Ellen Gessert

Artist, Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Connector, Designer, Educator/Teacher, Photographer, Technologist, World traveler

Visual Arts Educator. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Yoga Enthusiast. Educational Technology Innovator. Michigan State University, College of Education. MAET Graduate, BFA Graduate, BA Graduate.

My passions are rooted in education; equity in education, the future of education, the relationship of technology in education, and how the arts can transform education. Pursuing a number of these ideas while finishing my MA in educational technology, the future of education and the structure our schools will take, is fascinating to me. Creativity and the visual arts hold a special place as my first passion, developing into a drive to provide students a safe space to create and experience the power of art.

Art, Educational Technology, Painting, Photography, Teaching, Yoga

In 2017, I joined the TEDxYouth Ann Arbor organization as an adult co-organizer. Providing a platform empowering diverse student voice, student-driven organization, and a community space to share was the peak of my school year. Each talk was powerful, addressed challenges, and empowered change. As the 2018 school year began, I found myself energized with the responsibility of coaching new students for another, even more successful, TEDx event. I feel enthusiastic about the opportunity to attend the TEDWomen experience; hopeful to bring back ideas to inspire action in the preparation of an outstanding TEDxYouth Ann Arbor 2019 event.