Past TEDx event

TEDxCongaree Vista

ChangeMakers

Took placeMarch 14, 202610:00 AM - 5:00 PM (GMT-4)
LocationColumbia, South Carolina, United States
FormatStandard
TEDxCongareeVista spotlights visionary individuals who are driving meaningful change through bold ideas, creative action, and a deep commitment to community. The 2026 theme, ChangeMakers, honors the leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators redefining what’s possible, whether through breakthroughs in research, health equity, education, technology, the arts, social impact, or grassroots organizing. This year’s lineup features 16 remarkable voices, including Mayor Elise Partin, the Midlands’ longest-serving mayor and advocate for women in leadership; Kimberly Smith, a global health equity innovator reimagining maternal care; Tyson Keon Brown, a culture leader shaping cities of belonging; and Tyler Robertson, a blue-collar tech entrepreneur who built a $100M company from a $1,000 idea. Together, they, and 12 other speakers, will share ideas born in Columbia with the power to inspire transformation far beyond it. We’re shining a light on community-rooted ideas that challenge convention, bridge divides, and shape a more connected, compassionate future. On March 14, 2026, Columbia’s changemakers take the global stage, sharing ideas worth spreading with the world.

Speakers

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

  • Alvin King

    Founder and Executive Director, Range Fore Hope Foundation

    Retired US Army First Sergeant; Founder of Range Fore Hope Foundation supporting Veterans and families.

  • Andrew Nye

    Founder and CEO, Qatalyst Health

    Founder of Qatalyst Health; USC alumnus working to reduce nursing home administrative burden through AI.

  • Christina Jones

    Licensed Professional Counselor, University of South Carolina

    Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor at the University of South Carolina and Master Addictions Counselor; Mental health clinician and educator focused on recovery and creating environments that support well-being.

  • Elise Partin

    Mayor of Cayce

    Longest-serving mayor in the Midlands; US State Department speaker and advocate for women in leadership.

  • Fabio Matta

    Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, USC

    USC engineer researching hazard-resistant construction materials and structures.

  • Ivan Segura

    Director of Multicultural Affairs, SC Commission for Minority Affairs

    Latino advocate with 20 years of grassroots leadership; Founder of Palmetto Luna Arts; ACLU National Board member.

  • Jordan Thomas

    Co-Founder, share ONE love

    share ONE love Cofounder & Coach, a curious thinker working with justice-involved youth.

  • Kevin Williams

    Co-Founder, Drawbridge Solutions

    Vistage Chair and tech leader; founder of Drawbridge Solutions and owner of Escapology Columbia.

  • Kimberly Smith

    CEO, Health Evolve Technologies

    CEO of Health Evolve Technologies; former hospital system executive and past Board Chair of the Preeclampsia Foundation; PhD student in Global Health Equity.

  • Majd Abdallah

    Founder, Foster The Bear Foundation

    Foster care advocate, Clemson graduate, and Founder of the Foster The Bear Foundation.

  • Matt Vaadi

    CEO, guHRoo Payroll and HR

    Social entrepreneur; CEO of guHRoo; co-founder of GrowCo supporting responsible entrepreneurial growth.

  • Melissa Boylan

    MD, Family Medicine Physician, Noreta Family Medicine

    Family Physician and founder of the direct primary care office - Noreta Family Medicine.

  • Risdon Nichols Slate

    Professor Emeritus of Criminology, Florida Southern College

    National expert on mental illness and criminal justice; congressional witness and CIT trainer.

  • Shannon Ivey

    Founder, #whatshesaidproject

    Author of “Welcome to the Sh*t Show: A Memoir of Colorectal Cancer and the Power of Self Advocacy,” actor, director, TEDx alum, professional coach, founder of #whatshesaidproject, and stage III colorectal cancer survivor.

  • Tyler Robertson

    Founder and CEO, Diesel Laptops

    Founder who scaled Diesel Laptops from a 1000-dollar idea to a 100M plus company; blue-collar tech innovator.

  • Tyson Keon Brown

    Executive Director, Project OneWay

    Youth and culture leader; Consultant to the City of Columbia on generational inclusion and small business development.

Organizing team