Theme: Uncharted Echoes

In a world filled with voices, some resonate far beyond their origins. Uncharted Echoes explores ideas and stories that transcend boundaries, sparking curiosity and reshaping the future. It symbolizes the once-unheard voices that now demand attention.
This theme invites speakers to share bold, unconventional perspectives with global relevance - whether through groundbreaking innovations, untold personal journeys, or transformative visions that challenge conventions and inspire change.
TEDxIllinois Tech brings together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers for a day of inspiring talks and engaging discussions. This independently organized TEDx event will feature speakers from diverse backgrounds, each sharing their unique perspectives under the theme Uncharted Echoes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in groundbreaking ideas, connect with forward-thinking individuals, and be part of a global TEDx experience!
Be part of an unforgettable experience - where ideas spark action and echoes turn into movements!

Ogilvie Auditorium - Conviser Law Center
565 W Adams St
Chicago, IL, Illinois, 60661
United States

Alfie Payne

Technical Director & Digital Transformation Consultant

Alfie Payne is an Independent Technical Director with StracomHQ who consults with international brands on complex migrations, systems integrations and technical change programmes. He combines his technical background with his proven commercial experience to understand what needs to happen to make software work more effectively for processes throughout an organization for affective adoption. This follows time as a Managing Director at a technical development agency, and working as an eCommerce Director for household B2C retail brands.

Amy Lee Segami

Innovation Strategist, Mechanical Engineer & Creator of Painting On Water™

Amy Lee Segami is a trusted advisor to executives, innovators, and business leaders navigating complex challenges. As president of Segami, Inc., she helps organizations drive transformational growth through a blend of science, strategy, and synergy. Trained as a mechanical engineer with an advanced degree from Illinois Tech, she is a life member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society. She has worked on projects for NASA, Fermilab, Dow, and Meeting Professionals International. She also developed the award-winning Painting On Water™ process, with works featured in private collections, the Museum of New Mexico, and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. BBC, NPR, and Crain’s Chicago Business showcased her unique application of art, science, and business. Her innovative leadership has earned multiple awards and recognitions.

April Welch

Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives | Director, Esports and Digital Arts Center

April Welch is the Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Director of the Esports and Digital Arts Center at Illinois Institute of Technology. A passionate advocate for education, technology, and community empowerment, she leads initiatives that open doors for students and community members alike — from establishing Illinois Tech's thriving esports program to helping secure a $2 million federal grant for the Bronzeville Opportunity Engine. Welch has spoken at major events such as C2E2, IdeaCon, and the Canadian Games Study Association Conference, and co-hosts the Warrior GMR podcast. Her work has been featured on ABC 7 News, NPR, and WVON Chicago. With degrees in Business Administration, Fine Arts, Applied Professional Studies, and Technical Communication, she is now a Ph.D. candidate at Illinois Tech. Welch’s leadership reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and building the next generation of tech leaders.

Azzam Abu Hamdan

Cybersecurity Engineer & Innovator | Career Development Mentor

Azzam Abu Hamdan is a cybersecurity engineer who believes that the greatest innovations happen at the intersection of technology and human connection. With experience at industry leaders such as Amazon and Tesla, Azzam combines deep technical expertise with a passion for helping others unlock career opportunities through relationship-building and strategic networking. In his TEDx talk, he shares how social engineering — often seen as a hacking technique — can be reimagined as a force for good to transform lives and careers. Azzam holds a Master's degree in Cybersecurity and is dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals to lead, innovate, and connect in a rapidly changing world.

Cesar Almeida

Creative Producer and Cultural Strategist

Cesar Almeida is a creative producer and cultural strategist who leads global media and education projects that center justice, art, and community. Some examples of these projects include introducing urban youth to the outdoors through music and film, increasing diplomatic ties between nations through hip-hop programs, and giving philanthropic organizations a platform to highlight their investment into our collective humanity and environment. Rooted in Chicago’s vibrant creative scene, Cesar founded Creative Capitol, a global media arts and marketing agency that is growing to become a creative infrastructure where artists, partners, and causes meet to turn stories into movements.

Don DeLoach

Technology Executive, Author & Innovation Catalyst

Don DeLoach is a distinguished technology executive, board member, and adjunct faculty member at Illinois Tech. He is deeply committed to the commercialization of technology and the advancement of emerging entrepreneurs as well as struggling companies within the cyber-physical domain. With over 30 years of experience as a CEO, author, and board member, Don has a proven track record of successfully leading or advising startups and facilitating strategic pivots for B2B technology firms, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems.

Dr. Maurice Dawson Jr.

Cybersecurity & AI Expert + Director, Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education

Dr. Maurice Dawson Jr. is an Associate Professor of Information Technology and Management at Illinois Tech and Director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education (C2SAFE). A Fulbright Scholar and globally recognized expert, his work spans cybersecurity, AI, and critical infrastructure protection. Dr. Dawson has advised governments worldwide and published extensively in top journals. His research focuses on AI-driven intrusion detection, counterterrorism, and digital transformation in developing nations. He promotes cybersecurity education through experiential learning, OSINT tools, and international collaboration. Holding doctorates from London Metropolitan University and Colorado Technical University, he also leads global study abroad programs and mentors underrepresented students in tech, equipping future leaders with the skills to tackle global security challenges.

