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).

Tan Auditorium
101 Waverly Ave
Syracuse, New York, 13210
United States

Alie Savane

Alie is a dynamic leader, scholar, entrepreneur, and content creator dedicated to medicine, community empowerment, and business innovation. A biology major with a psychology minor at Syracuse University, he balances academics with mentorship, advocacy, and creative expression. A first-generation student from the Bronx, Alie is a mentor to many, fosters entrepreneurship, leadership, and cultural celebration on campus. His dedication to global health has taken him to Guatemala and The Gambia, shaping his aspiration to combat health disparities as a physician. Alie is also the founder of Bété Kola, a health and wellness brand specializing in kola nut-based products, merging West African heritage with modern nutrition. His business has won him competitions hosted by Syracuse University's Blackstone LaunchPad. Beyond academia and business, Alie creates fitness and motivational content, inspiring others to build discipline, resilience, and success. Through his work in medicine, leadership, entrepreneurship, and content creation, he is shaping a legacy of inclusivity, empowerment, and innovation, motivating others to push beyond their limits.

Clare Frattarola

Clare Frattarola is the founder of We Are Saplings, a mindfulness-based brand that teaches emotional intelligence to children through playful, nature-inspired storytelling and characters. Through the Saplings and their stories, Clare shares simple mindfulness practices—such as child-friendly breathing exercises and yoga movements—that make emotional learning engaging and accessible for young minds. A proud Syracuse alumna, she graduated from Newhouse in 2010 and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Clare spent over a decade in the media industry, working with major entertainment brands such as Disney and Paramount before leaving the corporate world to become an entrepreneur and pursue her passion for children’s emotional well-being. Now, through We Are Saplings, she is on a mission to help kids cultivate self-awareness and resilience. A writer and lifelong yogi, she finds inspiration in travel, new experiences, and diverse perspectives. She currently lives in Marina del Rey, California, with her beloved dog, Lennox.

Jeffrey Rogers

Jeffrey A. Rogers is an award-winning Executive Business Coach, Entrepreneur, and Professional Trainer dedicated to developing high-performing business leaders. A certified coach through the Professional Business Coaching Alliance, he specializes in empowering entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and management teams with customized coaching strategies that drive clarity, accountability, and results. As the founder of Catalyst Leadership Dynamics, Jeff helps leaders optimize performance, streamline business structures, and enhance personal well-being— fueling sustainable success while reducing stress.

Jordan Pierre

A nationally recognized keynote speaker, youth engagement Specialist, media analyst, and aspiring Psychologist, Jordan Pierre is a force in modern storytelling. With features on The Tamron Hall Show and Hoda & Jenna, he has harnessed the power of his voice to educate, uplift, and mobilize communities, especially young Black men. Through his own experiences and education behind the scenes of the media we consume Jordan has come to understand the power of the screen on the shaping of one's identity. He believes that you become what it is that you watch. And if you want to empower a child you have to change that to what they see. His words don’t just spark conversation—they ignite action. A proud Syracuse University alumnus, Jordan Has earned both his Bachelor's in Broadcast and Digital Journalism and a Masters's Degree in Television, Radio, and Film, he merges deep media expertise with an unshakable commitment to truth, representation, and impact. In an era where authenticity is currency and leadership is defined by action, Jordan Pierre stands at the intersection of both—a thought leader, a truth-teller, and a voice that will echo for generations to come.

Melissa Martinez

Melissa Nicole Martinez is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, recognized for her expertise in media strategy and storytelling across brands, creators, and diverse platforms in the global arena. With years of experience in the media industry, Melissa has held senior leadership roles in digital media, where she developed high-engagement digital content and spearheaded strategic initiatives with a global reach, encompassing a wide range of alternative and emerging media categories. Her career highlights include forging significant partnerships with major global brands like Netflix and consistently delivering impactful media solutions. Now, she brings this wealth of real-world experience, along with her expertise in media business, to the classroom and to discussions about the evolving global media landscape and the creator economy worldwide.

Sonia Issa

Sonia Issa is a first-generation scholar, community strategist, and systems thinker from Brownsville, Brooklyn. With nearly a decade of experience in public service, she works at the intersection of social justice, policy design, and community healing—bringing strategy, care, and lived wisdom to every room she enters. She is currently completing her Master of Public Administration and Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Analytics for Public Policy at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, where she also earned her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in African American Studies and a certificate in Project Management. Sonia’s work spans the nonprofit, academic, and government sectors. She has led initiatives in housing justice, youth mentorship, HR strategy, and restorative practices—often while holding multiple roles at once. Whether managing a $1.3 million scholarship endowment as a chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., designing programs for women of color, or supporting policy research on budgets and equity, Sonia builds toward systems that care. Her leadership has earned her awards, fellowships, and a reputation for balancing strategy with soul. Through her writing, speaking, and service, Sonia challenges traditional notions of leadership and resilience—offering a new blueprint rooted in collective power, rest, and sustainability.