2025 TEDxChattanooga Conference

November 19

Walker Theatre

2025 Speakers

2025 Speakers

  • Michael Johnson

    Roots: The Art of Becoming
    Creative Director, Co-Founder

  • Krisi Olivero

    The Nightmare Below Your Feet
    Soil Scientist, Co-Founder

  • Shawanda Mason + Jennifer Holder

    Why Curiosity Is the Root of Community
    Creative Director, Ops Director, Co-Founders

  • McKenzie Bergenback

    Re-membering the Face: Beauty, Belonging,
    and the Ethics of Being Seen
    Clinical Anaplastologist, Artist

  • Lesley Brock

    Option 2: Choosing to
    Re-Root After Loss
    Policy Analyst, Writer, Astrologer

  • Luke Padgett

    Undiscovered: Finding Wonder
    in Our Fresh Waters
    National Geographic Storyteller

  • Noah Perales

    Peace Through Production:
    Transforming Emotions into Music 
    Occupational Therapist, Founder

  • Blythe Bailey

    Between the Buildings: How Public
    Space Creates Community
    Urban Designer, Architect, Mobility Professional

  • Savannah Wisham

    Craft for
    Connection
    Creative Director, Strategist, Quilter

Two Fireside Chats

Rooted in Community: How Art and Belonging Shape a City

Anthony M. Wiley Jr. (Moderator)
Erika Roberts
Marcus Ellsworth
Chris Shaw

Trail Roots: How Outdoor Recreation Shapes Regional Identity

Gail Loveland (Moderator)
Shawanna Kendrick
Sunshine Loveless
Paul Morley
Ginny Smith

Conference Schedule

Start and end times may vary slightly.

9:00-10:00 AM // Check-in and mingle, coffee and pastries available, live music by Lon Eldridge
10:00 AM
// Welcome by Ellie Austin (MC) and Nick Wilkinson
10:05-10:55 AM
// Michael Johnson, Krisi Olivero, Shawanda Mason + Jennifer Holder
11:05-11:45 AM
// Fireside with Anthony M. Wiley Jr. (moderator), Erika Roberts, Marcus Ellsworth, Chris Shaw
11:45-12:30 PM
// Lunch break, live music by Lon Eldridge
12:30-1:25 PM // McKenzie Bergenback, Lesley Brock, Luke Padgett
1:35-2:25 PM
// Fireside with Gail Loveland Barille (moderator), Shawanna Kendrick, Sunshine Loveless, Paul Morley, Ginny Smith
2:25-2:45 PM // Short break
2:45-3:45 PM // Noah Perales, Blythe Bailey, Savannah Wisham
3:45-3:55 PM // Performance by Understory
3:55-4:00 PM // Closing with Ellie Austin and Nick Wilkinson
4:00-5:30 PM // Happy hour at the venue

Tickets

Tickets

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