Theme: TENX

We are excited to announce that our 2025 Mainstage theme is TENx! This theme is not only about our tenth mainstage event in person, but just as the mathematical symbol “x” represents multiplication, our theme also celebrates the ideas that accelerate innovation at 10x speed; the ones that ignite the imagination and pushes the boundaries ten times beyond of what’s possible; the ideas that create a 10-fold impact that stand the test of time. This powerful theme captures the essence of what TEDx stands for: ideas worth sharing, that don’t just inform but also inspire action, drive progress and transform lives.

Early bird tickets for the event are on sale! Students can get a free ticket using the code “bearcat” and their UC email. We can’t wait to see you at the event!

Tanegeman University Center
2600 Clifton Ave.
4th Floor
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45221
United States

Aaron Yeager

Aaron Yeager is a creative, curious, and deeply caring person. Based in Akron, Ohio, he's an entrepreneur, with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University. In his spare time, he serves as the Secretary of Stow Collaboration for Change, a social justice organization he co-founded in his hometown, and volunteers for several other local nonprofits. In 2018, while living in New York, he founded a nonprofit that offered an empathetic approach to financial counseling, helping clients with the emotional side of money, in addition to the practical. The following year, he led a rent strike against his negligent landlord, in Harlem. Living in New York was the one thing he wanted more than anything, so he's thankful to have had the opportunity. Aaron's hobbies include making his home smarter; walking, hiking, and working out; singing; reading; playing videogames; and discovering new food, parks, and movies.

Chara Fisher Jackson

Chara Fisher Jackson is an integral part of the Cincinnati community. Since she moved to Cincinnati from Atlanta, she has served as executive director and interim President & CEO of a mid-size nonprofit to her current role as Executive Director & CEO of Cincinnati Preschool Promise, managing multimillion-dollar budgets in each organization. Her legal skills, strategic thinking, advocacy, and advances in civil rights and equity are a reflection of her deeply personal mission to improve her community and innovate early childhood education. Over 240 Providers and 12,000 children have benefitted from the work of Cincinnati Preschool Promise under her tutelage with the support of ten skilled professional staff members. Chara fully understands the pitfalls facing undereducated youth. From her work in Atlanta, she has vast experience as a lobbyist and litigator of complex civil rights issues. She has led advocacy campaigns and litigation on voting rights, the school to prison pipeline, and religious freedom issues. She embraces the vision of the Cincinnati Preschool Promise and knows the importance of engaging children early in their educational journey to prepare them to successfully navigate issues which may confront them later in life. Since 2019, she has led Cincinnati Preschool Promise's mission: "to ensure equitable access to high-quality preschool so that every Cincinnati child is prepared for kindergarten.” Chara's goal is to make sure every child has a chance to thrive by supporting the early childhood education ecosystem. Her interests and influence take her beyond traditional boundaries, empowering her to influence and encourage broader involvement in supporting the youngest learners in Cincinnati, a role she takes on with great enthusiasm and determination. She currently serves on the board of 5 community-based non-profit organizations and is an active member of SGI-USA, a global community-based network that practices the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. In 2024, she was recognized by the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati as a Career Woman of Achievement.

Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer

Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer isn't just your Dr. USA 2023 pageant queen, she's a powerhouse of passion and purpose. Alongside her amazing husband and their trio of lively boys, she embodies the essence of the American dream. It's a legacy she inherited from her parents who, despite escaping war-torn Vietnam with barely anything, clung to hope to aspire to live the American dream. They found kindness in volunteers who housed them and drove them to interviews, so that they could succeed in life. Inspired by their journey, Dr. Bekah started a volunteer organization in 2018, "Strong Women Helping Others" to pay that kindness forward. Dr. Bekah strives for excellence in all that she does from earning a full academic scholarship at The Ohio State University, then skipped a year of undergrad and received early admissions into Dental school which is a difficult feat, to clinching the 2024 Top Dentist Award and twice becoming the International Speech Champion, Dr. Bekah's credentials shine brightly. She also has received two gold medals for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for all her volunteer work to help the marginalized. She is a public speaker, triathlete and social media influencer. Yet, amid these accolades, her true fulfillment comes from extending a hand to those in need. It's not just about the titles; it's about making a tangible difference in her community.

