Atembe Giles is a communications professional with 15 years of experience crafting brand messages and communications strategies for various organizations and industries around the world, including education, healthcare, fashion, travel & tourism, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). A former educator in the US, France, and South Korea, she loves learning and teaching about multicultural experiences and storytelling in all forms, from history to dance to television. She is passionate about using the power of words and expression to help people become better connected with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Read more to learn about Atembe’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
I’ve always been a fan of TED Talks and TEDx experiences. I experienced my first TEDx event as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my most recent TEDx experience was a few years ago in Seoul, South Korea. I really appreciated that no matter where in the world you are, you can find a place with other people who are also interested in sharing ideas, self-improvement, and learning more about the world and making it a better place. I’m new to Atlanta, so I wanted to find a space where I could meet new people and connect with others, but also learn more about what’s brewing in Atlanta and play a role in giving back to the community.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. She verbalized so many of my lived experiences and feelings about myself that I never knew how to express, and made me feel more comfortable and empowered about who I am.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Welcoming, educational, and collaborative.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Besides finally working my first TEDx conference, I’d say it was my first time meeting the team in person. It was at a storage facility to move all the TEDxAtlanta props and decorations to another location. It may seem like an insignificant experience, but it was my first exposure to seeing how these different personalities got along, worked together, considered each other and other people, and really cared about what we’re doing with TEDx. We met at another volunteer’s house after to have dinner and some social time, and I enjoyed the genuine conversations we had about our cultures, life experiences, and plans for the future. It made me excited about continuing to work with everyone on future TEDxAtlanta events.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Absolutely everything that you see is due to the work of volunteers: months of planning, dedicating weekend and evening hours outside your regular 9-5, scheduling meetings virtually and in-person, fundraising and sponsorships…it’s a lot of work. But everyone’s time is respected and appreciated, whether you can dedicate 10 hours a week or one hour. It’s cool to see how passionate people are about their work with TEDx.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
It’s another outlet of creativity for me. I get to do work that I don’t normally get to do in my job, and it’s nice to activate those other parts of my brain throughout the week, which helps with mental health and feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s given me an outlet to fine-tune skills I don’t use everyday in my current job, but are still valuable skills to have, such as photography, social media content creation, and sales. I’ve learned how effective partnerships work between organizations and between people. I’m seeing, through our speakers, how opportunities are limitless when it comes to using your passion and knowledge as a force to bring about positive change. And I’m growing more confident in sharing my ideas and opinions, especially when it comes to trying to make something better.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
It’s a great way to be an active part of your community, gain exposure to new perspectives, and improve or learn new skills. Everyone’s contribution is significant, no matter the task, and it all goes towards a mission that’s about helping people and communities grow. The likely and unlikely connections you’ll make is definitely one of the best parts of volunteering with TEDx.
To connect with Atembe, you can find her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
