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).

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Bilal Kola

International Business Lawyer

**Bilal Kola, PhD – From Adversity to Achievement** Dr. Bilal Kola is a business and life coach, keynote speaker, and international business lawyer with an extraordinary journey from a communist concentration camp in Albania to global success. Born into systemic persecution, he overcame immense hardships, securing a law scholarship in England and building a distinguished career in corporate law, leadership, and personal development. With a PhD in Strategic Leadership and decades of experience in law, governance, and executive coaching, Dr. Kola now empowers entrepreneurs, executives, and corporate leaders worldwide. A bestselling author of 12 MINDSETS to Improve Life Radically, he delivers transformative coaching and training, inspiring individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and success.

Cyris Jones

Leadership coach

Cyris Joseph Jones was born and raised in Prentiss, a small town in Central Mississippi. The ninth of eleven children, Cyris credits his parents, Madis and Willie Jones, for instilling in him the values of had an illustrious career spanning over three decades. He started with a major logistics company while attending college, advancing into management, and later spent 20 years in various upper management roles at a leading automotive manufacturing firm in Central Mississippi. After retiring from corporate America in 2023 to care for his mother, Cyris turned his focus to his true passion - motivating others, inspiring change, and helping people grow personally and professionally. Cyris has been happily married to his wife, Terri Jones, for 26 years. Together, they have two children, Christian and Torri, who continue to be a source of pride and inspiration in his life.

Funmi Okonweze

Certified Chartered Accountant and Relationship Specialist

Funmi Okonweze’s journey into relationship coaching began over a decade ago when the breakdown of her marriage prompted her to delve deeply into understanding the complexities of relationships. Through extensive research and personal reflection, she gained invaluable insights and tools that not only helped restore and transform her own marriage but also inspired this book, "Restore Your Broken Marriage and Create Your Happily Ever After." A strong advocate for relationship coaching as a key factor in building successful marriages, Funmi has spent years using her knowledge and experience to guide couples through their challenges, empowering them to achieve their relationship goals. Funmi is an accountant by profession and a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, with over two decades of experience in investment banking. She lives in London with her husband of more than 25 years and their two children.

Jacquline Lauderdale

Basketball Coach

**Jacqueline Lauderdale – Empowering Transformations** Jacqueline Lauderdale, known as Coach Jackie, is a TEDx speaker, life coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential. With over a decade of experience, she has mentored thousands through transformative journeys. As an author and business leader, she focuses on personal growth, mindset shifts, and academic empowerment. Through her platform, JacquelineLauderdale.com, she provides strategic guidance to help people manifest their goals and dreams. Her mission is simple yet powerful: shift your mindset, take action, and create the life you desire.

Jim Salvucci

English Professor

Dr. Jim Salvucci served 30 years as an English professor and university executive before transitioning to the corporate world, where he now helps leaders excel by aligning personal values with organizational missions. As a seasoned leadership expert and president of Guidance for Greatness, Jim offers his extensive experience to professionals across industries. His background in writing and communication combined with his passion for teaching has made him a sought-after speaker and podcaster worldwide. With a Ph.D. in English from the University of Toronto and multiple coaching and leadership and coaching certifications from institutions as diverse as the Tiny Habits Academy and Harvard University, Jim continues to empower emerging leaders with practical, values-driven leadership strategies. He new book, Greater than Great: How to Excel in Leadership through Learning, Logic, and Life to Make a True Difference in the World, will be available in early 2025.

Kamila McDonald

Fitness Coach

Kamila McDonald is a Jamaican health and wellness entrepreneur, author, and certified fitness coach committed to making holistic living accessible and culturally relevant. A Stanford and UC Berkeley graduate, she blends academic insight with real-world impact in plant-based nutrition, sustainable business, and community wellness. Her journey from battling weight challenges, an eating disorder, and prediabetes to becoming a wellness leader fuels her mission. In 2017, she published Kamila’s Kitchen, which grew from a bestselling nutrition guide into a thriving plant-based restaurant chain. Beyond food, Kamila leads a community-based wellness programs. WellGood – A sustainable food company producing plant-based alternatives, with an eco-conscious approach. Through her ventures, Kamila empowers individuals to embrace wellness through culture, self-care, and sustainability; proving that transformation is possible, one meal and one movement at a time.

Kimberley Mosby

Entrepreneur

Kimberly Mosby is a seasoned leader with a track record of success in management across diverse industries. Born in Helena, Montana, Kimberly's journey epitomizes resilience and adaptability. She graduated a year early from East High School. A cum laude graduate of the University of Phoenix with degrees in Business Management and Business Administration. Kimberly excelled in roles such as Owner, Title Officer, and Escrow Officer at Gateway Title, where she spearheaded innovative initiatives like paperless closing systems. Prior to Gateway Title, Kimberly held positions at prominent organizations like Cox Communications, Countrywide Home Loans and First American, consistently exceeding goals and building strong client relationships. Through her multifaceted career and dedication to excellence, Kimberly continues to make a significant impact in her community and beyond.