Dr. David Anderson

Founder and President of Gracism Global, Dr. David Anderson, is one of the world’s leading authorities on building bridges across the deep divides of culture, wealth, faith and race. His global work has brought hope and healing to communities and families in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, including work in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland, during civil unrest around issues of race and police brutality. Dr. Anderson seeks to build a bridge through relevant and intelligent conversation wherever there is a divide. His insight, vision, and passion have made him a widely sought speaker, writer, and consultant for major national and international events, organizations, and policy initiatives. He has appeared on ABC, CNN, FOX, BET, TBN, and C-SPAN television networks and has been interviewed on over 2,000 radio stations worldwide. Dr. Anderson is the bridge-building voice in the nation’s capital as host of the daily radio talk show “RealTalk with Dr. David Anderson” on WAVA (105.1 FM) – the most listened to Christian talk station on the east coast and the 2nd most listened to station in the nation. Dr. Anderson also hosted “Real Talk with Dr. David Anderson” for four seasons on ABC2 in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Anderson earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in 2001 from Oxford Graduate School’s American Centre for Religion and Society Studies in the US while studying and defending his essays at Oxford University in England. Dr. Anderson was awarded the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) in 2021 from Omega Graduate School. He currently serves as the Chancellor of Omega Graduate School, formerly Oxford Graduate School. As the founder and senior pastor of Bridgeway Community Church, Dr. Anderson reaches a dynamic, multicultural congregation of over 5,000 weekly attendees on three campuses from more than 60 different nations. These services are viewed online in over 100 countries. In-person campuses are in Columbia, Maryland, and Owings Mills, Maryland. Dr. Anderson is the author of several books on race and diversity, including “Letters Across the Divide” (Baker, 2001) and “Multicultural Ministry” (Zondervan, 2004), the award-winning “Gracism: The Art of Inclusion” (IVP, 2007), and “I Forgrace You: Doing Good to Those Who Have Hurt You” (IVP, 2011). 2010 Dr. Anderson edited and co-authored the acclaimed Multicultural Ministry Handbook” Creatively Connecting to a Diverse World” (IVP, 2010). Additionally, Dr. Anderson has written “How to Think Like a Gracist” (2018), “Be Encouraged – How to Encourage Yourself and Others in Discouraging Times” (2022), and the premiere revised and expanded edition of Gracism – The Art of Inclusion” (IVP, 2023). All of Dr. Anderson’s resources are available at AndersonSpeaks.com. You can learn more about Dr. Anderson and his work at AndersonSpeaks.com. Dr. Anderson and his family reside in the Washington, DC, area.

Dr. Kelly Cohen

Professor Kelly Cohen is a globally recognized expert in Responsible AI and Fuzzy Systems, with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of innovation in ethical and intelligent technologies. As the president of the North American Fuzzy Information Processing Society (NAFIPS) and an endowed chair in aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati, he leads groundbreaking research and education efforts to ensure AI serves humanity responsibly. Heading the AI Bio Lab, Professor Cohen explores transformative AI applications across industries while advocating for transparency and trust in technology. His work bridges complex theoretical foundations with real-world solutions, inspiring audiences to envision a future where AI empowers society ethically and inclusively.

Dr. Patrice Borders

Patrice Borders, J.D. is passionate about her purpose of transforming organizations through mindful, emotionally intelligent leadership. As an attorney, author, and workplace consultant, she empowers leaders with tools rooted in modern neuroscience to navigate stress, uncertainty, and conflict—while intentionally fostering well-being both personally and professionally. For over 20 years, her company AmplifyEI has helped organizations develop authentic, emotionally intelligent leaders. Through executive coaching and tailored learning experiences, Patrice brings out the best in individuals and teams. Known as The EI Amplifier™, she equips leaders to make inner changes that create profound outward impact, shaping a culture of belonging and engagement. Patrice has worked with global clients such as Danaher, Kroger, Dropbox, and Disney, consistently delivering transformational coaching and training. She codified her approach in the 7 Keys to Emotional Intelligence™ Model, a comprehensive roadmap for growth in self-awareness that drives stronger results, deeper insight, and heightened empathy. One client described her as “the perfect blend of IQ, EQ, facilitator, and wizard.” In her personal life, Patrice finds joy in mindful walks with her husband and fur baby, and she loves catching up with her two adult daughters as they navigate the world.

