Inspiration and innovation: TEDx Savannah returns to showcase city's cutting-edge thinkers

Did you know: In 1984, The first TED Talk featured compact disc technology, the e-book, state-of-the-art 3D graphics from Lucasfilm and Benoit Mandelbrot’s enchanting fractal mathematics describing the geometry of coastlines? The event was the first of its kind to unite technology, entertainment and design. And since then, TED Talks have become synonymous with innovation and cutting edge thinkers.

At the local level, communities have innovators, too. Launched in 2006, TEDx similarly empowers people globally by highlighting local movers, shakers and trendsetters.

On May 25, Savannah celebrates her 12th year contributing to the TEDx body of international knowledge. Fifteen Coastal Georgia innovators come together in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University to share an afternoon of inspiration centered on the theme of connection.

Afterwards, ticketholders are welcome to join an evening of revelry at the Armstrong Center with live music and food trucks.

Previous TEDx Savannah events: Savannah's got talent! Annual TEDx Savannah displays wealth of knowledge flowing in Hostess City

Who is delivering TEDx Talks?

Being selected for a TEDx talk is a multi-part process. After the local committee selects an event date and location, they announce a theme and put out a call for presenters. The initial application is about 10 questions requiring responses a couple sentences each. This year 115 people answered the call.

Marc Frischer, an oceanographer at University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SKIO), successfully went through the process. After his application was accepted, he joined a shortlist of 25 hopefuls who went on to participate in a series of coaching workshops. Then, they were invited to give a three-minute pitch in front of a panel of prior speakers and current TEDx members.

From that round, the final 15 were selected to speak on this year’s theme ― connection ― in presentations of 12 minutes or less.

“We can’t share exactly what we’re going to say before the event,” said Fischer. “But at this stage we’ve all been part of mandatory meetings and more coaching to deliver our message without scripts or teleprompting. Everything in TEDx is memorized. Communications experts have helped us with vocal dynamics and diction. We’ve received lots of support through every step.”

Since 1996, Frischer has been leading research in marine microbiology at SKIO. His specialty is microbes and how they function within systems of marine ecology and contribute to the Earth’s carbon cycle.

“I’m an oceanographer, and likely, my talk has something to do with nature and connection,” hinted Frischer. “Microscopic algae in the ocean account for half the oxygen produced on the planet, every second breath you take comes from an ocean microbe. We can’t get along without them, but they do just fine without us.”

Since 2010, Frischer has been studying the Arctic’s warming permafrost and the consequences of ocean microbes metabolizing that organic matter into carbon dioxide and methane — both greenhouse gasses — and releasing them into the atmosphere. The team’s findings continue to contribute directly to science that better understands the steps needed in slowing climate change and global temperature rise.

More on TEDx Savannah: What does Savannah need to focus on? TEDxSavannah brings roster of speakers to spark discussion

Three years ago Amy Capello was diagnosed with Stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer. The rare diagnosis came with a less than 40% survival rate. After a series of rigorous radiation treatments, Capello is now cancer-free. But her journey was an eye-opening experience.

“The connections I made with community and my family, and the importance and impact of that in my life, brought some very difficult lessons,” recalled Capello. “But the impacts are priceless. The growth and learning I experienced was life changing, and of course, some of this informs what I’ll speak about.”

Capello, who was an assistant school principal for nine years, started a life coaching business in 2019. For a couple years, she juggled both until stepping away from the school in 2021. As assistant principal she found herself routinely working upwards of 60 hours every week, taking little time for herself and “constantly putting outfires.” Through her coaching business, she began emphasizing “whole life balance,” embracing the motto in her own routines and encouraging intentional living among her clients.

“Through TEDx, I have definitely learned that it’s ok to put myself in a vulnerable place for others to learn,” emphasized Capello. “My story is not easy, I’ve cried every time I practice it. But I have learned how powerful and effectual we can be when we bravely commit to telling our story.”

Rev. Guillermo Arboleda is a priest at St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Originally from the outskirts of New York City, Arboleda first came to Savannah about 10 years ago as an intern while studying at Duke Divinity School. He and hiswife loved the city and were happy to return when he began his service at St. Matthews in 2016.

Racial and social justice are integral to Arboleda’s personal and professional life. He works regularly with Justice Unite Savannah Together (JUST), an interfaith coalition that takes on major community issues like affordable housing, bail reform and root causes of social and economic inequity in Chatham County.

“Every social problem in America is a racial issue,” emphasized Arboleda. “Structural and programmatic reasons exist across the board for inequity to persist.

"For example, the state of Georgia has some of the highest rates of incarceration in the country, and one of the largest proportions of black prisoners. Jails, prisons and detention centers have a disproportionate amount of people of color, and addressing the structures in place that perpetuate these circumstances is part of what I do as clergy.”

For Arboleda, being a part of TEDx is a “very surreal experience.” TED Talks were things he revered as a college student, and when he found out he could apply, he took the idea seriously as a way to further sharpen his message of equality and reform within the criminal justice system.

“Compassion and understanding bring people together and minimize difference,” said Arboleda. “I’m hoping people come away from my talk having a new, kinder and gentler perspective on people who have done bad things, who have ended up on the wrong side of the law.”

Zoe Rinker, executive director of Savannah Tree Foundation, sees trees as ultimate symbol of connection. Considered a Tree City USA since 1985, Savannah’s live oaks, magnolias and tall pines are visceral elements of the cityscape. Since 1982, Rinker’s organization has planted more than 5,000 trees in the Hostess City and throughout Chatham County.

“Spoiler alert: I’m talking about trees,” joked Rinker. “It’s just inherent. Trees and connection work well together thematically, they are so connected to every bit of life around us. Preparing for the presentation is a lot of memorizing, it’s hard. I can talk for days if not on a script, but focusing how and exactly what you must say within time constraints requires so much focus.”

Rinker considers the topic of connection important within broader social contexts, especially coming out of COVID and in the midst of an increasingly politically polarized landscape. She sees the event as a way to bring people together regardless of differences.

“This year’s event really highlights that there are so many people from different places and backgrounds working together to make Savannah better. Yes, we get caught up in the growth pains, but there are so many people here working toward making our city more thoughtful and engaged. We all are connected, much like the very trees in our community, and we have to figure out how to navigate this world together.”

If You Go >>

What: TEDx Savannah 2023 Connection

When: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 25

Where: Fine Arts Auditorium, Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus, Savannah

After Party immediately following final speaker

Cost: General Admission, $50; VIP $75

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: TEDx Savannah event feature innovators at Georgia Southern Armstrong