TEDx is coming to the Columbus State University on Thursday, Jan. 15, bringing with it the TEDx philosophy of “ideas worth spreading.” The event will feature a specially selected slate of speakers who will share the perspectives they’ve gained through their professional expertise, personal successes and failures, and community involvement. Tickets are on sale now for the TEDxColumbusStateU event, which begins at 6 p.m. in CSU’s Riverside Theatre on the RiverPark campus. There, a diverse slate of some of the area’s brightest minds will share the stage and their pioneering perspectives, projects and vision. “We’re bringing together thinkers, makers, storytellers and innovators from all walks of life,” explained Shana Young, Columbus State’s Associate Vice President for Community Engagement. “Their talks will challenge the way we think—the status quo—and point to ripple effects that inspire action and that we can incorporate into how we think, behave and lead.” Young said she and other event organizers have curated a slate of nine speakers who promise to spark dialogue and fuel possibility. They were chosen from among dozens of abstracts and nominations submitted by business leaders, creatives, academicians, and college and high school students. Those hand-selected speakers include Sally Baker, the recently appointed CEO of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, the nation’s leader in professional development for arts integration and STEAM education. Her passion is exploring the fascinating science of creativity and how it provides insight into how our minds imagine, innovate and solve problems. Second, Bryan Banks will bring his passion for storytelling, folklore and the power of ideas to the TEDx stage. In addition to serving as an associate professor of history and Interim Dean of Columbus State’s Libraries and Graduate Studies, he is the co-founder and executive editor of Age of Revolutions— a digital public humanities website on the history of revolutionaries, revolutions and the idea of "revolution" itself. Third, Maria Hayes is a powerhouse producer, storyteller and the visionary founder and CEO behind Palette8 Productions— a platform that’s transformed the runway into a movement for confidence, creativity and unapologetic authenticity. From one small show in Columbus to New York Fashion Week, Maria has created bold spaces that empower people to live authentically, own their story and, shine. She’s also a published author, singer/songwriter, the driving force behind the Women in Business group on Facebook, and the voice behind the Women in Entrepreneurship column in Chattahoochee Valley Living. Fourth, Pauline Flores is a powerful force for healing, authenticity and connection as she inspires others to step into their truth and grow together through coaching, community events and a mission rooted in purpose. The founder of The Good Energy Squad—a movement and podcast dedicated to spreading positivity, authenticity and transformation—she views her mission as spreading good energy, helping others step into their truth, and reminding the world that when we heal ourselves, we lift everyone around us. She is also a certified life coach and U.S. Army veteran. Fifth, Susan Hrach brings deep insight into how we learn, think, and grow—blending experience, research and storytelling to spark reflection and conversation. She’ll challenge us to see familiar things in new ways and to lean into learning as a lifelong, whole-body process. Hrach is the Director of Columbus State’s Faculty Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning and a professor of English. Sixth, Adrian Locklear is a resilient musician from West Georgia, who has performed nationally on bass and contrabass clarinet and is known in Columbus for his work as a docent, public musicologist and storyteller. He blends artistry, scholarship and personal healing as he navigates the crossroads of passion and wellness. Currently pursuing his artist diploma at the Schwob School of Music, he previously earned a bachelor’s in music performance and a public musicology certificate from Columbus State in 2019. Seventh, Chelsea Powell, NCC, has built a career at the intersection of performance psychology, leadership development, and mindset coaching in the boardroom and on the athletic court. She’ll share her unique perspective on leadership, creativity and balance gained as both a passionate local small-business owner, a staff expert in the Leadership Institute at Columbus State University, and a former Division I basketball standout. Eighth, Natalia Temesgen brings her deep roots in both storytelling and education to the TEDx experience. A television writer/producer, playwright and associate professor of creative writing at Columbus State, her writing credits include acclaimed shows like Dear White People (Netflix), Julia (HBO Max), and Reasonable Doubt (Hulu). Her work as a writer often centers women, racial dynamics, history and politics and the legal field. Lastly, Addison White is a dedicated student leader at Harris County High School, a public speaker, a leader in Georgia’s Technology Student Association, and an advocate for technological innovation who will explore what it truly means to lead, especially when times get tough. She frequently inspires students across the state to explore STEM education, leadership and creativity through technology through themes of perseverance and leadership —showing she’s wise beyond her years. Tickets can be purchased online, with special group pricing. Columbus State students will receive a discount code by email. In addition to admission, each ticket includes two beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Columbus State University presents the event in partnership with platinum partner Synovus and gold partner Columbus Hospice. For more information and ongoing updates, visit the TEDxColumbusStateU website.
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