Dr. Whitney Gaskins

A mentor, adviser, and community activist, Dr. Whitney Gaskins has dedicated her life to inspiring others and advancing philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Gaskins serves as the Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement in the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, where she is the only African-American female currently teaching on the faculty. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, a Master of Business Administration in Quantitative Analysis, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering/Engineering Education. In her role as Associate Dean, Dr. Gaskins has transformed the summer bridge program to enhance student support and retention and has cultivated partnerships with local school districts to strengthen the high school-to-college pathway. In 2009, Dr. Gaskins founded The Gaskins Foundation, a non-profit organization that launched STEMulates, a year-round, free-of-charge K-12 program designed to introduce students to math and science. STEMulates currently operates in five cities. In recognition of her work, she was named the 2017 K-12 Champion by the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA) and received the 2021 Cincinnati Lifts Inclusion and Minority Business Award. Dr. Gaskins has been actively involved in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) since 2003. With over 30,000 members, the organization strives to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact their communities. In 2013, Dr. Gaskins served as the Annual Convention Planning Chairperson, orchestrating the second-largest Annual Convention in NSBE history, with over 9,200 attendees, and raising more than $3,000,000 to support programmatic efforts. She continues to serve as an advisor to NSBE and was honored with the 2015 Janice A. Lumpkin Educator of the Year Golden Torch Award. Additional accolades include being recognized as a 2019 Greater Cincinnati Black History Maker, receiving the Dr. Terry Kershaw Faculty Excellence Award, and earning the 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Cincinnati for her innovative honors course, Sticky Innovation. Dr. Gaskins was named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2019 and received the 2021 Career Woman of Achievement Award. In 2022, she was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, a Leader in Engineering Education by the Women Engineering Proactive Network, and a Woman Who Means Business by the Cincinnati Business Courier. In 2023, she received the Engineering Change Award from the Peer Group and an Educational Leadership Award at the Women of Color in STEM Conference. Her 2024 recognitions include being named Woman of the Year by the University of Cincinnati’s Women’s Center, a Changemaker by the Cincinnati Herald, and a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. The Gaskins Foundation and its collaboration with General Electric for the GE Next Engineers program also received National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Awards. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Gaskins has served as President of both her undergraduate chapter (Omicron) and the Sigma Omega graduate chapter. Her leadership earned her the Outstanding President Award twice, and her chapter received numerous accolades under her guidance. She is also a member of The Links, Incorporated and an international Scott-Hawkins Leadership Fellow. Dr. Gaskins currently serves as the National President of NAMEPA, Inc.

Grace James

Routinely entering the U.S. after visiting relatives abroad, Grace James was arrested on July 29, 2016, by American immigration authorities and imprisoned for over a year while waiting for her asylum hearing in the country of her dreams. A native of the small Pacific Island Nation of Kiribati, Grace adopted the Christian faith during high school, and devoted herself to missionary work after two years of university study in Fiji. Faith and self-determination guided her through so many things, including an abusive marriage, which ultimately led her to seek asylum in the United States. Facing isolation, fear, and uncertainty in detainment, she discovered purpose through dedication to fellow asylum seekers wanting to learn English and win their cases. A daily journal, the basis for this memoir, was her constant companion. A riveting personal account of the asylum seeker experience reveals the interwoven humanity found throughout each entry. An immigrant experience so universally misunderstood, The Longest Wait is a story all need to hear. Set free, her dedication to fellow detainees, inspired the Dearyous initiative, a letter writing project for confined asylum seekers. Her story was featured in the Pacific Women’s Network, and currently she heads Thrive, an international women’s group promoting healthy living, and gratitude.

Grant Kilgard

Grant Kilgard is a multidisciplinary designer and creative strategist currently studying Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. With a unique blend of experiences across mass-manufactured packaging at Procter & Gamble, agile product development at HUGE Design in San Francisco, and human-centered immersive experiences at Factory360 in New York City, Grant has built a career around the power of cross-disciplinary thinking. He’s a member of UC’s Next Innovation Scholars (NIS) program, a Creative Director for Section 001’s public furniture studio, and has led digital design efforts for a fashion startup in NYC. Passionate about bridging the gap between art and design, Grant champions the idea of the “generalist mindset,” believing that curiosity and adaptability are key to driving meaningful innovation. Whether he’s working on community projects, developing new product concepts, or exploring the intersections of design and technology, Grant’s focus is on creating impactful, human-centered solutions that resonate across diverse industries.

Tara Osborne

Tara Osborne is driven by a deep passion for wellness, movement, and bringing people together. Her journey is rooted in the belief that wellness is not just a personal endeavor but a powerful experience shared with others. With an extensive background in fitness and wellness, Tara focuses on creating spaces where women feel empowered to connect, grow, and thrive both physically and mentally. As a natural connector, Tara is continually inspired by the incredible women she meets in Cincinnati. Through Cincy Girls Who, she has built a vibrant community that encourages women to forge genuine friendships, explore new interests, and support one another’s journeys. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a wellness workshop, or a community event, Tara believes that every shared moment contributes to building a stronger, healthier community.

UC Vocaholics

The UC Vocaholics is a high-energy a cappella group at the University of Cincinnati, uniting students from all fields with a shared passion for music. Established in 2014, the group is known for bold performances, dynamic harmonies, and creative musical storytelling. Over the years they have been awarded Outstanding Arrangement, Outstanding Soloist, Outstanding Vocal Percussion, and Outstanding Choreography. Most recently, they placed first at the Midwest ICCA quarterfinals and 4th place in the Midwest overall! They hope you enjoy their performance!