Moxie Meets Enhavim: Highlights from TEDxSanDiego 2024

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Moxie Meets Enhavim: Highlights from TEDxSanDiego 2024

From Dream to Enhavim—”purpose and mission led by vision”. TEDxSanDiego’s vision to share transformative ideas inspired over 500 submissions in 2024, with some applicants returning year after year. Their persistence and dedication to refining their talks underscore the essence of Enhavim—a creative framework that turns dreams into reality. These speakers had a dream to give a TED Talk and share their story and vision with the San Diego Community and through the TEDx YouTube Channel, the world!

Crafting a TEDx Talk, even within the constraint of 18 minutes, requires an immense amount of effort. As Winston Churchill is often quoted, “If you want me to speak for two minutes, it will take me three weeks of preparation. If you want me to speak for thirty minutes, it will take me a week to prepare. If you want me to speak for an hour, I am ready now.” This highlights the rigorous preparation behind each talk, reflecting the commitment and passion of the speakers.

MOXIE is the theme of the TEDxSanDiego Women event featuring 10 visionary women plus vibrant performances all from the San Diego community. An evening of impactful, short talks of powerful ideas and performances designed to uplift and inspire.

This year’s TEDxSanDiego event was a celebration of creativity and perseverance. Each talk, meticulously prepared, was showed each speakers’ dedication to their craft and their belief in the power of ideas to inspire change. The event not only showcased their individual journeys but also exemplified the collective spirit of innovation and vision that defines TEDxSanDiego. As we reflect on the highlights, we see a mosaic of brilliance and tenacity that continues to drive the conversation forward, making a profound impact on our community and beyond.

The event, a non-profit endeavor, was made possible by the support of dedicated sponsors who helped bring our talks to life. Special thanks go to our visionary sponsor Wendy Gillespie and Project Welcome Home Ukraine, as well as Natalie and Barry Moores, along with many other Harmony and Elevate sponsors. Their generosity and commitment play a crucial role in making TEDxSanDiego a transformative experience for all.

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Wendy Gillespie, Sherrie Rose

About TED

Catalyst for Ideas That Change the World
TED is a nonprofit dedicated to the idea that “Ideas Are Everything.” Launched in 1984 as a conference on Technology, Entertainment, and Design, TED now spans a wide range of topics, driven by a mission to spread transformative ideas. TED hosts two annual conferences where leading thinkers and doers speak for up to 18 minutes. Talks are available for free on TED.com, which also features daily updates, the Open Translation Project for global accessibility, and TED-Ed for educational content. TED initiatives include the TED Prize for world-changing ideas, the TED Fellows program supporting global innovators, and TEDx, a platform for local, independently organized events.

About TEDx

Locally Organized Events, Global Impact
TEDx is a grassroots initiative that embodies TED’s spirit of “ideas worth spreading” at the local level. At TEDx events, communities come together to share TED Talks and live speakers to spark meaningful discussions and connections. While TED provides general guidance, each TEDx event is independently organized, allowing for unique expressions of the TED ethos worldwide.

About TEDxSanDiego

A Decade of Inspiring Change

Founded in 2010 as one of the first TEDx events, TEDxSanDiego serves as a platform for spreading transformative ideas within our community. With over 240 speakers and performers to date, and 7.3 million video views, TEDxSanDiego has been a hub for diverse voices and thought leaders who share their insights on critical issues. The 15th TEDxSanDiego event, themed “Moxie,” will be held at the David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre on August 28, 2024, celebrating the spirit of innovation and the unique qualities that make San Diego extraordinary.

Tap, click each image to get the details on Sherrie Rose’s Linkedin

MOXIE: TEDxSanDiego Women 2024

Celebrating San Diego’s Spirit of Innovation
The 2024 TEDxSanDiego Women event, themed “Moxie,” highlights the power of diverse voices coming together to celebrate San Diego’s distinctiveness. Now in our 15th year, TEDxSanDiego continues to be a catalyst for impactful ideas and meaningful connections. Each year, we aim to create a transformative experience that inspires learning, fosters community, and reminds us all of our potential to make a difference.

