This spring the University of Nebraska at Omaha will host another TED Talk series.
Ted Talks were created as a means of fostering a culture of learning and engagement. They’re not meant to be lectures; but rather a short, informative, entertaining and thought-provoking presentation in 18 minutes or less to a small audience.
TEDxUNO 2016 organizer recently announced its speaker lineup for the Feb. 13 event held in the Strauss Performing Arts Center.
This year’s theme is “Breaking Through,” with speakers ranging from an entrepreneur to a scientist and a comedian.
“There is probably no better theme for our second year hosting TEDxUNO,” said Ben Jager, TEDxUNO organizer and UNO’s associate director of student activities. “As Mavericks, we know a thing or two about breaking boundaries and this year’s speakers are great examples of that Maverick spirit.”
This year’s speakers are:
Omar Correa
Correa is a UNO administrator focused on enrollment, and responsible for developing and implementing a dynamic plan that supports UNO’s strategic priorities. A firm believer in the power of education, Correa also believes everyone should look for their own breakthrough moment.
Stacey Flowers
Flowers is an international speaker, business strategist, and author known for connecting happiness to peak performance. Stacey’s hope is to teach people to live beyond preconceptions, boundaries, and limiting beliefs.
Dr. Jay Irwin
Dr. Irwin is a medical sociologist at UNO who researches and teaches in the areas of sexuality; LGBTQ identities and health; and social causes of health and illness. He is involved in campus and community social and advocacy groups.
Heather Jones
Jones is a two-time winner of the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards’ “Best Comedian” category and has been nominated again this year. She’s a founding member of Big Canvas Improv, a nonprofit organization that performs and teaches classes with a mission that comedy is for everyone.
Grace Kolbo
Kolbo is a vocal performance student at UNO, studying the benefits of a mind-body conditioning program when used by singers. Grace uses the Nia Technique as a vehicle through which to practice and promote mind-body awareness and self-empowerment.
Ricky Mercado
Mercado is a first-generation American, and a business student at UNO. He strives to promote a positive image of Mexican immigrants and to promote self-acceptance, as he explores the meaning of what it means to be an American.
Hannah Olson
Olson is a UNO student and a successful entrepreneur. She has been a fashion designer and owner of her own business, Hannah Caroline Couture, since her senior year of high school.
Jeff Slobotski
A UNO alumnus, Slobotski leads a team of engineers, designers and strategists at Wave Interactive. He founded Router Ventures, an angel investment fund that connects talented people and impactful companies with global resources.
Dr. Nicholas Stergiou
Dr. Stergiou is the director of UNO’s Biomechanics Research Building and is an international authority in the study of human movement. His research has impacted training techniques of surgeons, as well as treatment and rehabilitation techniques.
Nancy Williams
Williams is on the Board of Directors for No More Empty Pots, a grassroots nonprofit corporation that promotes local, sustainable business to improve self-sufficiency and regional food security through advocacy and action.
Hugo Zamorano
Zamorano is a UNO student with a talent for creative expression that gives back to the community. He discovered graffiti art and hip-hop while growing up in Los Angeles; he began to grow as an artist and advocate after he moved to Omaha.
Tickets are $10 for students and $25 for the general public. You can purchase tickets at tedxuno.com. Parking is free and will be available for attendees.
