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 College of the Florida Keys
5901 College Road
Key West, Florida, 33040
United States

Brian Neff

Author and Financial Advisor

Brian Neff is a longtime financial advisor whose 25-year career has centered on helping people create external security — but it was a quiet pull from within that led him to the Florida Keys, and a deeper kind of freedom. Now in the midst of a personal transformation, Brian is exploring the shift from managing wealth to uncovering meaning. In his talk, inspired by his debut book, Stay Lost. Live Free., he invites us to consider how surrender, solitude, and self-discovery can unlock the paradise within — and awaken our fullest human potential.

Casey Arnold

Entrepreneur: Key West Monopoly

Casey Arnold is the Marketing & Events Director for Conch Republic Seafood Company, the owner of Southernmost Scavenger Hunt, Key West Building, and a longtime Key West resident. A native of Ashland, Kentucky, and Morehead State University graduate, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to license the only official MONOPOLY: Key West edition game with iconic brand Hasbro Gaming. Deeply committed to community service, Casey devotes his time to The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, Samuel’s House Board Member, is the Key West Tourism representative of the District Advisory Committee for the TDC and is an active member of multiple other community organizations. Passionate about island life and civic pride, he blends marketing savvy with philanthropy to uplift the Florida Keys.

Chad Gaines

Author, Speaker, and Lecturer

Chad Richard Gaines was born on Sunday June 3, 1973. He is widely known for his book, Who Am I, which details the horrific child abuse he endured as a young boy. He spends much of his time lecturing and coaching about PTSD and the long-term effects. In 2004, Chad Gaines was honored as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) in the country. In 2008, Gaines was honored with the Daily Points of Light by former President of the United States, George Bush. In 2020, Hollywood writer Stevie Long wrote a movie script based on Gaines’ life, Pocket of Hope (The Chad Gaines story), will be filmed in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, in the winter of 2025. Chad has appeared on many podcasts around the world sharing his story and message, "Keep Getting Back Up."

Chris Massicotte

Political Consultant, LGBTQ+ Advocate, and Champion of Authenticity

Chris Massicotte is a political consultant, LGBTQ+ advocate, and champion of authenticity. A resident of Key West, he serves his community by sitting on the boards of Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe, the Key West AIDS Memorial, and as president of Keys Last Stand. With nearly 20 years of experience helping candidates win elections and developing technology to strengthen civic engagement, Chris spent much of his career behind the scenes—until he realized that true success meant showing up as his full self. Coming out just before his 30th birthday, Chris began a journey that redefined his work, relationships, and sense of purpose. He believes that real success isn’t about titles or appearances—it’s about belonging, visibility, and helping others thrive. Through storytelling, service, and leadership, Chris empowers others to define success on their own terms—and to show up, unapologetically.

Dejah Urbanovitch

CEO of Speechless, Award-Winning Speaker, and Certified Strategist

With a rare blend of business savvy and on-stage brilliance, Dejah Urbanovitch is a curator of voices that move people. As CEO of Speechless, she connects organizations with keynote speakers and experts who don’t just inspire but create lasting impact. Known for her sharp instinct for what resonates. As a certified strategist and award-winning speaker, Dejah has partnered with organizations like Disney and Ontic, and worked alongside renowned thinkers including Simon Sinek and Daniel Pink. Her work has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofits and earned her honors and industry awards from the American Cancer Society, Toastmasters International, and Vistage Worldwide. Passionate about empowering the next generation, she serves as a Director for CAIORG, a nonprofit that helps adolescent girls build confidence and leadership through service and sisterhood.

Douglas Mader

Author, Consulting Veterinarian, Lecturer, and Researcher

Dr. Mader acquired his MS, DVM and Residency in Primate and Zoo animal medicine from the University of California, Davis. He is a consulting veterinarian in Monroe County, and Dr. Mader is an internationally acclaimed lecturer. He serves on the review boards of several scientific journals, and the recipient of many awards including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservation award, the Fred L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award in Veterinary Medicine, the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award and the U.C. Davis Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award. He has published numerous articles in scientific journals, newspapers and magazines, and is the author of three Veterinary textbooks. Dr. Mader’s latest publication is his new book, the award winning, best seller “The Vet at Noah’s Ark - Stories of Survival from an Inner-city Animal Hospital.”