Message from Audrey Jacobs, Chief Connector & Curator

Thank you for being here! I’m incredibly proud of our community, presenters, and our fantastic team who will make tonight’s TEDxSanDiego a memorable event. As I step into my second year as organizer, I’m thrilled to spotlight local talent with 10 speakers and 2 performing artists, all representing San Diego’s diversity of ideas, talents, and causes that are driving positive change.

A heartfelt thank you to my co-organizers, Olivia Peachey and Jami Lah, and our amazing volunteers for being a part of this powerful experience that uplifts our community and the world.

Warmly,
Audrey Jacobs

Katy Temple, Emcee

With over 25 years as an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, Katy Temple brings her expertise in empowering executives, founders, and professional athletes to excel both on camera and in person. She founded Think Temple, LLC to help high-profile leaders master their presence with confidence, authenticity, and impact.

Katy’s acclaimed “Mastering the Lens Workshop” in San Diego offers tailored strategies for ambitious women to amplify their influence and presence. A former TEDx Coach, Katy is honored to be part of this year’s event, continuing her mission to empower individuals to shine on stage and beyond.

LinkedIn: Katy Temple
Website: katytemplemediacoaching.com

Holly Smithson

Talk: “Uncaging the Confidence Within”

As CEO of Athena, Holly Smithson champions the development of female leaders and male allies in global STEM companies, advocating for gender equality. She has successfully led the launch, merger, and turnaround of three companies in cleantech, biotech, and STEM sectors in California. Holly’s experience includes serving as a “Presidential Appointee” in President Bush’s Administration at the U.S. EPA and State Department and working as a federal lobbyist. She began her career as a News Director and Anchor in broadcast journalism.

A Harvard Business School Executive Leadership Program graduate, Holly holds a BS in Broadcast Communications from East Carolina University. Her accolades include induction into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023, recognition as one of the Top 500 Most Influential Leaders, CEO of the Year, and Businesswoman of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal. In 2013, she was a delegate in California Governor Brown’s Cleantech Trade Mission to China.

Sheryl Anjanette

Talk: “Empathy at Scale: The Future of Emotionally Intelligent AI”

Sheryl Anjanette is the Founder and CEO of Parsley360, an AI-enabled, human-centered performance optimization platform offering universal access to an emotionally intelligent pocket coach. Parsley360 helps businesses connect the dots and understand the unique nuances of their organizations and stakeholders.

With over 30 years of experience in leadership, marketing, and performance optimization, Sheryl sought to create a holistic solution benefiting all organizations. She holds advanced certifications in strategy, performance technology, cognitive behavioral neuroscience, and emotional regulation. As the best-selling author of The Imposter Lies Within, she provides a roadmap for living an imposter-free life by translating complex ideas into practical strategies.

Website: Parsley360

Melissa Villagomez

Talk: “Breaking the Cycle of Foster Care Through Caring Communities”

Melissa Villagomez is a passionate advocate for foster youth, drawing from her own experience in the foster care system. She is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting current and former foster youth to break the cycle of foster care.

Melissa is the Development and Special Events Manager at Walden Family Services, a nationally recognized agency for foster care, adoption, and youth services. She has collaborated with numerous community organizations to develop programs that create opportunities for those impacted by the foster care system. Melissa firmly believes in a future beyond foster care, driven by community members eager to help.

LinkedIn: Melissa Villagomez

Julie Roland

Talk: “The Power of the Arts to Build Community”

Lieutenant Julie Roland is a helicopter aircraft commander with global deployments as an MH-60R helicopter pilot. She is an active member of several organizations, including the San Diego Leadership Alliance, League of Women Voters, Women’s Foundation, Truman National Security Project, and more. Julie is currently attending the University of San Diego School of Law, where she serves as Vice President of the Public Interest Law Foundation.

In her free time, Julie founded Just Tryna Make Friends, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on promoting the arts and building community through a monthly variety show. This show has been a finalist for San Diego Reader Magazine’s Best Neighborhood Event for three consecutive years (2021-2023). Julie herself was named a finalist for Business Women of the Year in the nonprofit category by the San Diego Business Journal in 2022 and 2023.

