Theme: CHANGEMAKERS

Change is all around us. Let's hear from those leading the way in their respective fields ranging from changes in Space to changes happening literally in your own backyard. Join us for a day of curiosity, exploration and growth.

1401 Artesia Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, California, 90266
United States

AJ Addae

Cosmetic Scientist

AJ Addae is a Ghanaian-American chemical biology PhD candidate at the University of California Los Angeles, and the founder of SULA LABS – a cosmetic laboratory that formulates and clinically tests products for beauty companies in retailers such as Sephora, Credo Beauty and Ulta Beauty. AJ’s research focuses on formulating skincare solutions for darker skin tones, as well as optimizing and engineering cosmetically elegant sunscreens for photoprotection of darker skin tones. Her research is published in peer reviewed journals, and she is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, a Center for Diverse Leadership in Science Fellow and a Future Laboratory 100 Innovators Awardee. AJ’s work has been featured in outlets such as CBS News, United Nations Economics Commission for Africa (UNECA), Essence, Beauty Independent, UCLA newsroom, and many more. She is driven by her innate passion for using chemistry and clinical research as a means of change for the health of skin of color.

Arnae Batson

Culture Carrier

Arnaé Batson is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and culture carrier whose She uses music to create spiritual pathways for health and wholeness. Her passion is building community and uplifting people through songs that share hope and raise awareness for progressive social change. Her singing is deeply rooted in the spiritual and historical experiences of Black American culture, exploring genres from jazz, blues and gospel to R&B and beyond. She has earned the distinction as one of the foremost interpreters and song leaders of the music of the Underground Railroad, the Modern Civil Rights movement and Black American Sacred Music. Arnaé has traveled the globe extensively as a songleader, composer, arranger, session singer and workshop clinician. Arnaé firmly believes that leading people in song can reawaken joy, build true connections and provide the musical salve necessary for the healing of personal and social wounds for all who are willing.

Assal Habibi

Brain Scientist

Assal Habibi is an Associate Research Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Center for Music, Brain and Society at the University of Southern California. Her research explores the impact of the arts, with a particular focus on music, on health and human development. She investigates how biological factors and experiential learning shape the development of cognitive, emotional and social abilities across the lifespan. She has been a principal investigator on innovative studies, including projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). An expert in electrophysiological and neuroimaging methods, her work extensively employs longitudinal and cross-sectional models to examine the effects of integrating music-based activities into school curricula and elder care, especially for those from underserved communities. Her research also explores the therapeutic potential of music for individuals across all different age groups.

Bill Welser

Human Technologist

William (Bill) Welser IV has tackled, communicated and solved complex problems throughout his career using storytelling, multidisciplinary teams of experts, and state-of-the-art methods and technologies. Welser is the CEO, Chief Technology Officer and Cofounder of Lotic.ai, where he directs innovation, technology infrastructure and user experiences. His expertise is also crucial in advancing Lotic’s business strategy and evolution. Welser has previously served as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Chief of Labs for a handful of digital and advanced technology start-ups. Welser also spent a one-year sabbatical as a senior partner at Copenhagen-based ReD Associates, an innovation and strategy consultancy. Before entering the for-profit space, Welser spent 10 years at the RAND Corporation, leading the Engineering and Applied Sciences Research Department, which is composed of 300+ PhD-level engineers and applied scientists.

Bonnie Nixon

Net Zero Strategist

Bonnie Nixon has held many high-profile positions at the global forefront of a new low carbon, resource protected and just economy. Today Ms. Nixon is a corporate sustainability executive at LBCT, the greenest marine terminal in the world. In addition to completing a $250M Net Zero 2030 Strategy, Bonnie obtained $102M in 2023/2024 for decarbonization. Possessing certificates and extensive training in mediation, environmental, health, safety and labor practices, Ms. Nixon teaches Sustainable Supply Chain at Harvard and UCLA Extensions. Bonnie skillfully leads ethical conversations and global initiatives and conducts extensive and executable research designed to accelerate sustainability and advance human rights. Her personal and professional vision is to treasure every tribe and indigenous culture and eliminate destructive extraction from our land, forests and oceans.

Eduardo Briceno

Mindset Champion

Eduardo Briceño is a keynote speaker, facilitator, and program provider who guides many of the world’s leading organizations in developing cultures of continuous improvement, innovation, and impact. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network, and an inductee into the Happiness Hall of Fame. Earlier in his career, he was the co-founder and CEO of Mindset Works, the first company to offer growth mindset development services, which he led for over a decade. Prior to that, he was a venture capital investor. Eduardo’s two TEDxManhattanBeach talks have been viewed more than ten million times. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes, Inc, and other leading media. He is the author of The Performance Paradox, which is a Next Big Idea Club Must Read, a Stevie Awards Gold Winner, a Non Fiction Book Awards Gold Winner, and an Axiom Awards Silver Medalist.

John Marr

AI Storyteller

Jonmar has over 20 years of experience as an engineer and designer, founding and leading multiple app-focused companies. He’s created nearly 100 apps, with five breakthrough concepts reaching #1 globally. His work has been featured by Apple, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World Magazine, with Billboard Magazine calling his creations “Harry Potter-type magic.” Jonmar spent six years at Nike’s global headquarters as a lead engineer and designer, serving all verticals within the company. He now leads large, globally distributed teams of engineers and designers, building enterprise solutions. Popular Science Magazine recognized him as a thought leader in Augmented Reality in the summer of 2022. He’s been at the forefront of mobile software development since the birth of the iPhone. He’s also an avid fine artist, graphic designer, author, public speaker, and filmmaker. Though he’s described by friends as multi-talented, his passion at the core of his soul is the love of communication.

