Theme: At the Crossroads

TEDxLasVegas 2025 will highlight the undeniable truth that all social issues converge, creating a complex web of challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the critical need to embrace these convergences to maximize our impact.

When faced with crossroads, we are not confined to choosing a single path; exploring multiple paths can be empowering, fostering growth, creativity, and resilience.

Keep Memory Alive Event Center
888 W. Bonneville Ave
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89106
United States

Aaron Berger

Nonprofit Leader & Arts Advocate

Executive Director of the Neon Museum, is known for expanding access to the arts and driving innovative programming and has led institutions to national recognition while fostering education, inclusivity, and storytelling.

Aaron Harris

Educator, Technologist, and Community Advocate

An educator, technologist, and community advocate based in Las Vegas. With a background in engineering and a passion for exploring technology's potential, he focuses on redesigning environments to enhance the happiness, health, and connection of the people who live in them.

Alec Ingold

Professional Athlete

Alec Ingold realized his lifelong dream of playing football in the NFL when the Las Vegas Raiders signed him in 2019 as an undrafted free agent after playing football at the University of Wisconsin. He has been recognized as one of the best players in the NFL both on and off the field with honors such as being named to the 2024 Pro Bowl and a Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee. He is also a motivational speaker, mentor, and educator who connects with youth, businesses, and non-profits to “Inspire Belief” and overcome adversity by embracing changes that ultimately lead to a better life. Alec founded the Ingold Family Foundation to support and draw attention to the adoption and foster care system and through the foundation, he is active in teaching young people financial literacy, personal and professional development skills.

Benjamin Leffel

UNLV Professor

Dr. Benjamin Leffel is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Policy and Leadership at UNLV, was Research Fellow at the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, and earned his Ph.D. at the University of California Irvine. His published work demonstrates how cities and corporations successfully fight climate change, alone and in collaboration, as well as the environmental performance dividends of international climate networks, private climate consulting and climate finance in cities globally. His recent work generated national headlines charting pathways for local governments to help decarbonize corporate America. He has published Op-Eds in the Harvard Business Review and other outlets, and he has advised governments on subnational climate leadership across the U.S., Germany and UK.

Brittany Soul Sharp

Singer/Poet

An award-winning writer, speaker, and performer with a Doctoral Degree in Humanities. Recognized for her Congressional and Senate acknowledgements for promoting healing through words and wellness, she leads in corporate leadership and development and serves on business impact groups while partnering with global networks for women in leadership.

Chris Charles Scott

Filmmaker

Chris Charles Scott never expected to become a filmmaker. A seminary dropout from New Chapel Hill, TX, his path took an unexpected turn, leading him to a career in storytelling—one that has earned him acclaim as an award-winning filmmaker and documentarian. For the past 15 years, he has called Las Vegas home, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant social, political, and faith communities while crafting narratives that resonate on a deep level. Chris has directed and produced films alongside cultural icons like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and an upcoming project with Mark Wahlberg, and his work—ranging from Class Action Park (HBO Max) to the Cannes-contending A Portrait of a Postman—has explored everything from true crime to unsung artistic brilliance. His gift lies in finding the human stories that often go unnoticed, bringing them to life with authenticity and impact. In his TED Talk, Chris shares powerful insights from an unexpected source: those in hospice care.

Connor Fields

Olympic Athlete & BMX World Champion

Connor Fields is a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the first American to win Olympic BMX Gold. At the 2021 Tokyo Games, he suffered a severe crash resulting in life-threatening injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation. Connor emphasized focus on resilience and gained new appreciation for the importance of mental health through his recovery. He is now a keynote speaker, the host of PBS's "Outdoor Nevada," and an NBC sports BMX commentator. His inspiring story has been featured on The Today Show, Sports Illustrated, and in Vanity Fair. Connor motivates audiences with his journey of recovery, peak performance strategies, and the powerful message emphasizing the importance of even the smallest decision.