Instagram: @jyrola
LinkedIn: Julie Roland

Stacey Lauren

Talk: “Redefining Support: The Revolutionary Impact of ‘My People’ Networks”

Stacey Lauren is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Do The Thing, a movement dedicated to revolutionizing community building. After co-founding and selling a leading staffing firm in 2022, Stacey committed herself to empowering individuals to embrace life, find their voices, and pursue their dreams.

Do The Thing isn’t just a slogan; it’s a transformative framework that brings people together around shared goals, fostering both personal and societal growth. Stacey’s innovative approach addresses the widespread sense of disconnection in society by creating engaged communities that encourage action and meaningful relationships. Her work is recognized as a model for future community-building efforts, inspiring a world where collective action drives profound change.

LinkedIn: Stacey Lauren

Stacey Lauren

Dr. Silvia Mah

Talk: “More Than Money: The Responsible Mindset of Startup Investors”

Dr. Silvia Mah, a faith-driven leader focused on “Impact with Integrity,” is the Founder & Chairwoman of the Stella Foundation, a global network supporting women-led businesses from startup to exit, and empowering the investors who back them. As Director of Innovation at Biola University, she brings a values-driven approach to business and investment.

Since 2010, Dr. Mah has invested in over 160 seed-stage startups led by women or BIPOC founders, spanning sectors from medical devices to consumer goods. As the first Fund Manager for SDAC Fund I, she invested in 13 emerging fund managers, resulting in six exits and one IPO. Dr. Mah’s work extends to her podcast, She Invests!, and her book, The Startup Investor Mindset. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she integrates family and work to create a balanced life grounded in integrity.

Instagram: @sheinvests100
LinkedIn: Dr. Silvia Mah

Sheila Gujrathi

Talk: “Focus on the Mirror, Not the Glass Ceiling”

Dr. Sheila Gujrathi is a biotech entrepreneur, healthcare investor, and seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. As a founder and leader of multiple biotech companies, she has driven the development and approval of transformative drugs for immunology and oncology patients. Today, Dr. Gujrathi serves as a chairwoman, board director, strategic advisor, and consultant to numerous start-ups and investment funds.

Recognized for her contributions to biotech, she has received multiple leadership awards, including the Corporate Directors Forum Director of the Year, Healthcare Technology Report Top 25 Women Leaders in Biotechnology, and the Athena Pinnacle Award. As co-founder of the Biotech CEO Sisterhood, Dr. Gujrathi is dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace for women and minorities. She was also honored as the 2024 commencement speaker for Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering.

LinkedIn: Sheila Gujrathi

Jaye Connolly

Talk: “Why Carbon Credits Are Crap”

Jaye Connolly is the Chairman and CEO of RippleNami, Inc., a tech company pioneering the integration of AI, blockchain, and data visualization to provide transparency and traceability in Africa’s unconnected communities. Connolly’s leadership is driven by a vision to empower women and children globally, believing it will create a better world. She brings over 40 years of leadership experience across finance, technology, and healthcare, having led six publicly traded companies and facilitated 18 acquisitions that increased revenues by $2 billion.

A resilient single mother, Connolly is especially proud of her daughter, a litigation partner who advocates for the voiceless. Beyond RippleNami, she chairs three for-profit and two non-profit organizations focused on climate action and women’s empowerment. Connolly’s global travels have exposed her to diverse challenges, further fueling her commitment to driving meaningful change.

Website: RippleNami
LinkedIn: Jaye Connolly

Sarah Hassaine

Talk: “Perceptions vs. Reality: Reality Talk from a D&I Leader”

Sarah Hassaine is the Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity at ResMed, a digital sleep health company, where she drives initiatives to foster an inclusive and equitable work environment. With a decade of experience in diversity and inclusion, Sarah began her journey at Amazon, focusing on recruiting and retaining women in Applied Sciences, and later joined Qualcomm to expand their affinity groups, lead conference engagements, and design training and inclusion-building solutions.

Her career began as a government contractor with Deloitte and then in international development, where she supported democracy-building projects across the Middle East and North Africa. As a San Diego native, Sarah is deeply invested in her community, serving on four organizational boards that advocate for equity, access, and economic inclusion. She also volunteers with organizations focused on interfaith dialogue, refugee assimilation, orphan support, and health initiatives.

