TEDxReisterstown

Speakers

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

• Brittny Bagley

  Recognized by Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 500, Baltimore Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, the Maryland Daily Record and Baltimore Weddings’ Top Furniture Rental Company of the Year, Brittny’s expertise in premium branding, strategic positioning, and high-end business growth makes her the go-to authority for those looking to scale in the luxury space. She has worked with elite clients, from corporate giants to high-profile figures in entertainment and politics, curating experiences that embody opulence and excellence. Brittny has shared stages with industry leaders and delivered transformational talks at corporate conferences, universities and women’s empowerment events. Her signature topics- including The Power Persona, Leverage Isn’t Luxury and Born to Build- equip audiences with actionable strategies to elevate their brands, businesses and leadership. Brittny’s influence extends beyond business—her work is a testament to resilience, strategy, and the power of vision. From overcoming personal and professional obstacles to leading in male-dominated industries, she continues to pave the way for entrepreneurs ready to break ceilings and build legacies. Whether through strategic collaborations, keynote speaking, or mentorship, Brittny Bagley is the go-to expert for those ready to elevate, dominate, and thrive in the luxury business space.

• Chris Welton

  Chris Welton is a dynamic performance coach, international best-selling author of One Jordan, and host of the acclaimed podcast One Hand At A Time. Known for his powerful storytelling and authenticity, Chris helps individuals transform personal challenges into platforms for growth. Drawing from his own lived experience of overcoming adversity—born with one hand—Chris teaches that our next breakthrough isn’t somewhere far off in the future—it begins in how we choose to see and respond to hardship now. With a unique blend of motivational insight and tactical strategies, Chris equips audiences with tools to shift their mindset, embrace accountability, and elevate their lives regardless of circumstances. His work with leaders, teams, and individuals centers on one mission: to unlock potential through resilience, discipline, and self-belief.

• Dakshesh Kaki

  As a high school student passionate about robotics, artificial intelligence, and youth leadership, Dakshesh leads MHS Robotics—nonprofit school organization focused on hands-on STEM education—and have delivered talks at VOICE & AI 2024 on the societal impact of intelligent machines. Through internships at Radical and Impacter AI, I’ve worked with generative AI and ethical tech development, gaining real-world experience in emerging technologies. Whether mentoring students, launching engineering projects, or speaking on AI’s future, I’m driven by a mission to help people—especially the next generation—understand and responsibly shape the technologies that are transforming our world.

• Dr. Antonio Schroeder

  A dynamic motivational speaker, a devoted husband, beloved father, a life coach and mentor, an activist and loyal friend; upon encountering Antonio Schroeder, you will agree that this young man's zest for life is unparalleled!

• Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket

  Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, author, speaker, and the 2025 President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. With decades as a teacher and leader in public education, she has earned the reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland, she is a life-long learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves. She also serves as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College helping to support the personal and professional growth of aspiring and current school leaders. Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s belief in fostering meaningful relationships serves as the foundation for everything she does, and her highly effective teaching and leadership style continues to inspire up and coming aspiring teacher leaders. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Her first best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” provides a helpful and practical blueprint for educators to follow as they transition into new leadership roles. Her latest book, "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership" centers on the importance of trusting and authentic relationships as the driver of school success. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Short Biography Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is the author of the best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” and "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership.” Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration, she has served for 20 years in public education as a highly regarded teacher and leader, and currently is the principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland. She also is an adjunct professor at McDaniel College. As the 2025 President of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, she advocates on behalf of students, staff, and families to improve educational outcomes for all stakeholders. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.

• Dr. Tammira Lucas

  Dr. Tammira Lucas is an Assistant Professor of Business at Coppin State University and a nationally recognized scholar practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community economic development. She is the founder of The Cube Cowork, the largest Black women owned coworking space in the United States that integrates business support services with on site babysitting to address structural barriers faced by working parents and entrepreneurs. Dr. Lucas is deeply committed to advancing equitable access to capital, education, and workforce opportunities, particularly for women and founders of color. Her professional experience includes serving as a Venture Growth Advisor for the Urban Business Innovation Initiative at TEDCO, where she supports early stage and growth oriented ventures through strategic advising and ecosystem development. Through her leadership, she has helped cultivate and strengthen entrepreneurial communities locally and nationally, connecting small business owners to critical funding, mentorship, and technical assistance resources. Dr. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from Coppin State University, a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University. Her research interests include entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, small business development, marketing strategy, and workforce development, with a particular emphasis on applied and community engaged scholarship that translates theory into practice. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

• Dr. Tara T. A'Doara

  Dr. Tara T. A'Daora is a Natural Medicine Doctor, Certified Trichologist, and Wellness Transformation Strategist based in Towson, Maryland. She is the Founder and CEO of A'Daora Trichology & Wellness Inst., a holistic practice dedicated to hair and scalp health.

