The Culinary Institute of America and certificates from the International Institute of Mediation and Conflict Resolution and The Court of Master Sommeliers.

Paul Eric Pape

Creative Artist, Speaker

Paul Eric Pape, the "Santa for Nerds," weaves imagination, empathy, and education to create art that spreads joy and fulfills desires, much like a true Santa. Consequently, Paul's artistic creations resonate with the inner child of his audience, bringing imagination to life. With a diverse skill set in theatre, design, and fabrication, he has collaborated with renowned entities such as Disney and Universal, creating personalized art for fans worldwide. Through his work, Paul continues to inspire and delight, leaving a lasting impact on all those who encounter his enchanting creations.

Stephen Semple

Master Storyteller

What gets me excited is seeing a business owner succeed. They pour their lives and their dreams into their businesses. When they come to me, they are struggling to succeed and often feel like they are the worlds best kept secret. Through the techniques of emotional storytelling and mass media their business transforms into becoming a leader in their industry. This creates wealth for their families, opportunities for their employees and employment in their communities. I want to make you famous.

Steve Waddell

Founder, Author, Visionary Entrepreneur

Steve Waddell, founder of Nasoni and award-winning author, transformed from shipbuilder to entrepreneur with a mission to create real value. Formerly VP at Reed Integration, Inc., a WOSB, and with 25 years at Newport News Shipbuilding on projects the American aircraft carriers, Steve shifted to innovating accessible, user-centered bathroom faucets. Through his journey, he discovered the power of co-creating with customers over starting with a personal "WHY." Today, he champions the "Valuepreneur" mindset, helping others put the customer—the "WHO"—at the heart of impactful, lasting solutions.

Sunny Kaila

Author, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker

Sunny Kaila is an author, keynote speaker, and the founder and CEO of IT By Design, a leading tech solutions provider for MSPs worldwide. As a real-life American Dream success story, he shares insights on “Talentpreneurship” and “The Secret to Building Winning Teams” through books, keynote talks, and his podcasts Sunny’s Silver Linings and Life By Design. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.