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).

Washington Pavilion
301 S Main Ave
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104
United States

Abiah George

Law Student

Abiah George was born in Kerala, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was 9 years old alongside her mom and sister. After graduating from Central High School in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Abiah is now a higher ed student at Northern State University pursuing a psychology major with a Pre-Law track. Recently admitted to law school, Abiah has ambitions to specialize in immigration law and work alongside state and federal legislators to create the long overdue reformation of immigration laws in our country.

Andrea Powell

Assistant Professor and Collegiate Program Director

Dr. Andrea Cota Powell spent 10+ years in the sports performance arena coaching athletes of all ages and levels before taking the leap into academia. Her research has focused on how athletes adapt to retirement from sports, with the goal of using research-based methods to coach athletes through the retirement process.

Hannah Boquet

Marketing Manager

Dipping just a toe in has never been Hannah’s life strategy, so it came as no surprise when she started her career in marketing over 15 years ago it was with a deep dive into entrepreneurship. Now, as the Marketing Manager at a tech communications company, Hannah harnesses her passion for learning and connection in a multitude of ways including as an organizer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota's first free, all ages, community-wide esports competition, SoDak Circuit. This adventure all began with the insistence of her kids to play Fortnite with them. As it turns out, she loves to connect with her kids in the wild and wonderful world of esports. Beyond playing video games with her three incredible sons, Ivan, Boden and Oslo, you can find Hannah cycling, rock climbing, baking and foraging.

Jon Carda

Retired Detective

Jon Carda served as a police officer for 31 years, including 11 years as a Detective in the Crimes Against Persons Unit, where he investigated cases of homicide, suicide, assault, and abuse. Jon has over 240 hours of specialized training in interview and interrogation techniques, he also completed advanced coursework in homicide investigation, statement analysis, and child forensic interviewing. As a lead detective on 22 homicides, Jon conducted more than 30 homicide suspectinterrogations and interviewed hundreds of individuals involved in child abuse cases. His expertise extends beyond investigation. Throughout his career, Jon ensured that every interview and interrogation he conducted stood up in court. His dedication to uncovering the truth through listening and analysis remains the foundation of his work.

Kade Wells

Teacher

Kade Wells has been using D&D, game-theory, and product-based, experiential learning in the classroom for twelve years. He plays D&D with his students on Friday’s, and they have grown above the normal measure as a result. His hope is to help people understand the great power that D&D has in educational settings.

Lisa Groon

Healthcare Strategist

Lisa Groon is a healthcare strategist and caregiver advocate with over twenty years of experience in patient-centered care. Inspired by her role caring for a mother with Alzheimer’s, she reframes dignity as an act of compassion and presence. Her Dignity Paradox framework challenges conventional approaches to Alzheimer’s, empowering caregivers to preserve dignity through presence. She also brings these lessons to life through keynotes and workshops, guiding audiences to deepen connection and restore dignity in the face of memory loss.

Melissa Dittberner

Professor, Non-Profit Executive Director, and Recovery Advocate

Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is an award-winning lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. Melissa has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies, and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is an advocacy speaker, prevention specialist, and peer specialist. She is the CEO of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer specialists. Dr. Mo is the Executive Director of Midwest Street Medicine. She is a co-author of The Alcohol Reset. She conducts research in the areas of college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos as healing, and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery, and her mission is to empower individuals to learn and navigate their paths to recovery and well-being.

Nick Wendell

Technical Education Executive Director, Deputy Mayor, City Counselor

Nick is a dad, a college administrator, and a city councilor living in Brookings, South Dakota. He’s also a two-time cancer survivor.