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).

RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Walk
Providence, Rhode Island
United States

Angelo Baca

Dr. Angelo Baca (Diné/Hopi) is an assistant professor at the Rhode Island School of Design in History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences with a focus on Indigenous and Native American Studies. His work encompasses sacred lands protection, repatriation, and food sovereignty reflecting his commitment to collaborative research with Indigenous communities on equal and respectful terms and a long-standing dedication to both Western and Indigenous knowledge. Additionally, he serves on the Reconciliation on Derogatory Placenames and the Bears Ears National Monument Committees appointed by Secretary Deb Haaland. He strives to empower local and traditional knowledge keepers of Indigenous communities in the stewardship of their own cultural practices and landscapes.

Gresh Chapman

Gresh, a designer and self-proclaimed “pretengineer,” explores how simple, DIY modifications can make old vehicles more sustainable. In this TED Talk, he shares how he transformed a a 1994 Toyota Hiace —boosting its fuel efficiency and running it on biofuel —all in a weekend. Drawing from his experience building race cars with Brown University engineers, Gresh applies aerodynamics and ecology to rethink transportation.

Isaiah "Prophet" Raines

Isaiah “Prophet” Raines is an interdisciplinary artist from Fall River, Massachusetts. Due to his ability to recognize the early stages of artwashing in his city he’s been able to study and track its progress for years, collecting evidence and doing all he can to help preserve the identity. In 2023, he and his family were displaced from their apartment in the Southside of Fall River as a result of gentrification, causing Prophet to lose connection with one of the most cherished aspects of his life. He intends to speak on his experiences and provide strategies for pushback, warning about a process he’s seen replicated in almost every city he’s stepped foot in since. He also intends to spark hope in the people he loves, people who typically have to invisibly withstand what he personally understands to be a uniquely evil manifestation of greed and inhumanity.

Michelle Charest

Michelle is a Senior Lecturer at Rhode Island School of Design in the Theory & History of Art & Design. An anthropologist/archaeologist (PhD Brown University), textile artist/designer, and naturalist specializing in global traditional, Indigenous, and historic ways of making. Michelle's work in textiles involves every stage of the production chain using small-scale traditional and Indigenous approaches, from sourcing and preparing pigments and fibers to spinning, dyeing, felting, weaving, knitting, and finishing. Michelle’s textile studio/workshop is called Hedge Witch Labs.

Ryan Cunningham

Ryan Cunningham is a queer writer/director and Emmy & Peabody award-winning producer in film, television, and theater. Directing credits include the hit off-Broadway show Sugar Daddy and the upcoming award-winning feature Lone Wolves. TV Producing credits include Broad City, Search Party, and Inside Amy Schumer. She lives in Brooklyn with her daughter, who likes to build elaborate installations around their apartment. Ryan is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, a former professor in the Film/Animation/Video department and a Trustee on RISD’s Board.

Valerie Mirra

Valerie Mirra is an immigrant, traveler, and avid outdoorswoman. Valerie has maintained a devoted plein air practice around the world, including Europe, Central America, the Middle East, and the United States from Louisiana to Alaska. Her figurative paintings, centering on animal and plant adaptation in the wake of natural disaster, are created directly from images produced through this research based practice. Here, she finds the opportunity to look closely into the environment, experiencing its simultaneous vulnerability and resilience.