TEDxFresno State

Speakers

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

• Alexandra Krigbaum, MS, LMFT

  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Educator

  Alexandra Krigbaum is a licensed marriage and family therapist and educator at California State University, Fresno and Clovis Community College. Her work examines how stress is experienced, misunderstood, and managed in modern life. Drawing from both clinical practice and everyday experience, she challenges the common belief that stress reflects a failure to cope. Instead, she reframes stress as an incomplete physiological process — one that can be understood, processed, and resolved. Through her research and teaching, she helps individuals reduce shame, better understand their stress responses, and avoid carrying yesterday’s stress into today.

• Christopher Reyes

  Advanced Certified Autism Specialist

  An Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, devoted father of two neurodivergent children, and passionate advocate for inclusion by design, our next speaker is transforming the way communities support children and families. Guided by both professional expertise and deeply personal experience, his mission is to reimagine spaces where everyone can belong — without apology. As the owner of the soon-to-open We Rock The Spectrum – Clovis, he is committed to creating inclusive, sensory-safe environments that empower children of all abilities to play, grow, and thrive.

• Dr. Antija Allen

  Director of PACE & Associate Professor of Psychology

  Dr. Antija Allen (ann-tee-yuh, al-en) is the Director of the Pellissippi Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) and a tenured Associate Professor of Psychology with over 20 years of experience in higher education. She is the recipient of the Roger Crowe Excellence in Teaching Award and the Staff Excellence Award. She is the author of *We're Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies* (Cambridge University Press), recognized as a 2023 Outstanding Academic Title by *Choice*. The book later inspired the podcast *We're Not OK: A Community of Healing*, where she and co-host Justin Stewart discuss belonging, wellness, and community with guests from diverse fields. Dr. Allen has conducted research at NYU, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Columbia University. She earned degrees from Neumann University, Pepperdine University, and Columbia University Teachers College, where she also served as an Adjunct Professor.

• Dr. Edgar Castillo-Armas

  Psychiatrist and Founder of Central California TMS Center

  Dr. Edgar Castillo-Armas is a psychiatrist based in Fresno and the Founder and Medical Director of Central California TMS Center. Since 2010, he has pioneered the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a noninvasive alternative treatment for individuals experiencing Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). His work places the Central Valley at the forefront of innovation in mental health care. A prolific international speaker, he has presented on brain plasticity, neuromodulation, depression, and emerging technologies in psychiatry — advancing conversations at the intersection of neuroscience and compassionate care. His lifelong commitment to innovation continues to shape the future of mental health treatment in the Valley.

• Hailey Caine

  Miss Clovis 2026 and Prevention Educator

  Hailey Caine is a proud first-generation college graduate of California State University, Fresno and currently holds the title of Miss Clovis 2026 through the Miss America Opportunity. She works at the Marjaree Mason Center, where her focus is on prevention, education, and survivor advocacy. Through her work, Hailey leads conversations with students, families, and community members about healthy relationships and teen dating violence prevention. Guided by lived experience and a deep commitment to service, she is passionate about empowering young people, using education as a tool for change, and creating spaces where meaningful conversations can take place. Hailey believes that through awareness, advocacy, and community support, we can help build safer and healthier relationships for the next generation.

• Justin T. Stewart

  Regulatory Management Professional, Faculty Career Coach, and Co-Author

  Justin T. Stewart is a regulatory management professional, faculty career coach with Allen Ivy Prep Consulting, and former entertainment journalist whose work focuses on storytelling, equity, and systemic change. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, he has built a career spanning regulatory management, higher education, and career services. Alongside Dr. Antija Allen, he co-edited and co-authored *We're Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies* and co-hosts the podcast *We're Not OK: A Community of Healing*, exploring mental health, diversity, equity, and belonging. Justin has presented at institutions including Columbia University and Virginia Tech, using his work to elevate conversations around leadership, inclusion, and community.

• Marissa Garcia

  Brand Strategist

  A Brand Strategist, Designer, and Creative Director with over 15 years of experience, Marissa Garcia helps women-led, mission-driven businesses transform their branding into a powerful tool for growth and cultural impact. As the founder of Marissa On Brand, she creates comprehensive brand ecosystems that seamlessly connect strategy, design, and marketing. Her work empowers organizations to spark movements, grow meaningful communities, and lead with lasting influence. Through her signature approach, Marissa is quietly shaping the kind of branding that makes people proud to say, “I’m part of that.”

• Zachary Fraser

  President & CEO of American Pistachio Growers

  Zachary Fraser serves as President & CEO of American Pistachio Growers, bringing more than 20 years of organizational leadership experience across sports management and executive leadership. Prior to joining American Pistachio Growers, Fraser served as General Manager for LEARFIELD’s multimedia rights business at Fresno State, where he led record-setting revenue initiatives while developing best-in-class fan engagement platforms and events. He was recognized as a Chairman’s Cup winner for 2022–23, honoring him as one of the top executives in the LEARFIELD portfolio. Earlier in his career, Fraser was President & Managing Partner of Pacific Baseball Ventures, operating stadiums and collegiate baseball franchises throughout Washington state. Bilingual in French and English and having lived in Québec, Fraser brings an international perspective to his leadership. He now resides in California’s Central Valley with his wife and three children.