Past TEDx event

TEDxWilmette

Actually, You Can.

Took placeOctober 4, 2025
LocationWilmette, Illinois, United States
FormatStandard
On October 4, 2025, at the Wilmette Community Recreation Center, TEDxWilmette 2025 will bring together six brilliant minds to share their groundbreaking ideas centered around the theme Actually, You Can. Wars, climate change, threats to democracy, and other sources of strife pose colossal, seemingly unsolvable problems. Nevertheless, people who have faced enormous challenges have found a way to believe that Actually, You Can. You can do big things that change societies, like discovering life-saving medicines. You can also do small things that change one person's life, such as bringing a meal to a grieving neighbor. At TEDxWilmette 2025, we will explore various ways that Actually, You Can.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Amber Johnson

    Leadership Consultant

    Amber A. Johnson, PhD, is a Chicago-based leadership consultant and communications expert who works with organizations of all sizes to build people-focused, results-driven cultures. She is committed to helping individuals become better leaders, partners, and parents by improving their communication and the questions they ask. Amber’s work has been featured in Forbes.com, Psychology Today, SmartBrief, Substack, and TEDx Wilmette. Find her at https://amberajohnson.substack.com.

  • Annie Aggens

    Director

    Annie is a mother, polar guide, author and educator. She regularly gives presentations about polar expeditions and the significance of the polar regions. Her role as a polar guide allows her to teach people about the effects of climate change on the Arctic and polar regions. Favorite tent pastime? Playing her ukulele and while having a hot coco after a long day.

  • Gizelle Clemens

    Chief Igniter

    Gizelle L. Clemens is a disruptor of norms and a champion for equity-driven futures, shaped by both personal adversity and a commitment to systemic change. After experiencing a spinal cord injury and confronting ableism firsthand, she dedicated her career to challenging inequities and fostering true inclusion. As Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Impact at National Medical Fellowships, she builds networks of underrepresented physicians and medical students to improve national health outcomes. Through her consultancy, She Sparks Genius, and her initiative, Pretty Ugly Grief, she helps individuals and organizations address systemic inequities with empathy while redefining how communities navigate loss and healing. Whether leading philanthropic efforts, engaging in participatory grantmaking, or using storytelling as a tool for empowerment, Gizelle’s work proves that profound challenges can inspire transformative action.

  • Kayce Ataiyero

    Chief External Affairs Officer

    Kayce Ataiyero is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Joyce Foundation, where she oversees the Foundation's strategic communications, the Journalism Program and the Lend A Hand community grants fund. Kayce has extensive experience in communications, journalism and politics. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2018, she led communications for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, the Illinois Governor’s Office and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. As an award-winning journalist, Kayce previously worked as a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune, The Raleigh News and Observer, Philadelphia Inquirer and Washington Post. She is board chair of Media Impact Funders, a national organization that advances the work of a broad range of funders committed to supporting media in the public interest.

  • Stacey Woehrle

    Financial Advisor

    Stacey is a seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of experience. She began her career at Ernst & Young before moving to Oracle Corporation in CA and in 2019, she joined Infinity Strategic Partners (ISP). Appointed as a trustee to the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI) where she played a key role in overseeing the management of more that $23 Billion in state pension assets. A Michigan native, Stacey earned her BBA in accounting and finance from the University of Michigan and she is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Stacey currently resides in Wilmette with her husband and two sons and their playful dog, Nala Grace.

  • Tara May

    CEO

    Tara May is a visionary, charismatic leader who transforms legacy organizations into thriving, future-focused digital properties. In her career in media and tech, Tara has masterfully revolutionized companies by leading cultural shifts, innovating new products and introducing new technology to result in dramatic revenue growth. She is CEO of Aspiritech, a revolutionary tech company with a mission of meaningful employment for autistic team members. She sits on the Board of Directors of Neurowrx and HAAPE advocating for neurodiversity and employment both nationally and internationally and is a renowned speaker championing embracing neurodiversity, mental health, and most of all kindness, in the workplace.

Organizing team