Under the morning sun, eager attendees gathered at the Memorial Ballroom for a TEDx event that promised to redefine their understanding of leadership. TEDx U of North Dakota, a dynamic gathering, brought together seven captivating speakers and two performances that left the audience teetering on the edge of their seats.
TED, an acronym for “Technology, Entertainment, and Design,” stands as a beacon of “Ideas Worth Spreading.” This nonprofit organization, formed in 1984, has been the driving force behind short, impactful talks that challenge and inspire. TEDx events, independently organized worldwide, bring these ideas closer to local communities, akin to a TED conference.
At the helm of TEDx U of North Dakota was Toyosi Ololo, a distinguished professor in the University of North Dakota’s Department of Communications. With prior event-hosting experience in her home country, Nigeria, involving as many as 500 volunteers, Ololo collaborated with Hayley Bjork and Tamara Bertram from the Center for Innovation, as well as several dedicated student and faculty members, to orchestrate this event.
The event marked a new chapter in the University of North Dakota’s history, as its partnership with TEDx, Ololo and her team wholeheartedly took up the challenge to put on an independently organized event. The journey began with a warm welcome from Dr. Art Malloy and Dr. Hamzat Koriko.
With a strict 18-minute time limit per speaker, punctuated by an intermission for lunch and networking opportunities, the event’s rhythm matched the heartbeat of its engaged audience. Students flowed in and out between sessions, absorbing the lessons of each speaker.
Matthew Anderson, an advocate for the transformative power of relationships, set the stage by revealing the shocking superpower hidden within human connections. Averie Eixenberger followed, shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked little leaders who impact our personal lives and exploring the qualities that define them.
The event received an artistic interlude with a mesmerizing performance by Clearly Celtic, a trio of string instruments that wove a tapestry of Celtic-inspired melodies.
Ronald Hummons, a dedicated childhood trauma activist, flew all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio, moved the audience by shedding light on the pressing issue of childhood trauma and his mission to secure a nationwide emergency declaration. Jeremy Holloway, an Assistant Professor, offered a profound perspective on the role of social connection in the well-being of the elderly.
Dr. Douglas C. Munski, a venerable faculty member with decades of experience, captivated the audience with his unconventional metaphor, likening leadership to the intricate layers of Baklava. Ted Mullin, a scholar-athlete, led us on a journey through the misconceptions of leadership, ultimately revealing how we can lead ourselves.
Another performance was had with North Dakota Klezmer, providing a swanky set of tunes to bring the audience into a final push in preparation of the final speaker. With Dr. Grace Karikari, an educator-scholar, delving into the depths of self-leadership and holistic wellness.
These captivating talks at TEDx U of North Dakota ignited sparks of leadership potential within the attendees. They underscored the beauty of diverse leadership styles and left us with insights to ponder and apply in both our academic and personal lives.
David Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
