‘Writing the Future’ of Bradenton. TEDx event returns with a spotlight on local voices

Over a dozen local speakers will discuss “Writing the Future” of Bradenton during a livestreamed TEDx event this Friday.

TEDx events are an independent and locally-organized version of TED Talks, the short and inspirational videos made famous on YouTube with the tagline: ”ideas worth spreading.”

This will be TEDxBradenton’s second large event after it debuted in September 2022.

“Speakers will address questions like: How are we called to be authors of change in our world? When in our community have we come together to write our future?” a preview says.

Organizers say the theme is meant to emphasize “the power of connecting, collaborating and transcending limitations in order to create a brighter future.”

Speakers include authors, educators, local government employees and business founders and executives from a wide array of industries.

Tickets to attend the event in person are $95 and available to purchase online. The TEDxBradenton event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at State College of Florida’s Bradenton campus, 5840 26th St. W.

How to watch at home

The TEDx will be livestreamed Friday on TEDxBradenton’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

After that, the event will be briefly unavailable until the final version is posted on the TEDx YouTube channel at a future date.

To watch on Facebook: Visit facebook.com/TEDxBradenton

To watch on YouTube: Visit youtube.com/channel/UC1_JH7EZDAQbqxao9BVLxMw

Bradenton TEDx speakers

▪ Robyn Faucy, CEO of local consulting agency Results 1st, will serve as master of ceremonies

▪ Mark Gordon, editor and reporter, Business Observer and Observer Media Group

▪ Travis Ray, founder and CEO of handcrafted bow tie and accessory brand, Dapper Bowtique

▪ Dominic Marino, founder of Oyster Boys Conservation

▪ Xtavia Bailey, founder of Next Level Coaching and Consulting

▪ Richard C. Harris, former Ku Kux Klan leader turned racial harmony advocate, educator, pastor and author

▪ Andre Hendriex, founder of The Village Health & Wellness studio in Palmetto

▪ Natalie Baird-King, attorney, author and domestic abuse awareness advocate

▪ Mitch Lomazov, executive director of corporate training and leadership company EXCELLence Performance

▪ Omar Edwards, local educator for 23 years currently serving as Associate Director of Strategic Planning Initiatives for the School District of Manatee County

▪ Elma Felix, urban design and social equity specialist, currently a planning manager for the Town of Longboat Key

▪ Derek Ober, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual

▪ Carlos Portillo, director of ministry and juvenile justice ministry for Suncoast Youth for Christ

▪ Larissa Lippe, founder, owner and CEO of Smart Kids Tutor LLC and The Smart Kids Tutor Foundation

▪ Chase Pettey, founder of Adventure For All

▪ Shannon Live, co-founder of nonprofit comic book store and education hub Bat City Comic Professionals

Visit tedxbradenton.com for more info.