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Meet the
Team
Our Story
TEDxAtlanta is one of 2500+ local TED affiliates across the globe and its license holder Jacqui Chew is widely recognized in the global TEDx community as a pioneer organizer.
Originally operating under the TEDxPeachtree name, we produced one of the first 25 TEDx events in the world in 2009! In 2018, we rebranded to TEDxAtlanta and continue to organize the largest, and longest-running TEDx event in Georgia and beyond.
TEDxAtlanta is an initiative of Ideas into Action, a Georgia-registered nonprofit founded on the belief in the power of ideas to build stronger communities.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDxAtlanta is part of TED’s TEDx program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but TEDxAtlanta events are organized by local volunteers. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
Since 2009, more than 40,000 TEDx events (and counting) have been held in over 130 countries.
TEDxAtlanta
Licensee/Curator

Jacqui Chew
Licensee / Organizer

Jacqui Chew
Licensee / Organizer
When not dreaming up the latest community-building experience, she relishes grokking ideas across science, tech, design and entertainment with friends across the globe.
❤️ Talk: Why you should make useless things. / Simone Giertz
"Simone's indomitable spirit and the simple message of 'always be asking questions' gave me the joy and lift I need at just the right moment in my life."
Operations

Laura Toro
Finance Wrangler

Laura Toro
Finance Wrangler
❤️ Talk: When do kids start to care about the opinion of others'? / Sara Valencia Bottoi
"This talk taught me that we have the power to change the value of people around us."

Katie Hart
Speaker Experience

Katie Hart
Speaker Experience
Her hobbies include cooking, event photography, tasting wine and supporting her husband's music career.
❤️ Talk: How great leaders inspire. / Simon Sinek
"This reminds me that at the core of everything we do is the "why," which is also the thing that motivates our actions - both for the little things and the big! I have used the Golden Circle in everyday life and to deliver messages I really need to hit home."
Speaker Coaches

Diana Stoian
Coach / Special Projects

Diana Stoian
Coach / Special Projects
When she is not tackling the complexities of commercial real estate investments, Diana serves as a TEDxAtlanta coach. A speaker coached by Diana is among the 16 TEDxAtlanta speakers to be featured by TED.
❤️ Talk:

Joanne Simon-Walters
Coach

Joanne Simon-Walters
Coach
Her TEDxSaintThomas talk on eliminating workplace bullying has been viewed more than 37,000 times and continues to enjoy broad appeal.
❤️ Talk: The danger of a single story. / Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"I recommend this talk to everyone! In her talk, Dr. Adichie reminds us why it is important to connect with people as individuals rather than assuming understanding based on a one-dimensional view of a particular culture. I see this as the only way to, as Dr.Adichie says, '...regain a kind of paradise.'"

Roddy Galbraith
Coach

Roddy Galbraith
Coach
Roddy serves as a faculty member for the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, an international team made up certified teachers, trainers and coaches.
❤️ Talk:

Jay Hughes
Coach

Jay Hughes
Coach
When not translating complex concepts for the lay person, Jay enjoys family time and an active lifestyle which includes kickboxing.
❤️ Talk: How early childhood trauma affectshealth across a lifetime. / Nadine Burke Harris
"Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’ TED talk unpacking the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study exposed me to new insights into the direct correlation between childhood trauma and the impact that trauma has on an adult’s health. The talk equipped me with new information but more importantly opened my heart to be more empathetic to those that seek support for the consequences that arise from past and current traumatic experiences.
I struggled to stay engaged throughout my grade school years. If I had teachers who could “create magic” while delivering the curriculum I believe my grade school career would have been more enjoyable."

Jermail Shelton
Coach

Jermail Shelton
Coach
When he isn't supporting speakers, Jermail is the keeper of relationships at just add tea company and one of its most avid tea tasters.
❤️ Talk: Teach teachers how to create magic. / Christopher Emdin
"I struggled to stay engaged throughout my grade school years. If I had teachers who could “create magic” while delivering the curriculum I believe my grade school career would have been more enjoyable."
Production / Audience Xperience

Gabriella Marvin
Head of Production

Sophie Desert
Head of Audience Xperience

Sophie Desert
Head of Audience Xperience
After work, and not just under the shower, you can find Sophie attending live music events in the audience or as a singer on stage.
❤️ Talk: Teach girls bravery, not perfection. / Reshma Saujani
"It is a different approach to today's gender inequalities especially in education and the tech industry."

Laura Toro
Audience Xperience

Laura Toro
Audience Xperience
❤️ Talk: When do kids start to care about the opinion of others'? / Sara Valencia Bottoi
"This talk taught me that we have the power to change the value of people around us."
Storytelling

Tammy Huynh
Project Manager

Tammy Huynh
Project Manager
She is the founder of a design agency that serves clients across the country.
❤️ Talk: I am not your Asian stereotype. / Canwen Xu
"This talk is my favorite because I wish I had her courage at 18 to stand on a stage to be proud of my culture and heritage. Her talk was incredibly relatable, and I take a lot of elements from this talk into my work today."

Brigitte Cutshall
Project Manager - Mainstage
Ideas into Action
Board of Directors

Jacqui Chew
President & Chair

Jacqui Chew
President & Chair
When not dreaming up the latest community-building experience, she relishes grokking ideas across science, tech, design and entertainment with friends across the globe.
❤️ Talk: Why you should make useless things. / Simone Giertz
"Simone's indomitable spirit and the simple message of 'always be asking questions' gave me the joy and lift I need at just the right moment in my life."

Gabriella Marvin
Secretary

Saurav Bhandari
Treasurer

Saurav Bhandari
Treasurer
A thrill-seeker at heart, on rare days/nights that when he isn't working, you can find him solo-camping, motorcycling, mountain biking, off-roading, kayaking, or at an Atlanta United game.
❤️ Talk: "The real reason why we are tired and what to do about it." / Saundra Dalton-Smith.
"This talk inspired me to get back into doing what I love, mountain biking and motorcycling to get my psychological Rest."