TEDxWestminister

Speakers

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

• Alison James (don't use)

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• Brian Harris

  Dr. Brian Harris has spent 20 years working with people during moments of uncertainty and change. Through thousands of conversations, he discovered a pattern. Progress does not come from persuasion; it comes from feeling seen and understood. His ability to see things differently has helped thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs transform their traditional sales process into a much more effective and rewarding buyers process. Today, he teaches how clarity and connection help people move forward with confidence in everyday business and life decisions.

• Brittni Barcase

  Brittni Barcase made Carroll County her home five years ago. Since then, she’s built a life in a supportive community surrounded by scenic bike trails and exceptional coffee shops. Born resilient as a 31-week preemie, Brittni is no stranger to adversity. That resilience was further tested during her teenage years when she navigated her mother’s struggle with substance addiction, an experience that redefined what strength and survival meant to her. These defining experiences fuel her belief that life isn’t about simply bouncing back, but about anticipating change and growing stronger through it—the essence of antifragility.

• DaVida Anderson

  Dr. DaVida Anderson is redefining what it means to lead with purpose in a world that often measures success by titles alone. A college administrator, adjunct professor, nonprofit founder, and motivational speaker, she has mastered the art of weaving integrity, empowerment, and resilience into every facet of her work, proving that true impact begins from the inside out. Her journey started on the track as a Division I athlete at a Big Ten university, where she faced an unexpected diagnosis: only fifty percent lung capacity and asthma. That moment forced her to rethink strength, not just physically but mentally, which sparked a lifelong commitment to helping others discover their own power. Later, when faced with a choice between a lucrative corporate career in pharmaceuticals and her passion for education and service, DaVida chose purpose. Every pivot since then has been guided by clarity, courage, and faith. For over two decades, Dr. Anderson has inspired college women through Strong Sister, Silly Sister, Inc., the nonprofit she founded to help them embrace ethical choices and their fullest potential. Her insight and energy have made her a sought-after speaker, coach, and facilitator, captivating audiences with messages that uplift and transform. Her influence extends beyond boardrooms, classrooms, and the stage. She serves on several boards and committees, including the University of Iowa’s Graduate College External Advisory Board, and was honored as one of Maryland’s Leading Women Under 40. With degrees from Purdue University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Iowa, plus a Mediation Certification from Northwestern University, she brings expertise in student affairs, leadership development, and crisis management. Outside of her professional work, DaVida finds joy in writing poetry, hiking, laughing with her family, and speaking from the heart. Whether through a well-crafted verse or a powerful conversation, she is passionate about inspiring people to grow into their fullest potential. Dr. Anderson’s story challenges the notion that adversity limits us. Instead, she shows us that every challenge can become a catalyst for transformation, and that speaking life into others begins with building strength within ourselves.

• Jill Schulman

  Jill Schulman is a former U.S. Marine Corps Officer and leadership development expert who teaches the science of bravery. With a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she blends military experience and behavioral science to help people reinvent themselves in the face of challenge and uncertainty. Jill is the author of The Bravery Effect and works with organizations worldwide to build the courage, resilience, and adaptability needed in an age of disruption.

• Michael Ballard

  Michael H. Ballard is an accomplished resiliency educator, consultant, and keynote speaker based in Toronto, Canada. With over 27 years of experience, Michael has dedicated his career to empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to develop resilience in the face of adversity. As the founder of Resiliency for Life, he has become a trusted voice in helping people navigate challenges and achieve more positive experiences and outcomes. Michael’s journey into the field of resiliency began with his own experiences overcoming life-changing health and personal setbacks. His personal triumphs inspired him to study and develop strategies and research proven techniques that enable others to thrive under pressure. He combines storytelling, science-based principles, and practical tools to create engaging workshops and resources that resonate across diverse audiences, including schools, corporations, and community organizations. A passionate advocate for mental health and emotional well-being, Michael is widely recognized for his ability to break down complex concepts into relatable, actionable advice. His unique approach focuses on building self-awareness, fostering connections, and cultivating an optimistic yet realistic outlook. Michael has worked with clients across Canada, the United States, and overseas, from Bermuda to Singapore, delivering solutions that encourage lasting change. His insights have been featured in media outlets, conferences, and publications, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field. When he’s not coaching or speaking, Michael enjoys writing, mentoring, and exploring the great outdoors. His mission remains clear: to equip others with the tools and mindset to bounce back, grow, and thrive in life despite our most challenging moments.

• Mike Little

  Mike Little is the CEO of the nation’s #1 Iron Valley Real Estate firm and Vice President of Noble Title and Escrow Inc., leading more than 400 professionals and having assisted over 15,000 families in the purchase or sale of their homes. The enterprise has eclipsed $3B in sales in under five years. He is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and certified coach. Originating from extremely humble beginnings as an at-risk youth, having grown up without either of his biological parents raising him, he has survived abuse, neglect, poverty, foster care, homelessness, and much more. Turning adversity into achievements and assisting many others in doing the same, he’s recognized as the global authority on tenacity. Mike has redefined tenacity as the power of sustained superior resilience and invites all to BE TENACIOUS. Blending 14 years of U.S. Navy service with elite business strategy, he inspires resilience, vision, and high performance to all committed enough to do the work. A devoted husband and father of three living in Virginia Beach, VA, he balances his mission-driven leadership with weightlifting, basketball, guitar, writing, and reading, showing up with purpose in every area of life.

• Neil Beller

  Neil has spent 42 years in television and radio production and has owned his Carroll County-based production company for almost 30 years. He is an Emmy Award-winning television editor who has worked for production companies, network news, advertising agencies, professional sports teams in and around Baltimore, and major motion picture companies during his time in Hollywood, California. Neil also spent three years guest-hosting a WBAL radio show, where he won two Associated Press awards for comedy writing.

• Rob Stein

  Rob Stein is a national speaker, published author, and performance coach who has spoken to over 30,000 people and coached more than 12,000 entrepreneurs and real estate professionals nationwide. As the founder of Earth to Orbit™—America’s #1 online training platform for real estate agents—and the author of Impossible to Fail, Rob helps people reach their God-given potential through disciplined action and proven systems for growth. A former professional bodybuilder with a Master’s degree in Education, Rob blends science, mindset, and leadership in his teaching to help people unlock lasting transformation. He lives in Leander, Texas, with his wife Katie, their daughter Lily, and their dog Louis.