Are you ready for the Evolution?!
Akron is an exciting city known for its historic and worldly impact on industry, business, and entrepreneurship. From marbles to rubber, manufacturing to biomedical research and technology, Akron is an industrious community that’s always on the move, driven by its beloved business leaders and adventurous entrepreneurs.
The 2024 TEDxAkron re-launch featured 9 amazing, diverse Akron entrepreneurs and community leaders who brought their whole selves to the TEDx stage to talk beyond their brands and instead about their big ideas and personal philosophies to excite the community with their world-changing visions and viewpoints. It was an amazing event for everyone involved at the Knight Stage at the Akron Civic Theater.
The 2024 Salon event was an opportunity to bring members of the Akron community together to discuss big ideas and philosophies that will inspire and impact the greater Akron community and maybe even the wider world. Originally founded and organized in 2011, TEDxAkron was created to reflect our community’s rich diversity and curiosity. After taking a long break due to the pandemic, TEDxAkron is officially back with new leadership, and a new attitude but the same inclusive passion for showcasing Akron’s diverse voice and spirit.
Meet your 2024 TEDxAkron Speakers:
Isaac Baez
A leader, foodie, DEI champion focused on supporting marginalized and at-risk communities, and decade-long Akronite, Isaac took the stage to share his thoughts on “The Crash of Intersectionality” to talk about what it means to occupy more than one space as a person and how seeking bravery leads to belonging.
Elyse Ball
A passionate supporter and strategic leader for the Akron entrepreneurial ecosystem, Elyse took the stage to share her thoughts about “Why More Entrepreneurs Should Explore Journalism” to talk about the often unrecognized intersections between starting a business and telling an important story.
Ace Epps
A well-known and passionate community builder, business counselor, radio host, and beloved man around town, Ace took the stage to share his thoughts on “How to Coach Your Inner Child” to talk about how accepting your past and what it looked and felt like growing up, are part of the building blocks to continue to empower yourself to create a future filled with possibility.
Kamelia Fisher
A bold community leader, problem-solver, and collaborative convener who is always making room for others to shine their brightest and live a better life, Kamelia took the stage to share her TEDx Talk “Change is just Evolution” to talk about how change is not a four letter word that should make you afraid, but something natural, normal, and a part of what makes us even better tomorrow.
Kenny Lambert
With a deep passion for transforming this city and those looking for inspiration, encouragement—and looking good while doing it—Kenny took the stage to share “Change is Possible, No Matter How Far Gone You Feel” to explore what it means to step up and become a positive influence for others no matter how far away you feel or where you come from.
Jaron M. LeGrair
Akron native, singer, teacher, professor, researcher, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur by trade, Jaron took the stage to share “Your Voice is Your Story” to explore how one’s voice is not just a tool for communication, but a powerful instrument that carries your stories, emotions, and identities.
Dr. Ceaira Mitchell
A passionate professional, entrepreneur, community leader, and Akron native with strong family roots, Dr. Ceaira took the stage to share “mAy I Have Your Attention, Please?” a progressive and thought-provoking discussion about how AI can be harnessed as a powerful part of a treatment model for people struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Rachel Whinnery
A dreamer, Beyoncé stan, nature enthusiast, and one of Akron’s most inclusive and collaborative storytellers, Rachel took the stage to share “Why the Best Community Leaders are Introverts” to talk about the often understated and untapped power of an inner-life vs. outer-world perspective on community influence.
Asha “AZ” Zayn
An inspirational and excitable educator, community leader, parent, and dedicated BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and youth advocate, Asha took the stage to share “Structure Meets Function” to talk frankly about how any hopeful path to personal success requires a certain amount of both architecture and movement, working in harmony together.
