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).

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Richmond, Virginia, 23284
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Amy Tudor

Assistant Professor, Death Doula

Amy Tudor holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities (focus in Thanatology) and an MFA in Creative Writing, as well as a certification as an End-of-Life Doula. Her research includes death and photography, end-of-life ritual practices, and identity issues in facial injury patients, the latter of which she studied as a Visiting Academic Fellow at The University of Oxford. Dr. Tudor is the author of two collections of poetry – A Book of Birds (2008) and Studies in Extinction (2016) – and is also a published essayist, short story writer, and lyricist. She teaches in the Department of Focused Inquiry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jae Lange

Advocate and Social Worker

Jae Lange is a passionate advocate and social worker dedicated to addressing homelessness and supporting marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth and families. Drawing from their own experiences with housing instability between the ages of 19 and 22, Jae has committed their career to empowering others and improving systems of care. Jae is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University, where they are also recognized for their advocacy and community work. They serve as a direct service specialist at Marsha and Marian’s Neighbors, a program supporting young adults who are pregnant, parenting, and/or LGBTQ+, providing holistic care and promoting autonomy. Jae emphasizes listening to and uplifting individuals to help them navigate challenges and build stability.

Omri Morris

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

Omri Morris is a black queer cis woman and mother in recovery from Substance Use Disorder and living with co-occuring mental health disorders. She chose abstinence as her main pathway to recovery, which means that she has chosen to abstain from using illicit drug and alcohol use for the last 11 years, and to take medications to help her maintain recovery as prescribed by her doctors. As a faculty member at VCU, she chooses to Recover Out Loud by working as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Peer Recovery Support Coordinator for Rams in Recovery, a collegiate recovery program that helps support students who identify as being in recovery. She is recovery made visible, and invites you to recover out loud, together!

Sathwik Nag Channagiri Venkatesh

Decision Scientist

Sathwik Nag is a Decision Scientist passionate about leveraging data and innovation to solve complex challenges. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Decision Analytics (Data Science track) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), he combines technical expertise with a strategic mindset to drive meaningful change. With four years as an aerospace engineer, Sathwik has optimized aircraft design and operations. He has also worked with startup strategy teams, shaping data-driven market insights to fuel business growth. His contributions to technology and innovation have earned him the Excellence in Technical Solutions award and a Silver Medal in the All-India Student Design Competition.

Shayla Kyle

Artist, Musician

Shayla Kyle (AYLA) is a junior at VCUarts pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design. Outside of her design practices, her creative pursuits span far and wide, often delving into various mediums including fashion, music and performance.

Sirena Pearl

Muralist

Sirena Pearl is a junior at VCUarts, pursuing a BFA in Painting and Printmaking with a minor in Animation. She merges digital and traditional media, incorporating 3D modeling, projection mapping, and augmented reality into her painting practice. Her research on the urban heat island effect in Richmond—visualized through a mural atop the Bowe Street parking deck—utilizes thermal infrared imagery and interactive data visualization to make environmental issues more accessible. Passionate about art as a tool for advocacy, Sirena uses visual storytelling to foster communication, challenge perceptions, and spark critical dialogue.

Tom Illmensee

Musician, Cofounder of Orbital Music Park

Tom Illmensee is cofounder of Orbital Music Park, an inclusive creative space for music-making in Richmond, Virginia. As a musician for more than 30 years, Tom has performed at venues in the US and Europe, and has hosted hundreds of jam sessions and workshops from funk to blues to singing meditation. Before starting OMP in 2017, Tom led product design and user experience research teams at software companies. At VCU he earned a bachelor’s degree in history (2000) and an interdisciplinary master’s degree (2007). Tom is a practicing stoic and runs every day.