DeWayne McCoy

CEO The Aftermarket

Founder of The After Market and Pastor of The Foundation Christian Center. He has more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, including leadership roles at Las Vegas’ Three Square Food Bank.

Dr. Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP

Doctor & Public Health Pharmacist

A nationally recognized clinical pharmacist and advocate for gender-based health, featured in over 250 television appearances, including segments on Good Morning America and as an invited panelist at The White House. Dedicated to advancing HIV prevention, sexual health, and reproductive justice.

Dr. Kevin Wright

10-Year Educator and Poet

Dr. Kevin L. Wright was raised in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, NV, grounded in Louisiana southern values and a lineage of African, Creole, and Indigenous ancestry. As a Senior Racial Equity Facilitator and Consultant, he drives systemic change by raising consciousness, building skills, and operationalizing equity efforts. A TRIO alum, award-winning educator, best-selling author, and public speaker, he specializes in culturally responsive leadership, social justice education, and professional transformation. Dr. Wright has impacted over 100,000 learners across five continents and has been recognized by Forbes, Bank of America, Buzzfeed, and two former U.S. Presidents for his service. He holds degrees from Northern Arizona University (B.S.), Lewis & Clark College (M.A.), and Northcentral University (Ed.D.).

Dr. Kristen Averyt

Climate Scientist

A renowned climate scientist recognized for her work on water resources and climate change, including being a lead author for the 2007 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report and a 2007 Nobel Prize recipient alongside Al Gore.

Elizabeth Alllen Berry

Spoken Word poet, musician, and scientist

Elizabeth Allen Berry (They/Them) is a multi-dimensional artist & educator. On stage they combine their talents as a spoken word poet, literary artist, and a classically trained violinist to bring an incredibly unique performance. They are a queer, transgender, & neurodivergent. In 2022 they created Cosmic Q Publishing: A micro press specializing in publishing limited edition zines & books for those, "queer as the cosmos”. They released my first full poetry “Becoming the Void Walker” in November 2024. This book has a combination of hand drawn illustrations and poetry to create newfound experiences of your inner magic. You can find Elizabeth around Las Vegas & in Indy bookstores performing, teaching, and organizing in and around the poetry community. They have a B.S. in biology from University of Wyoming with specialized study in Entomology.

Gwen Migita

CSR/DEI Leader

Gwen Migita is a thought leader in the crossroads of sustainability and social equity among large corporations and advocacy organizations. Gwen innovates at intersection of economic inclusion, civic engagement and environmental sustainability. Her work involves leveraging a virtuous circle to grow revenue in a purposeful workplace while working toward net social good. While at Point B, Gwen serves as a senior advisor to companies that benefit from a business-centric approach to sustainability. Founded 30 years ago as an employee-owned purpose-built management consultancy, Point B seeks customers who wish to make a positive impact in the world. Gwen was a contributor to the LGBTQ, counter human trafficking, Asian American Pacific Islander, and immigration integration movements while a board member, volunteer, and corporate executive. She is a graduate of UW – Seattle and UNLV’s EMBA program.

Kaia Vernon-Oliveria

11-Year-Old Storyteller, Performer & Gifted Student

Kaia is a multiracial 11-year-old storyteller and performer who loves making people think. A student at Nasri Academy for Gifted Children and a Davidson Young Scholar, she started watching TED Talks in kindergarten and is thrilled to give one of her own. When she’s not deep in debate, reading, writing, or building a prototype for her next big idea, she can be found on stage. From dancing to acting, she loves putting on a good show. She has performed with Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, Dynamic Performing Arts Center, Drama Kids of Las Vegas, and Bright Star Acting Academy. Kaia also loves comedy. Whether delivering a monologue or cracking a joke (the bluer, the better!), she believes her words have the power to move people—to action, to laughter, and if she’s lucky, both. Whatever she chooses to do with her life, Kaia plans to use her creativity and talents to empower girls and make the world a better place for everyone.

