What’s the #1 reason to attend the first-ever TEDxFrisco event on January 11, 2020?
The people. Some are famous, some are not, but one thing is certain: you’ll be surrounded by smart people that have “ideas worth spreading” and a certain “spark” that is sure to inspire deep discussion and connection.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. The genius of TEDx – the “x-factor” if you will – is its focus on a local voice rather than a global one.
As Frisco continues to set the pace for other American cities, it couldn’t be a better fit.
Who are the speakers for TEDxFrisco 2020?
The official TEDxFrisco speakers represent innovation, education, entrepreneurship, ambition, fortitude, persistence, character… They’re leaders, game-changers, and everyday people with ideas to share.
Jaco Booyens serves in many areas across multiple industries. He’s the president and CEO of the film company, After Eden Pictures. He’s the founder of SHAREtogether, a non-profit organization fighting against the global crisis of Sex Trafficking. Jaco directed and produced the feature film, 8 Days, written by his wife Philipa A. Booyens to raise awareness about the reality of Sex Trafficking in the United States.
Mr. Talkbox is an innovative musician with many accomplishments. One being a Four Time Grammy Award Winner (Record of the Year – “24K Magic”, Album of the Year – “24K Magic”, Best R&B – “24K Magic” & Best Rap/Sung Performance – “Loyalty”). Yes, Mr. Talkbox is the intro voice at the beginning of the 24K Magic song by Bruno Mars.
Asal Azizoddin is an oncology pharmacist in Los Angeles, helping people through their journeys of battling cancer. Throughout her time serving patients in the oncology clinic, Asal realized they were her life coaches. By opening herself up to meaningful conversations with cancer patients and intentionally witnessing unconditional love on a daily basis, she learned that sharing gratitude with the people around us is at the core of the human experience.
Maelyn Jarmon, a Frisco native, is an American singer. She is the winner of season 16 of the American talent competition The Voice. At two years old, she had tubes inserted into her ears to treat recurring ear infections. The tubes ultimately damaged her eardrums and left her deaf in her right ear and with only 80% hearing in the left ear. But that didn’t stop her.
Ryan Calvert is a chief felony prosecutor at the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office in Bryan, Texas. Over his 17 years as a prosecutor, Ryan has tried nearly 300 cases to juries and has extensive experience in a variety of fields, including crimes involving domestic violence, homicide, and child abuse.
Jessica Vittorio is a business attorney based in Dallas. Aside from her corporate work, she places a high priority on pro bono service and works with teams providing counsel to veterans, homeless populations, disaster victims, religious organizations, mental health charities, and immigrants.
Tomasz Kwiatkowski is a financial services sales executive, podcaster and a philanthropist. He was born and raised in Poland and moved to the U.S. as a first-generation immigrant in 2006 at the age of 19 by himself to pursue a better quality of life. He is an energetic, seven-feet tall leader and a self-starter whose passion lies at the intersection of people, sales and technology. WATCH his LIFESTYLE PROFILES interview.
Sebastian Mejias is the Head Instructor/Owner of Samurai Inti Martial Arts in Frisco, Texas. Sebastian has accomplished tremendous milestones. Among them, Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado, 4th Degree Black Belt under Mr. Freddie Poole, and Black Sash in Wing Chun Kung Fu from Sifu Pham.
Stefanie Wagoner, AICP, is the Director of Business Retention and Expansion for Frisco Economic Development Corporation. Her 20+ year career includes economic development and planning positions in North Texas. She engages with corporate growth initiatives in Frisco and is a self-proclaimed “Professional Dot Connector.”
Sherrie Zantea (Candy) has been writing and performing poetry for over 25 years. Candy made the 2007 Dallas Poetry Slam Team, and to date has been on 13 poetry slam teams, the first woman to coach 8 and she’s the current CEO of the Dallas Poetry Slam Org.
Gouzia Sivarajah is an aspiring Trauma Surgeon with a goal to be accepted into an accelerated medical program. She’s a senior in high school at Heritage High School in Frisco, as well as the Founder and CEO of SIINNO Technology LLC and the president of TYPDA.
David Gaschen is an Internationally-renowned vocalist and stage performer and remains best known for the years he devoted to the title character in “The Phantom of the Opera.” That success did not arrive overnight; it only seems that way.
Danyel Surrency Jones is a proclaimed “Vision Chaser”, creative strategist and philanthropist, with nearly two decades of executive leadership and sales and marketing experience. WATCH her LIFESTYLE PROFILES INTERVIEW.
Would you like to attend TEDxFrisco?
TEDxFrisco will host its first-ever event on January 11, 2020, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Black Box Theater. Each speaker will have 18 minutes to talk on topics such as finance, family, science, life lessons, and entrepreneurship.
Approximately 100 tickets are available (and we think they’ll go quickly).
TEDxFrisco 2020 invites you to explore creative ways to push boundaries and limitations personally, relationally, professionally, and economically in order to rise to the next level.