Juan Benetiz

Real Estate Consultant, Mentor, Coach, and Motivator

Juan Benitez was born in Argentina 43 years ago, where he worked as an accountant before moving to the U.S. and reinventing his path-going from cleaning pools to becoming a successful real estate agent. Passionate about connecting with people and making a difference, he has mentored high school students for the past three years and raised over $100K for AIDS services organizations in South Florida. Altruism is at the heart of everything he does, whether through mentoring, coaching or simply being present for others. A dedicated meditator and Toastmasters, he discovered the power of presence-not just as a practice, but as a way of life. After reading The Power of Now, he began seeing the world differently, deepening his relationships, and finding joy in life's smallest moments. Through his talk, he hopes to inspire others to pause, be present, and unlock a more fulfilling way of living.

Patrick Rice

Author, Marine Biologist, and Educator

Dr. Patrick H. Rice is the Chief Science & Research Officer at the College of the Florida Keys. He is the Principal Investigator for several National Science Foundation research and education projects focused on training the 21st century science and technology workforce. He is also, the Vice President and Senior Marine Biologist for SharkDefense Technologies, LLC., an R&D company exploring, shark repellent technology, which has been featured on the Discovery Channel - Shark Week, Animal Planet, BBC, National Geographic, PBS, and Nova. Dr. Rice has 14 peer-reviewed scientific publications on a variety of marine science disciplines including marine biology/biochemistry, fisheries science, and marine aquaculture. He has a Ph.D. in Marine Biology & Fisheries from the University of Miami – Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and a Master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University.

Paul Casey

Fitness Coach, Entrepreneur, and Transformation Mentor

Paul Casey is a fitness coach, entrepreneur, and transformation mentor who has turned personal adversity into a mission of empowerment. After facing 27 years in prison and overcoming years of addiction, anger, and depression, Paul rebuilt his life from the inside out—proving that true paradise isn't a place you find, but something you build within. Today, as the founder of A Better You Fitness and a father to two young boys, Paul teaches others how to unlock their own potential through discipline, mindset, and self-belief. His journey is a testament to the power of choice, resilience, and the incredible human capacity for change. Through fitness, family, finance, and service, Paul lives his message: You are not your worst moment. You are who you choose to become next.

Rose Littlejohn

Educator (Business and Criminal Justice)

Rose received a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is currently an adjunct professor at both the College of the Florida Keys and Pace University, teaching undergrad and graduate courses in Business and Criminal Justice. She also has experience as a previous Managing Director for Workplace Solutions at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Director, Global Security, and Ethics Officer for American Standard Co.

Sharon Dennard

Author, Serial Entrepreneur, and Clinical Psychologist

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Dr. Sharon Dennard holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University. She has been a licensed psychologist in both Florida and Georgia since 1991. A serial entrepreneur, she has founded and led multiple ventures, including the Aakhet Center for Human Development, Amen-Ra’s Bookshop & Gallery, Amen-Ra’s Internet Café, Nefetari’s Fine Cuisine & Spirits, Sakkara Youth Institute Independent School, Shangri-La Treehouse, Outdoor Weddings & Events, and Math Power/Reading Power! Tutorials for grades 1-5. She has been happily married to Dr. Dana Dennard for 39 years and is the proud mother of four children. Her passions include traveling, reading, and winning at life!

Shola Ezeokoli

Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician, Bestselling Author, International Speaker, and CEO of Balance With Dr. Shola LLC

Dr. Shola Ezeokoli is a board-certified internal medicine physician, bestselling author, international speaker, professional coach, and CEO of Balance With Dr. Shola LLC. As a corporate wellness consultant and burnout prevention expert, she equips high-achieving professionals to break free from overcommitment and live with clarity, intention, and balance. A passionate advocate for personal transformation, Dr. Shola speaks at the intersection of leadership, emotional intelligence, and wellbeing—helping individuals unlock their full potential by embracing the power of strategic boundaries. Her work has inspired audiences across the globe through keynote talks, media appearances, and her published books on wellness and personal growth. Beyond the stage and the clinic, she is a devoted wife and mother who knows firsthand the challenges of juggling ambition with family life.

Victoria Nielsen

Author, Intuitive Healer, and 200-Hour Yoga and Breathwork Facilitator

Victoria Nielsen is a 2x boy mama, author, intuitive healer, and 200-hr yoga and breathwork facilitator. With a mission to help women discover the goddess within, she demystifies ancient spiritual practices, translating them into grounded, accessible tools for modern women seeking alignment, clarity, and purpose. Through sacred circles, 1:1 coaching, and energy work, she creates transformative spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to trust their intuition and forge their own path. Known for her authenticity, warmth, and “no-fluff” approach to spirituality, Victoria Nielsen believes there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to healing or happiness. Her upcoming TEDx talk, "Cultivating a Life You Don’t Want to Escape," is a call to turn inward, reclaim your truth, and embody a life of self-love, intentionality, and joy—from the inside out.