Les Brown

Teacher and speaker

**Les Brown: A Voice for Greatness** Les Brown is a world-renowned motivational speaker, author, and television personality known for his high-energy message that inspires individuals to break free from mediocrity and achieve greatness. Born in Liberty City, Miami, and adopted at six weeks old by a single mother, Les overcame early struggles, including being mislabeled as a slow learner, through relentless self-education and determination. With no formal education beyond high school, he rose from a radio DJ to a broadcast manager, a community activist to a legislator, and an emcee to a globally sought-after keynote speaker. Today, Les empowers Fortune 500 companies and audiences worldwide with his heartfelt storytelling and passion, equipping them with the vision and motivation to transform their lives.

Maya Carl

Holistic Health Coach

Maya Carl is a certified Holistic Health Coach and has maintained a private practice, Earth Body Coaching, for 8 years. Maya is also a certified Pilates Instructor and Yoga Teacher. She has a passion for empowering people and supporting them in living their healthiest, most aligned lives. She focuses on helping people change their approach to food, their bodies, movement, stress and daily habits. By supporting and potentiating these changes, she creates safe space, accountability and support so that her clients can access, manifest and maintain their ultimate health and wellness goals. After helping hundreds of people through her workshops, one on one sessions, and group & corporate coaching, she is eager to share her message with the world. Maya feels that her true purpose is to help people reconnect with their bodies through conscious dietary, movement and lifestyle practices so that they can then help to heal themselves, each other, and the planet.

Mickell Dent

Therapist

From the gritty streets of inner-city Milwaukee to the forefront of mental health advocacy, Mickell Dent has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. A licensed clinical therapist and the visionary of the transformative national girls’ organization GLOW 414 Inc., Mickell is a force to be reckoned with. Navigating the challenges of teenage motherhood and the harsh realities of inner-city life, Mickell discovered her true calling: to empower others to heal and thrive. With unwavering determination, she transformed her life's struggles into a driving force for change. Her mission is to shatter the global stigma surrounding mental health and guide individuals toward their full potential. She is a catalyst for global transformation, a champion for mental well-being, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Montrella Cowan

Licensed Therapist and Entrepreneur

Montrella Cowan is the CEO of Affinity Health Affairs, LLC, a licensed therapist, entrepreneur, business coach, and USA Today bestselling author with over 20 years of experience. She provides training, keynote speaking, and coaching in wellness, wealth, and leadership. Host of The Montrella Cowan Show, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Marriott and Fannie Mae. A nine-time bestselling author, she co-wrote Game On: Leaders Who Last. Recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Joy Awards Finalist, Montrella’s expertise has been featured in Essence, The Washington Post, Fox, NPR, NBC, and ABC. She holds degrees from Howard University and Catholic University and enjoys dancing and traveling.

Nikiya Tucker

Practitioner

Nikiya Tucker is a Psychic Medium Healer, Reiki Master, and Quantum Healing Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their spiritual purpose and heal from within. Through her practice, *My Soul Revelation*, she combines intuitive guidance, energy work, and quantum healing to help clients overcome limiting beliefs and achieve soul-aligned lives. With a 17-year background in healthcare operations, Nikiya's journey shifted after a personal tragedy in 2018, leading her to explore psychic development and inner healing. Now, she empowers others to embrace their spiritual gifts and transform their lives through sustainable practices and personalized coaching.

Sandra Swaby

Physician

Dr. Sandra Swaby is a trailblazing physician turned cosmetic surgeon, celebrated for her commitment to empowering self-confidence and holistic wellness. As the Chief Surgeon of Harmony Health Cosmetic Clinic in Jamaica and founder of Zen Oasis anti-aging spa, she champions a philosophy of beauty rooted in mindfulness and self-love. Known as "The Queen of Body Positivity," Dr. Swaby has spent over a decade transforming lives and inspiring others to embrace self-care. Her influence extends globally through workshops, conferences, and a strong social media presence, including the “SelfCare is SelfLove” conference. Notably, she made history as the first contestant over 50 to place in the top five at the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant. Dr. Swaby’s dedication to personal growth and balance as a wife, mother, and advocate for emotional and physical well-being makes her a beacon of resilience and transformation, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Tawakalitou Alawoe

Social media influencer

Tawakalitou Alawoe is a social media influencer, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to empowering women to embrace confidence, gratitude, and self-acceptance. Born in Togo with Nigerian roots, she made the courageous decision to convert to Christianity, sacrificing her inheritance and status. After overcoming personal hardships, including an unknown illness, she moved to the U.S., becoming the first woman in her family to earn an American business degree. Now based in Denver, Colorado, she balances her writing career, business ventures, and a mission to build generational wealth while inspiring others to live fully and fearlessly.

Teresa Robinson

Teacher

Teresa "Rita" Robinson, a 56-year-old from Mount Vernon, New York, is a dedicated single mother who worked tirelessly to provide her son with the education and support he needed for success. She holds a Business Degree from the College of Westchester and has served for over 36 years as a civilian employee with the Town of Greenburgh Police Department. In addition to her professional work, Teresa has dedicated over a decade to helping adults with Autism, teaching them independence. Known for her passion and compassion, Teresa is a fierce advocate for her family, friends, and important causes. Her empowering talks focus on resilience and the power of positive affirmation. Having experienced bullying herself, Teresa’s powerful message encourages others to rise above adversity and no longer accept the victim mentality. Through her personal journey, she inspires audiences to use positive affirmations as a tool to navigate life’s challenges and overcome difficult times.