LinkedIn: Sarah Hassaine

Jasmine LeFlore

Talk: “The Unresume: The Hidden Talents Gained Through Life”

Jasmine LeFlore, MSE, MBA, is the co-founder and Executive Director of Greater Than Tech, a San Diego-based non-profit that empowers young girls and underserved students through STEM and business education programs. With a BSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, an MSE in Interdisciplinary Engineering from Purdue University, and an MBA from Indiana University, Jasmine is also the Advanced Technology Solutions Lead at Collins Aerospace.

An advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jasmine serves as Vice Chair of the African American Enterprise Board at Collins Aerospace, where she champions change. She has received numerous accolades, including San Diego Magazine’s 2022 Woman Builder of the Year, San Diego Business Journal’s Top 50 Influential Women in Technology, San Diego County’s Engineering Council 2022 Outstanding Engineering Service Award, the 2021 Black Engineer of the Year Science Spectrum Award, and the 2020 Women of Color STEM Community Service in Industry Award.

Website: https://greaterthantech.org/

Moth Milk

Music Performance: “G.O.T.W.”

Moth Milk, a musical duo created by Liza Divil and Samuel Pierce in 2022, blends R&B, folk, and jazz genres to create lyrically affirmation-based music. Friends and collaborators for years, Liza and Sam formed Moth Milk out of a shared love for creating music that is both fun and meaningful. Their songs are rooted in quirky moments and daily mantras, leading to catchy phrases that evolve into songs of empowerment and self-reflection. The dynamic duo thrives on creating a space where listeners feel uplifted by their music’s catchy lyrics and engaging riffs. At TEDxSanDiego, they will perform their original song “G.O.T.W.”

Instagram: @mothmilkmusic, @sam_triston

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Moth Milk

San Diego Salimpour Collective

Dance Performance: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Belly Dance

The San Diego Salimpour Collective is part of a global network of passionate and certified Salimpour dancers who embody the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation in belly dance. Rooted in the Salimpour School of Dance, founded by the legendary Jamila Salimpour and carried forward by her daughter Suhaila Salimpour, the collective represents a legacy of excellence and creativity in belly dance education.

Comprising talented dancers trained in the Salimpour methodology, the ensemble showcases intricate choreographies and expressive movements that celebrate the cultural richness of belly dance. As ambassadors of the Salimpour legacy, they push the boundaries of this ancient art form while honoring its traditions. With each performance, the San Diego Salimpour Collective invites audiences on a transformative journey that celebrates the beauty, power, and cultural significance of belly dance.

Website: suhaila.com

2024 TEDxSanDiego Team

TEDxSanDiego is driven by a passionate all-volunteer team dedicated to creating a transformative experience that inspires learning, fosters community, and empowers individuals to make a difference. Each year, the team’s commitment and effort make this event possible. Here are the incredible volunteers who bring TEDxSanDiego to life:

Administration

Audrey Jacobs – Organizer
Olivia Peachey – Co-Organizer
Sherrie Rose – Operations Director
Marian Rak – Bookkeeper
Vanessa Bourgeois – Volunteer Director
Dan Schreiber – CPA, JGD & Associates

Content

Jami Lah – Content Director
Allison Wonders – Head Speaker Coach
Jennifer Dean – Speaker Coach

Production

Jami Lah – Executive Producer
Niko Podimatis – Tech Manager
Spencer Tillim – Production Team
Edday Mata – Production Team
Sandi Masori – Speaker Screener, Stage Manager
Ryan Horn – Team Photographer

Marketing Communications

Jose Alonso – Creative & Branding Director, A&Co
Katharine Kasinak – Social Media Manager
Dianne Peng – Social Media Team
Amy Pfleger – Social Media Team

Together, this talented team combines their expertise, passion, and dedication to create a platform that brings diverse ideas and voices to the forefront. TEDxSanDiego is more than an event; it’s a community effort that sparks meaningful conversations, inspires action, and connects people who are committed to making a positive impact in the world.

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