TEDx 2024 set for October 10th, Inspiring Talks on the Theme of ‘Yes’ at the Paramount Center

(KNSI) – This year’s TEDx lineup looks to have a host of thought-provoking and inspiring speakers.

The event is Thursday, October 10th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts. The hopefulsession theme is “Yes.” At a TEDx event, TED Talk videos and speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. Six presenters will grace the stage to tell their stories to inspire others to apply what they learn to their careers, companies and homes.

This year’s speakers are:

Marina Cetkovic-Cvrje is a medical doctor who dedicated her life to researching autoimmune type 1 diabetes. After a career in the medical field and at a start-up biotech company, she landed in the biology department at St. Cloud State University and has spent the last 18 years teaching. Every June for the past 12 years, she has led a biology study abroad program in her native Croatia, where her American and Croatian students study in mixed groups.

Ma Elena Gutierrez is an immigrant from Mexico who came to the United States in 1996. Her experience as a farmworker and young immigrant mother pushed her to devote her life to community organizing for immigrant rights. Currently, she is the executive director of Fe y Justicia (Faith & Justice), an organization that supports newcomers in central Minnesota.

Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, a member of the Ottawa Nation from Central Michigan, has held several positions within American Indian education in Minnesota and Wisconsin for the last three decades. He is the founding director of the Native Studies Summer Workshop for Educators (NSSWE) and has been involved with the Native Sky Watchers program for over ten years.

Riley Johnson, co-captain of the US Power Soccer National Team, was recently named 2023 Power Soccer Player of the Year by US Soccer. The sport is played in electric wheelchairs. During his tenure as Eastern Regional Director for the US Power Soccer Association, he introduced countless athletes around the country to the sport. Johnson has a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering and is currently a design engineer at Park Industries in St. Cloud.

Alise Sjostrom is co-owner of the world’s only “CheeseStillery.” The Stearns County woman also co-owns Redhead Creamery and Jer-Lindy Farms near Brooten with her husband and parents. She is using local resources to add as much value as possible to her company. They’ve created award-winning cows, cheese, and soon-to-serve whey-based spirits.

Jerry Sparby spent 54 years in education, 37 of them in the ROCORI School District. Currently, he’s involved with the nonprofit HuddlUp, where he mentors and supports teachers in creating healthy classroom communities through engaging play and breathing exercises. Sparby has implemented proactive programming to support students’ mental health.

Tickets are available through the Paramount box office or by clicking here.

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