Past TEDx event
TEDxCharleston
Currents
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Annaliesa Gowe
Student + Dancer
From ballet to contemporary, dance inherently flows from one movement to another as in this dancer’s connected performance.
David Turner
Scientist + Educator
What you don’t know might kill you, which is why this research scientist and professor is determined to make AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) a household name.
Donna Roberts
Scientist + Educator
As long-duration human missions to Mars and other celestial spots become closer to reality, this NASA-funded neuroscientist is setting her sights on discovering how space impacts the human brain.
Jacobo Mintzer
Researcher + Innovator
The intersection of art and science is closer than ever, so let the music play on. This researcher explores how music stimulates the brain and opens doors for new medical treatments.
Jay DeMarco
Surgeon
To combat the opioid epidemic, this orthopedic surgeon believes it’s time we focus on the prescribers of the problem: the doctors themselves.
Keith McElveen
Engineer + Inventor
With his patented innovations, this champion and leader in the space of audio engineering is helping to restore and enhance the human senses.
Kylon Middleton
Educator + Pastor
How can we improve relations between citizens and the police force? This educator uses lessons in injustice to facilitate difficult--yet collaborative--conversations with the community.
LB Adams
Entrepreneur + Actor
What words do women use to describe themselves? This founder and CEO of a soft skills training company says it’s time we break the patterns of language to reshape the narrative.
Melissa Maddox-Evans
Lawyer + Advocate
How do we right a wrong, let alone an atrocity? This lawyer and affordable housing champion says we must first acknowledge with an apology to lead us toward a path of change.
Melissa Moore
Advocate
Nationwide, up to 40 percent of youth who experience homelessness identify as LGBT. To bring an end to this staggering statistic, this advocate proposes a different support structure.
Robbie Madison and Kanika Moore
Jazz Artists
This duo’s natural chemistry and love for jazz, gospel and soul enliven and remind audiences of the music meant to be shared and enjoyed together.
Ryan Fiorini
Entrepreneur
Contact sports are in jeopardy unless we better detect concussions. This biotech entrepreneur says there’s a faster, objective solution that will benefit the health and safety of all athletes.
Small Opera
Opera Company
With their intimate cast and modern interpretations of classics, this opera group can be found popping up on a moment’s notice in the most unlikely of spaces to bring fun and drama to the Lowcountry.
Stephanie Boye
Mother
Sexuality today is drastically different from when parents were teenagers. This sexual assault counselor declares a new reality for the mental and emotional wellbeing of adolescents.
Stephen Frederico
Student + Researcher
Can we treat cancer without side effects? With the use of nanoparticles, this college student and researcher supports chemotherapy treatments that still allow patients to live a full, optimistic life.
Tony Bartelme
Author + Investigative Reporter
From plankton to CO2, this three-time Pulitzer prize-finalist reporter reveals some of the biggest climate change stories hiding in plain sight.
Organizing team

Edith Howle
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Organizer

Sharon Cooper
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, United States
Partnerships/Sponsorship

Sewell Kahn
Curation

Kenda Sweet
CHARLESTON, South Carolina, United States
Operations

Melissa Priola
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Operations

Mary Beth Natarajan
Curation

Sandy Morckel
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Production

cindy hay johnson
Curation

Claire Monahan
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Marketing/Communications