Kristen Corral

Owner, Tacotarian

An entrepreneur, advocate, and co-founder of Tacotarian. As a self-taught leader, she champions small business growth, economic empowerment, and policy change to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Nevada.

Mayte Garcia

Dancer/Creative Director & Philanthropist

A world-renowned dancer, choreographer, actress, singer, and animal advocate. Known for her groundbreaking work with Prince, she co-founded Live 4 Love Charities and Mayte’s Rescue, dedicating her life to empowering others through art, philanthropy, and animal welfare.

Minjia Yan

Commercial Real Estate Director & Project Consultant for Chinatown Redevelopment

Minjia Yan is the Director of Millennium Commercial Properties, a Las Vegas-based commercial real estate firm. She is currently acting as a project consultant for the 3-mile long Spring Mountain Corridor/Chinatown Redevelopment Plan, a comprehensive redevelopment plan initiated by Clark County. Minjia is passionate about placemaking and community development. She began her career in doing affordable housing projects in downtown Las Vegas. She is a committee member on the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)’s Southern Nevada Strong Regional Plan and Transportation Resource Advisory Committee and the City of Henderson’s Henderson Strong Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder Group. She was honored by Business Insider as one of the "2020 Rising Stars of Real Estate" and by Commercial Property Executive magazine as one of the "Stars to Watch'' in 2022.

Rodney J. Lee

Poet

Rodney J. Lee is a seasoned poet and educator who has been prominent in the Las Vegas literary and educational scene for over 40 years. At 60, Rodney's poetic journey began at the tender age of fifteen, and his life experiences have enriched his work with a unique depth and authenticity. A former Airman, construction worker, casino employee, English teacher, and Equity and Diversity Education Coordinator in Clark County, Rodney's diverse career has afforded him a wide-ranging perspective on the extraordinary-ordinary facets of everyday life. His latest publication, Soul Brothers, marks his fourth book of poetry, encapsulating his philosophy that poetry is "against all odds and by any means necessary." His poems are vivid expressions of tough lessons and earned revelations woven together in the lyrics of living.

Ry Shorosky

American Director & Photographer

Ry Shorosky is an american director and photographer who has spent the past ten years on the road as a long-haul trucker exploring the country and sharing American stories. Through his own immersion he has developed a deeper responsibility as an artist and a person to honor and share the blue collar way of life and the truly beautiful people that define it.

Sonia Barcelona

Artist & Performer

Sonia Barcelona is a Las Vegas-based artist, musician, and photographer whose work bridges music, photography, and visual arts. Named Best of Las Vegas and with music featured on Netflix, Sonia’s creativity is shaped by her multicultural upbringing as an Indian and Filipino artist in the diverse environment of the city she calls her home. Sponsored by Gibson, her journey is a testament to the power of storytelling, collaboration, and self-expression. Her widely streamed song Heart Station reflects her belief that creativity is both an act of self-discovery and an act of bravery. Sonia finds inspiration not only in her environment but also in innovation–using technology to produce, record, and bring her musical ideas to life. Whether through music, photography, or community-driven projects, she constantly seeks new ways to connect, experiment, and uplift others through her art.

West Las Vegas Youth Performance Ensemble

Performance Group

For 30 years, the City of Las Vegas West Las Vegas Arts Center has been home of the performing and visual arts in the Historic Westside, providing community youth with pivotal opportunities for civic engagement and social justice projects through the disciplines of arts education. These talented artists commit themselves to the philosophy “Excellence Without Excuse” while developing an appreciation for music, dance, theater, and spoken word. The West Las Vegas Arts Center’s goal is to produce healthy and responsible citizens, with discipline, integrity and pride in becoming dynamic community ambassadors through the arts. West Las Vegas Youth Performance Ensemble offers a conservatory of music, theater, film production, photography, life skills training, and performance arts disciplines as well as teamwork and other learning strategies.