• Durell Paige

  Serial Entrepreneur

  Mr. Ayo - Durrell Paige is a serial entrepreneur that is passionate about helping others succeed and start up businesses. He has an franchise of businesses in clothing and is a business mentor to many. He is a leader & powerhouse in himself.

• Hana Scott

  Hana Scott is a dynamic multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, operations strategist, and community leader with a diverse background spanning biotechnology, project management, and nonprofit leadership. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Pugh Insights, where she brings calm to the chaos for clients by streamlining operations and driving growth through project and change management across industries including tech, pharma, education, and finance. Equally committed to social impact, Hana’s work focuses on strengthening the operational and strategic capacity of nonprofits, early learning programs, and Black women–led businesses. Her mission is to help community-centered organizations build the systems, partnerships, and infrastructure they need to deliver high-quality, equitable services. Her theory of change is that when frontline organizations are equipped with strong systems, clear strategy, and sustainable processes, they can scale their impact and close opportunity gaps more effectively. Beyond consulting, Hana brings her innovative spirit into consumer brands as Co-Founder of thicc sticc, a bold personal care brand on a mission to inspire comfort and confidence for all thicc bodies. Leveraging her background in biotech, she helped formulate the brand’s signature products, Thigh High and Tit Spritz. Hana’s entrepreneurial grit is recognized as a graduate of the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business program. A proud Baltimore native, Hana is a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She is a member of the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Hana is deeply committed to her city’s growth and future, working alongside her husband, Mayor Brandon Scott, to support Baltimore’s continued renaissance. Together they are raising the three future changemakers: Ceron, Charm, and Camden. Whether she’s building brands, strengthening communities, or curating her next vintage vinyl haul, Hana leads with heart, hustle, and humor.

• Julian E. Jones Jr.

  Julian E. Jones Jr. has been a member of the Baltimore County Council representing District 4 since 2014 and has been selected by his colleagues to serve as Council Chairman three times – the first person ever so honored. Julian was born and raised in East Baltimore, where his father, Julian Sr., worked at Bethlehem Steel for 42 years. His mother, Margaret, was a teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System for 36 years. As a child, Julian would accompany his mother on visits to neighbors who could not read or write, watching as she helped them explain mail and write checks. Those experiences and others taught him the importance of helping others and the value of education, along with the benefits of hard work, honesty, integrity and community service. He graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, and then attended University of Maryland, Baltimore County, working overnight at the Baltimore Zoo to pay for his education. Early one morning in 1985, Julian heard a radio advertisement for openings at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and decided to apply – a choice that would change his life. The firefighter position paid nearly $7,000 more than the $12,000 yearly he was earning at the zoo, and he intended to stay only until his college graduation. But Julian fell in love with the mission of the fire department - helping those in need and saving lives. He graduated from UMBC in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems Management, and decided to stay in the fire department. He quickly advanced, becoming the first African American lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and division chief in the department’s history. He was an executive board member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1563; co-founder and president of the Anne Arundel County Professional Black Firefighter Association; president of the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Chiefs Association; and chair of the United Way campaign. He commanded several divisions including communications, logistics and operations. Julian was a member of the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualification Board and had attained the highest professional certifications in disciplines including fire, hazardous materials, instruction, management and rescue. Julian led Maryland’s fire and EMS response as part of a mission to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Julian retired from the fire department in 2016 after 31. An entrepreneur from a young age, Julian is a licensed real estate agent and founded a company that specializes in real estate development, rehabilitation and renovation. As a community leader, Julian was president of the PTA at Hernwood Elementary School, as well as a member of the Caucus of African American Leaders and two-term member of the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee. As a councilman, Julian has been a forceful and practical advocate for education, public safety, fair housing and minority business participation. His legislative accomplishments include measures advancing homeownership, gun control, education, and police reform. Julian is married to Sabrina, has three children, Julianna, Malik and Sanaa and two granddaughters Janiyah and Carter.