Dr. Thaer Ahmad

Emergency Medicine Physician & Global Health Humanitarian

Dr. Thaer Ahmad is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago. He serves as Assistant Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program and as Global Health Director for the Emergency Department. A member of the medical ethics committee at Advocate Christ, Dr. Ahmad also teaches as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois and as an adjunct assistant clinical professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He is a board member of the Palestinian American Medical Association and a former board member of MedGlobal. Dr. Ahmad has led healthcare capacity-building and emergency response initiatives across Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, Greece, Lebanon, and Palestine.

Jasleen Bedi

Web Developer & Community Empowerment Advocate

Jasleen Bedi is a Senior Associate Application Engineer at Discover, driven by a deep passion for web development and community empowerment. Originally from India, she moved to the United States 11 years ago with a dream to become a successful web developer—a dream she continues to fulfill every day. With a Master's degree in Web Development and Databases from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, Jasleen’s professional journey spans a wide range of technologies and domains beyond just web development. Beyond her technical expertise, Jasleen is a committed mentor and volunteer who believes strongly in giving back. She lives by the principles of gratitude, coexistence, and paying it forward, striving to uplift and empower those around her through every opportunity she gets.

Jennifer deWinter

Dean & Expert in Japanese Media and Game Development

Jennifer deWinter is Dean of Lewis College of Science and Letters at Illinois Institute of Technology. She is an expert in Japanese media and production, often going to Japan to work on projects and research in the areas of video games, anime, and built environments. Prior to joining Illinois Tech in 2022, she was the director of the Interactive Media and Game Development Program at WPI, where she took students to Japan to do game and media production, urban renewal projects, and cultural studies.

Joshua Bandoch

Public Policy Advocate and Persuasive Communications Strategist

Josh Bandoch works at the intersection of cutting-edge persuasive advocacy and rigorous public policy research. His forthcoming book on persuasion, due in 2026, draws on years of experience advising senior leaders on strategic communication. His policy advocacy focuses on making the American Dream a reality for more people—emphasizing the need to expand social mobility and reduce poverty. There is too much poverty and not enough social mobility. Josh is committed to turning that around.

Michael Roytman

Cybersecurity Data Scientist & Tech Entrepreneur

Michael Roytman is the Co-Founder and CTO of Empirical Security. Prior to that he was a Distinguished Engineer, AI/ML at Cisco and Chief Data Scientist at Kenna Security. Michael has spoken at RSA, BlackHat, the World Economic Forum, BSides, Metricon, Infosec Europe and SIRAcon. Michael is the author of Modern Vulnerability Management: Predictive Cybersecurity. His work focuses on cybersecurity data science and Bayesian algorithms, and he served on the boards for Society of Information Risk Analysts, Cryptomove, Forbes, and Social Capital. He was the cofounder and executive chair of Dharma Platform (acquired, BAO Systems), for which he landed on the 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 list. He cofounded Sputnik Coffee Company, Timeout's 2021 best coffee shop in Chicago. Michael holds an M.S. in Operations Research from Georgia Tech and serves on the Forbes Technology Council.

Mohammad Anas Hussain

Philosopher-Technologist | Decentralized Systems Architect

Anas Hussain is a builder and thinker at the intersection of philosophy, technology, and the pursuit of freedom. With a track record of building everything from cryptocurrencies to AI-powered platforms, he leads with vision, precision, and purpose. In his TEDx talk, Anas explores how Hegelian dialectics echo through the world of decentralized finance—and why embracing the tension between opposing forces may be the key to designing the future. Guided by his personal motto, “Chase influence, not fame,” Anas believes real impact is built in the shadows long before it’s seen in the spotlight.

Rich Klein

Dean, Stuart School of Business | Expert in Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success

Rich Klein is the Dean of the Stuart School of Business at Illinois Institute of Technology, where he leads efforts to innovate business education and foster student success. Previously, he served as Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and held leadership and faculty positions at Florida International University and Clemson University. His research explores inter-organizational information systems, connecting academia and real-world business challenges. Klein holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Georgia State University, along with degrees in economics and technology management. He is a graduate of Harvard’s education leadership programs and a U.S. Army aviation veteran. With over a decade of industry experience and service on major executive boards, Dean Klein brings a unique perspective on leadership, technology, and education transformation.

Suha Imran Moten

Medical Student, Researcher & Advocate for Inclusive Medicine

Suha Imran Moten is a second-year medical student, researcher, and mentor dedicated to building a more inclusive, human-centered future in medicine. As the eldest daughter of South Asian immigrants and a proud hijabi, she’s overcome academic setbacks and cultural challenges with resilience and purpose. Suha holds a master’s in biomedical sciences from Midwestern University and has authored over seven peer-reviewed publications. She's coached regional-recognized hijabi sports teams, been featured on ABC7 News for her leadership, and is currently working on her first book. Through mentorship, research, and advocacy, Suha empowers young women to lead, speak up, and claim their space in medicine and beyond.