TEDxMurfreesboro

Speakers

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

• Alex Winnicker

  Alex Winnicker, Director of Enrollment Management at The Webb School

  Alex Winnicker, Director of Enrollment Management at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN, has dedicated his life to matching students with transformative educational experiences—starting with NCAA Division III athletics recruitment and evolving into record-setting enrollment leadership at day, boarding, and international schools nationwide.

• Amanda Howell

  Founder, Amanda Howell Agency

  Amanda Howell Agency, a relationship-driven marketing and community-building firm. A passionate connector and advocate for collaboration, Amanda helps businesses grow by fostering authentic relationships, meaningful partnerships, and trusted community networks. Her work focuses on turning connection into impact and building ecosystems where people and businesses thrive together.

• Briana Wheeler

  Creative Writer & Teacher

  Briana Wheeler teaches English at Webb School of Knoxville, where she serves as Chair of the Creative Writing Program and guides students through the creative process. A 2020 Sewanee graduate and Tennessee Williams Creative Writing Award winner, Briana continues to approach life through art, helping others discover the power of storytelling and creative expression.

• Colby Jubenville

  Professor and Director - The Senter for Student Coaching and Success, MTSU

  Colby B. Jubenville, PhD is a TEDx Speaker, Author, Trusted Advisor and Professor that specializes in Talent Development, Identity Capital and Value Creation. He started a college football team in 1998 with no phones, computers, players or uniforms. It was that singular event that set the trajectory of his life his life with a focus to coach and teach on an every increasing stage.

• Cristina Simmons

  Author, Speaker, Pediatric Occupational Therapist

  Cristina P. Simmons MS, OTR/L, CTP is a bestselling author, speaker, and pediatric occupational therapist. Drawing from personal loss and her work with non-speaking neurodivergent children, she explores how presence and energy communicate more powerfully than words. Her work blends neuroscience, trauma awareness, and lived experience to show how calm, intentional leadership can help others feel seen, safe, and supported.

• Dave Weill

  Veteran, Author, SteaknShake Franchise Owner

  Dave Weill, Eagle Scout, Desert Storm Veteran, Author of Deployed with my Mother and current franchise owner of the local Steaknshake.

• Hudson Webb

  Student

  Hudson Webb, student and Murfreesboro native. I plan to attend Law School, and believe that being rooted in Murfreesboro has had a significant impact on my career aspirations. I believe that "the Boro" is perfectly sized and placed as a hometown, and I look forward to convincing you of the same.

• Jeremy Qualls

  Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and CCTE at Williamson County Schools

  Jeremy works with business leaders, school leaders, and community organizations to improve education, workforce development, and entry points into school systems for maximum ROI and collaboration. Jeremy has also developed workshops for training and keynote delivery around passions, "Leading with Fire", creating a positive work culture around his "Pirate Ship" mentality.

• Kara Kemp

  Storyteller, SPeaker & Creative Coach

  Kara Kemp is a creative coach, storyteller, and touring-industry veteran who brings a whole-brain approach to leadership, creativity, and community-building. She has worked for artists spanning Bob Dylan to Justin Timberlake and is the co-creator of the Bloom Stage, an interdisciplinary arts performance stage, and the founder of art-centered wellness retreats that invite creativity, reflection, and care.

• Katherine Polsinelli

  Speaker, Advocate & Educator

  Kat Polsinelli is a survivor who now helps others rebuild after emotional and psychological abuse. A sought-after speaker, bestselling co-author, and host of Real Chat with Kat, a globally ranked podcast, she speaks with raw honesty about the invisible scars that linger long after abuse ends. Kat provides practical tools and a deeper understanding to students, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and those who support survivors. Her work has been featured in NashvilleVoyager, CanvasRebel, and Her Nation.

• Regina Wilkerson Ward

  Executive Director of the Center for the Arts, Inc.

  Regina Wilkerson Ward is Executive Director of the Center for the Arts, Inc., bringing 15+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community strategy. Since 2022, she has led program growth, expanded arts education, strengthened school partnerships, and advanced accessibility through major grant funding. A Murfreesboro native and MTSU alumna, Regina is deeply engaged in local and statewide arts leadership.

• Trenton Perry

  Husband, Father, Country Financial Agency Owner

  Husband, father, and Country Financial agency owner, Trenton is passionate about building meaningful relationships and fostering genuine connection. A former collegiate athlete, coach, and Master’s graduate, he is dedicated to creating a purpose-driven career that uplifts both his family and his community.