Kevan Doyle

Thoughtful Director

Kevan Doyle is a distinguished photographer and filmmaker. His work primarily focuses on the creative storytelling of athletes, artists, adventurers, and sustainability initiatives, capturing the raw and authentic essence of his subjects.Kevan’s impressive body of work spans both documentary projects and commercial endeavors. In his documentaries, he delves deep into compelling narratives, shedding light on unique human experiences and critical environmental issues. His commercial work, equally captivating, reflects a meticulous eye for detail and a flair for innovation, making him a sought-after creative professional in the industry with a robust portfolio that showcases his versatility. Dedication to his craft has taken Kevan on journeys across more than 30 countries, broadening his horizons and enriching his storytelling, allowing him to incorporate a diverse array of perspectives and cultures into his work.

Lila Mokhtari

Conscious Entrepreneur

Lila Mokhtari is a Junior at Mira Costa High School and founder of Maji, a soap brand that hides a toy at the center of bar soaps to motivate kids to wash their hands. Maji donates a portion of its proceeds to the Thirst Project, providing children in need with access to clean water. Her soaps are also 100% eco-friendly and organic. Lila’s company has earned her recognition in Forbes and the Young Entrepreneur’s Academy as the first place national winner in 2023. To better execute Maji’s mission of empowering kids through health & hygiene, she leads Mira Costa’s Thirst Project Club, which raised $16,000 in 6 months, providing over 400 people with access to clean water. Her experience as a purpose-driven entrepreneur has driven her to author a research paper on how other companies drive positive change with their own social missions, beyond making a profit. She also wrote and produced a documentary where she explored how purpose driven consumerism is shaping our commerce and culture.

Madelyn Pieronek

ADHD Normalizer

Madelyn Pieronek is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame majoring in chemical engineering. Her proudest moment occurred as captain of her high school Academic Decathlon team when she was able to help teammates write and present compelling speeches on topics they were passionate about. Giving a TED Talk means fulfilling one of Madelyn’s biggest dreams. Her talk is based on her award-winning Academic Decathlon speech, in which she shared her personal journey with an ADHD diagnosis and how it inspired her to be the role model she wishes she had as a child. She looks to highlight the seldom discussed nuances of ADHD symptoms, and validate every woman who thought they were just a little bit different growing up.

Maggie Wheeler

Singer & Songwriter

Maggie Wheeler is best known in the U.S and internationally for her extensive work as an actress in film, television, and voice-over and most notably as the character of Janice on NBC’s hit series Friends. Maggie is a passionate singer, songwriter, choir director and workshop facilitator. She has been teaching her vocal workshop Singing In The Stream for over 30 years at retreat centers such as Esalen, The Omega Institute, Topa Institute, Art Of Living Center, Sivananda Bahamas as well as universities, communities, and schools to provide the experience of creating interpersonal harmony and internal harmony through the powerful act of creating vocal harmony. For 18 years Maggie has directed the 100-voice, intergenerational, non-auditioned Golden Bridge Community Choir in Hollywood. It is Maggie’s belief and her experience that by singing together we build community, counteract loneliness, become inspired and energized and feel more deeply connected to others and to ourselves.

Rasheme Ellington

Chess Master

With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Rasheme Ellington has been teaching chess since 1998, enriching the lives of more than 30,000 students, and guiding them from novice to expert levels. His prowess is exemplified by his achievement as a first-place city chess champion, underscoring his exceptional skills and mastery of the game. Beyond his contributions to education, Rasheme is a successful entrepreneur and a committed family man. He is a staunch advocate for the transformative power of education, believing it to be a crucial tool in combating poverty and hunger and opening doors to a better life. As both a master chess player and an accomplished financial educator, he continues to inspire and empower through his teaching and mentorship. His mission is centered on spreading love, fostering positivity, and being a guiding light in the lives of those he encounters.

Travis Eichner

The Teenage Magician

Travis Eichner is a remarkably talented 16-year-old magician, performing at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. Despite being a junior at Mira Costa High School, he skillfully juggles his passion for magic with academic responsibilities and his role on the cross-country running team. He blends classic techniques with innovative tricks to consistently astonish and delight his audiences. Being part of the Magic Castle has been a profoundly enriching experience for Travis, allowing him to learn from some of the world’s leading magicians. A notable highlight of his career includes performing on stage twice, including the semifinals, with fellow magicians on “America’s Got Talent.” For Travis, the true reward in magic lies in the connections he forges with people and the joy he brings to his audience. His ambition is to create memorable moments of wonder and happiness that linger long after the performance ends.

Vivian U

Astronomer

Vivian U is an observational astronomer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine. She is currently a co-chair of the Habitable Worlds Observatory Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) Science Working Group and a member of the NASA Cosmic Origins AGN Science Interest Group Leadership Council. She also leads the extragalactic science team within the Far-InfraRed Spectroscopy Space Telescope probe mission collaboration. Her research focuses on understanding the role that supermassive black holes play in governing the life cycle of their host galaxies as galaxies interact and merge, and how merging galaxies contribute to the assembly history of the universe. She and her group primarily use the James Webb Space Telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Telescopes to decipher the mysteries around black holes in their investigations supported by NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute and the National Science Foundation.