• Michael Davis

  Senior Marketing for Radio One and Public Speaker

• Nicole Gonzalez

  Nicole Gonzalez is an interactive empowerment speaker, life and mindset coach, and self-help author of The Book Every Teen Should Read. She is passionate about helping people to believe in themselves, understand their value, and reach their full potential.

• Nikki Harris

  Nikki Harris helps local government, public schools, and community agencies walk their talk of serving everyone. Her journey started when she needed to advocate for her son, who is on the autism spectrum. Raising a child who doesn’t process the world like others revealed the obstacles and opportunities for helping people who don’t fit society’s outdated definition of “normal. An artist by passion and training, Nikki leaned into creativity to find solutions. Nikki creates kits and spaces out of yarn, fabric, and other materials as a form of resistance, but also empowers neurodivergent individuals to advocate on their own behalf. She takes pride in disrupting traditional systems and redefining societal "norms" through her art and activism. Through examples and stories, she guides schools, hospitals, and other social agencies into the shoes and feelings of those they serve. Over the years, Nikki has embraced the role of advocate in countless ways. From serving as a Department of Planning Storyteller Ambassador to contributing as a member of subgroups for GBRICS, Baltimore City Police Department's CPIC Training and Implementation Subcommittee, and The Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs for Maryland,her impact has been felt far and wide.

• Otis Brogdon Jr.

  iWitness is an international recording artist & actor who blends lyrical depth, poetic storytelling, and an uncompromising Christian message. His music challenges the norm standing as a bold voice for faith, truth, and redemption in today’s culture.

• Regina Robinson

  Regina Robinson is Thee Inner Confidence Curator—an award-winning international speaker, best-selling author, and the visionary behind the “Unstoppable Woman On The Move” movement. She is known for electrifying audiences with powerful messages rooted in confidence, resilience, and unapologetic faith. As a Catalyst for Confidence, Regina equips women to shatter limitations, ignite their voice, and boldly step into their purpose across life, business, and career. Her transformative coaching helps women amplify their influence and create transformative impact. A proud graduate of Bowie State University with a degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University, Regina blends academic excellence with real-world strategy. She’s been featured in national media and recognized with numerous awards for her leadership and impact. Through dynamic storytelling and unforgettable stage presence, Regina empowers women to rise, own their stories, and walk fully in their unstoppable power.

• The Honorable Dr. Cashenna A. Cross

  The Honorable Dr. Cashenna A. Cross, H.C., is a distinguished leader whose career spans over three decades of service in the United States Air Force, government, and community leadership. With a legacy of military excellence, public service, and humanitarian efforts, Dr. Cross has become a prominent figure in both local and global arenas. Her commitment to positive change, ethical governance, and community empowerment is reflected in her work as Mayor of Glenarden, Maryland, and her aspirations on the international stage as a Fellow of The Most Excellent Order Of International Expert letters (FOIE) Global Governance & Diplomacy.

• Wendy Elover

  Wendy Elover is a wife, a mom, a serial entrepreneur, and a self-proclaimed “work in progress”. She is also the Amazon #1 Best Selling author of the book “My Cape Is at the Cleaners: Choosing Happy over Perfect” As a Certified Happiness & Growth Coach, Wendy is a huge fan of messy, imperfect action. She loves working with successful, heart-centered women, helping them to claim their own happiness from within and intentionally create their grateful, abundant, fun- filled lives full of purpose, passion and joy. Wendy lives in Maryland with her husband of 35+ years. She is the proud mom of 3 amazing adult daughters, including a set of fraternal twins. She has a wonderful son-in-law, who she considers her “bonus son”, and in 2025, her family added another new member to the family, giving Wendy her most fun new role ever as a grandma. When she takes a break from work, you’ll most likely find Wendy hanging out with her family and friends or helping plan fun Girls Nights Out with a Purpose, supporting her favorite local non-profit causes. “We’re all in this crazy life together. We might as well enjoy the ride!” – Wendy Elover