Theme: METAMORPHOSIS

Join us on February 15th for the 5th annual TEDxBreckenridge event! This year's theme, METAMORPHOSIS, invites you to an evening of:

—Expanding your thinking: Thought-provoking TEDx talks on a variety of engaging topics relevant to our mountain community.
—Diverse perspectives: Connect with local artists, innovators, and community members.
—Interactive Experiences: Network, exchange ideas, and disrupt your ways of thinking with a diverse audience.

Discover new ideas, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the power of change at TEDxBreckenridge METAMORPHOSIS.

Riverwalk Center
150 W Adams
Breckenridge, Colorado, 80424
United States

Andrew Young

Communications Analyst + Consultant

In a world driven by digital notifications, mobile apps, and inbox overload — does traditional physical mail still matter? Andrew Young, a longtime innovator in customer communication technologies, explores why physical mail remains a vital — and often misunderstood — part of how businesses connect with people. Drawing on decades of work in digital adoption and paper suppression, he reveals how the mailbox still plays a surprising role in today's digital transformation strategies. As the founder of Treeline Research and former global product leader at Ricoh, Andrew has helped shape the evolution of communications — from PDFs to omnichannel platforms. In this talk, he challenges assumptions, shares overlooked data, and asks us to reconsider what we’ve left behind in the rush to digital.

Drew Petersen

Professional skier, Ultrarunner, Film-maker

Drew Petersen is a professional skier, ultrarunner, and storyteller. Through his athletic pursuits and personal storytelling in films like Ups and Downs and Feel It All, he advocates for mental health awareness and destigmatizing conversations around suicide.

Ellen Petry Leanse

Neuroscience Educator

Ellen Petry Leanse is a neuroscience educator, author, and former innovator at Apple and Google. Host of "The Brain and Beyond Podcast," she bridges brain science, psychology, and timeless wisdom to catalyze positive change.

Erfa Alani

Organizational Behavior Expert, Strategy Change Consultant, Lawyer

Erfa Alani draws on her journey from refugee to senior roles in law, consulting (PwC, IBM), and international development (Aga Khan Development Network, Invest Ontario). She specializes in building resilient organizations and fostering inclusive growth through collaboration.

Gabriella Zheleznyak

Student

Gabriella Zheleznyak is a 14-year-old student who won her school's TEDx contest. She is passionate about helping peers understand and overcome peer pressure, encouraging authenticity and mutual support.

Grace Klein

Poet

Grace Klein is a 14-year-old student, multi-sport athlete, and artist from Summit County. She uses her passion for painting and drawing to explore creativity, express her perspective, and connect with her community.

Keila Perez Lopez

Poet

Keila Perez Lopez is a Summit High School student using poetry as a powerful voice. Through her work, like the poem "We Are Stories," she shares her resilient journey and seeks to humanize the undocumented experience, fostering empathy.

Lauren Panasewicz

Engineer, Adaptive Skiing Instructor

Lauren ‘L.P.’ Panasewicz is a global engineer turned nonprofit leader who has dedicated her career to advancing equitable access to prosthetic limbs and assistive technologies. A passionate advocate for mobility and inclusive healthcare, she draws on her background in adaptive sports and sustainable community development to drive lasting change.

Melanie Ash

Stylist

Melanie Ash is an award-winning stylist, educator, and business owner with decades of experience, including her role as a Senior Artistic Director. She champions a holistic approach, integrating artistry and education to connect outer beauty with inner well-being.

Patrick Murphy

Restaurant Owner, Hospitality Expert

Patrick Murphy is the Director of Hospitality for Breckenridge restaurants Rootstalk and Radicato. With a lifelong career in the service industry, he believes hospitality is a noble profession that creates crucial opportunities for human connection and community.

Philip Wolf

Cannabis Expert + Educator

Philip Wolf is a pioneer in cannabis hospitality (Cultivating Spirits) and education (CashoM) while being an advocate for the mindful integration of plant medicines into our society. Featured in national media, he explores the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, consciousness, and wellness in Colorado and beyond. This talk was inspired by Albert Einstein's Quote, “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on it, I would use the first 55 minutes determining the proper questions to ask.”

Thayer Hirsh

Entrepreneur, Economic Development Specialist

Thayer Hirsh is the CEO of Summit Economic Partnership and the founder of tech startup Knome. With leadership experience across diverse Colorado industries, he focuses on diversifying Summit County's economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.