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).

The Art Center
1803 N 7th Street
Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501
United States

Dallin Cooper

Author, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker

Dallin Cooper is an author, entrepreneur, and award-winning shepherd. After a miraculous experience on his family sheep farm as a child, Dallin developed a passion for understanding the misunderstood. Using research-backed methods and award-winning humor, Dallin helps schools and organizations challenge their assumptions, learn to respect and understand others, and find harmony in their life and relationships.

Damien Jude Larson

: Entrepreneur, Speaker/Poet, and Coach

Damien is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of owning, operating, and selling a successful fitness facility. He has since launched both an online marketing company and a personal coaching business, leveraging his expertise in sales and marketing. Alongside his business ventures, Damien holds a black belt in martial arts. He uses his passion for poetry to inspire others from the stage, delivering a powerful message of self-worth and the transformative power of presence.

Denita M. Weeks, Ph.D.

Amphibian Disease Scientist, Associate Professor of Biology

Dr. Denita M. Weeks, an amphibian disease ecologist and associate professor of Biology at Colorado Mesa University, founded the annual event “Bullfrogs for Beers” to unite community volunteers in the research and removal of the non-native American Bullfrog from western Colorado. In exchange for their efforts at these evening events, volunteers receive vouchers for local brews, ice cream, or pizza. This initiative showcases the impact that local community can have on scientific research. Equipped with knowledge and a flashlight, volunteers help protect local wildlife but also gain insights into the science behind conservation, fostering a deeper connection to wild spaces and the animals that inhabit them.

Meg Grett-Pratt

Storyteller/Changemaker: Impacting Violence & Digital Stalking

Meg is a passionate storyteller, advocate, and survivor who shares her experience to motivate and inspire others to love life-whatever you might have been dealt. She has dedicated her life to empowering others to recognize the early signs of an unhealthy relationship - the ones she overlooked. Meg shares her journey and expertise, speaking in schools, sitting on panels, presenting at conferences, and guesting on podcasts. She is getting ready to launch her podcast “Did Me Dirty” and is wrapping up her first book, a memoir, to further raise awareness and prevent violence and stalking.

Mitch Brooks

Retired Firefighter/S.W.A.T. ; First Responder Wellness Center

Mitch is a retired firefighter and paramedic for the S.W.A.T. team in Baltimore, as well as a Navy veteran. He taught at the Baltimore City Fire Academy and currently delivers four lectures a week to 30-40 first responders at Harbor of Grace National Wellness Center. As a keynote speaker he addresses topics like resiliency and substance abuse among first responders. A devoted husband and father of three daughters in their 20s, Mitch enjoys kayaking, watching movies with his wife Michelle, spending quality time with his daughters, sharing coffee with friends, and humorously battling his sugar cravings—he considers Ben and Jerry his ultimate foes!

Seth Anderson

Co-founder LOKI, patented inventor, artist, designer and owner

Seth and his brother Dirk Anderson climbed high mountains together often in harsh conditions. The two survived adventures from 22,838’ Argentina, Denali and all the 14’ers in Colorado. Fear and clothing shares the story of the survival gear the two brothers invented as a result of near-misses on cliffs, mountain tops and survived breaking both legs in an avalanche

Shelly LaVigne

Love Investigator + Author

As a seasoned Love Investigator, Shelly LaVigne offers not just insights but a navigational compass through the complexities of relationships. She delves into the heart of human relationships, offering a fresh perspective that goes beyond conventional love advice and star signs to uncover what’s going on underneath it all and reveal the truth—because love is only everything. Shelly LaVigne, once a rancher, trail-horse guide, national volleyball champion, fitness model, and attempted pro-beach volleyball player, has now channeled her life experiences into becoming an avid Love Investigator. As the creator of the 4Cross Love Framework & Checklist, she unravels the mysteries of love, helping you open your eyes, win the game of love, and find happiness. A wife, mom of two wonderful girls, and passionate about human connection, Shelly resides in Cody, Wyoming with her husband, daughters, and three dogs.

Stephen D Wilt

Finance

Steve is an institutional retirement advisor providing investment advisory services to fiduciaries of corporate retirement plans. His passion for helping hard working Americans achieve retirement success has led to extensive recognition. As an industry expert, he is a national speaker on retirement issues. Steve’s other passion is working with nonprofits, helping them to deliver on their mission and to fundraise. He serves on multiple boards and holds various leadership positions in the greater Akron, Ohio area. In addition, he is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and serves local and national organizations. He is the creator and host of the 2024 CAPTRUST Alcohol Free Challenge. Due to the success of this challenge Steve is assisting other companies in running this program in 2025. Steve and his wife Holly live in West Akron and have two children who are currently in college, Charlotte, and Charlie.

Wendy Videlock

Poet, visual artist, keynote speaker

Wendy Videlock of Palisade, CO, is the award-winning author of four books of poetry, a children's book and a collection of essays on language, landscape and the imagination. Her work appears in the New York Times, Best American Poetry, O Magazine and elsewhere. She is the winner of the Keats Soul Making Prize, The PTB Sonnet Prize, the Fisher Prize and the Cantor Prize. Her syndicated newspaper column, The Barefoot Laureate, appears in newspapers across the four corner states. Wendy is also a visual artist whose works appear in galleries across Western Colorado. She teaches and advocates for the arts and believes that language is the invisible influence informing our thoughts, our actions and our perceptions.