In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Macky Auditorium
1595 Pleasant St
Boulder, Colorado, 80309
United States

Albert Ok

Speed Climbing Coach

Sam Watson’s journey to becoming an Olympian, world record holder, and bronze medalist is a testament to his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Initially discovering climbing as a hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown, Sam quickly developed a deep passion for the sport, particularly speed climbing. While he acknowledges that many climbers have spent their entire lives honing their craft, Sam found his unique strength in his speed on the wall. By focusing on his ability to climb quickly, he carved out his niche and rose to the top of the sport, securing an Olympic bronze medal. Behind Sam’s success is the unwavering support and guidance of his coach, Albert Ok, whose mentorship has been a driving force in Sam’s development. Albert’s belief in Sam’s potential, coupled with his tailored coaching strategies, has pushed Sam to surpass his limits and achieve greatness. Together, they form a dynamic duo, constantly striving for new heights in the sport.

Carolus Vitalis

CU Ph.D. Student, Biomedical Engineering

Carolus Vitalis is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder and a National Science Foundation Fellow. His research merges artificial intelligence and synthetic biology to design functional DNA sequences, accelerating the development of therapies and biotechnology. Originally from Chile, he earned advanced degrees in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, bringing a global and interdisciplinary perspective to his work. He has authored peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and open- source tools used in labs worldwide. A passionate educator and speaker, he is committed to making biology programmable, accessible, and a force of healing.

Dylan Thomas Doyle

CU Ph.D. Student, Information Science & AI

Rev. Dr. Dylan Thomas Doyle is a User-Experience Researcher, AI Policy Analyst, and ordained Minister focused on making emerging technologies safer, fairer, and more human-centered. He combines expertise in algorithmic fairness, AI governance, and emotional well-being design to develop ethical, actionable solutions for high-risk tech platforms. Dylan’s work spans from designing online bereavement support tools to analyzing how AI systems impact vulnerable communities in real-world settings. With a Ph.D. in Information Science and industry experience at companies like Yahoo! and Verizon Media, Dylan brings both rigorous research and hands-on product insight. His background as a Unitarian Universalist parish minister and interfaith hospital chaplain and coalition builder in responsible tech uniquely positions him to ask not just what we can build with AI—but what we should.

Felony Misdemeanor

Denver Drag Queen & Activist

Felony Misdemeanor is a walking contradiction turned living legend — a drag artist, community leader, icon, and activist who once hated drag and now uses it to save lives. Born from resistance and refined through purpose, Felony doesn’t just perform — she transforms. Her story is one of rebellion turned revelation: proof that healing can wear lashes and a crown. With a sharp tongue and a soft heart, she stormed stages, shattered norms, and stood boldly in spaces that weren’t built for her — and made them hers. Through her work with Planned Parenthood and Black Pride Colorado, she’s amplified the voices of the unheard, the unseen, and the unstoppable. Felony Misdemeanor is more than a name — she’s a movement draped in sequins, shaped by struggle, and committed to reminding every soul that growth is gritty, glittery, and gloriously real.

Kylie Sambirsky

CU Student, Psychology

Kylie Sambirsky is a recent graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder with a major in Psychology, where her academic journey has deeply fueled her curiosity about the mind and human experience. With her background in psychological research, Kylie has cultivated a nuanced understanding of how perception and cognition shape our identities and experiences. The discovery of her aphantasia in 2022 sparked a deeper exploration into how her brain processes and interprets the world, leading her to connect with others who share similar experiences. Through her ongoing research and conversations, Kylie has gained unique insights into the varying ways people visualize and how aphantasia influences personal development. Her ability to blend academic dialogue with personal reflection positions her as a thoughtful voice in the field of psychology, preparing her for her future endeavors within the field.

Laureal Boston

Hospitality Expert & Bartender

Laureal Boston is a hospitality veteran, creative soul, and advocate for human connection. Over the past two decades, she has spent more nights behind the bar than she can count — long enough to know that the secret to a great cocktail isn’t just balance, but belonging. Known for her love of real, honest moments, Laureal sees what many miss: the everyday magic that brings us back to each other. Her work explores connection as a radical, transformative force — the spark that turns surviving into thriving. Through storytelling, hospitality, and a deep belief in the power of small moments, Laureal invites us to reimagine how we show up for ourselves and each other.

Marwa Yacouti

CU Ph.D. Student, Aerospace Engineering

Marwa Yacouti is is a Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, who helps make materials safer, smarter, and more reliable, especially when failure isn’t an option. Marwa uses advanced computational modeling and artificial intelligence to better understand and design high performance materials. Her research has led to breakthroughs in predicting stress and failure in complex composites, critical for industries like aerospace, where safety and precision are non-negotiable. Marwa’s journey spans three continents and multiple disciplines shaping her unique perspective on solving problems under pressure. Her work has been recognized nationally, earning her the Trailblazing Young Researcher Award from Caltech, the Rising Star in Computational and Data Sciences honor from the Oden Institute, and the IEEE Women in Computing Services Award. A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Marwa believes that innovation often begins with the unexpected.

Matthew King

Founder & CEO, Our COMMON Foundation

Dr. Matthew King is an author, speaker, and explorer who has completed learning expeditions in over 45 countries. A former U.S. Presidental Management Fellow, U.S. Department of Commerce Bronze Medal recipient, and Marshall Memorial Fellow with the German Marshall Fund, he has worked with governments, think tanks, and global institutions on environmental and social challenges. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and has been featured by the BBC, Earth Island Journal, Euronews, NBC Universal, Mongabay, affiliates of ABC and CBS, podcasts, and TEDx. A cancer survivor, Matthew's experience radically reshaped his path and revealed his true purpose: to create, inspire, and empower. Through his nonprofit, Our COMMON Foundation, he supports social entrepreneurs, artists, and conservationists who are making a meaningful impact. His writing and speaking help others reconnect with what matters most—nature, truth, and living aligned with their inner compass.

Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino

CU Student, International Affairs & Economics

Rodrigo Salgado Vallarino is a first-generation college student pursuing a major in international affairs and economics. Rodrigo moved to the United States at the age of thirteen and has experienced firsthand the challenges and beauty of immigration. As an immigrant living in the United States, Rodrigo has had the opportunity to experience and explore the unique aspects that make immigration beautiful and impactful for immigrants in foreign countries and those countries themselves. He has been working since the age of thirteen in a number of industries, supporting his family, and has learned and adapted successfully to a foreign culture. Proficient in three languages, with plenty of experience in a number of fields, and big dreams in his mind, Rodrigo is pursuing a career on the international stage, working to promote development, immigration, and diversity across the globe.

Sam Watson

Olympian Speed Climber & World Record Holder

Sam Watson’s journey to becoming an Olympian, world record holder, and bronze medalist is a testament to his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Initially discovering climbing as a hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown, Sam quickly developed a deep passion for the sport, particularly speed climbing. While he acknowledges that many climbers have spent their entire lives honing their craft, Sam found his unique strength in his speed on the wall. By focusing on his ability to climb quickly, he carved out his niche and rose to the top of the sport, securing an Olympic bronze medal. Behind Sam’s success is the unwavering support and guidance of his coach, Albert Ok, whose mentorship has been a driving force in Sam’s development. Albert’s belief in Sam’s potential, coupled with his tailored coaching strategies, has pushed Sam to surpass his limits and achieve greatness. Together, they form a dynamic duo, constantly striving for new heights in the sport.