Theme: In retrospect . . .

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

The Vets
One Ave of the Arts
Providence, Rhode Island, 02903
United States

Carlene Fonseca

Carlene Fonseca is the CEO of The Greatest You Consulting, where she empowers individuals to center wellness and healing in their lives through innovative workshops, public speaking, and a wellness product line. She is a trailblazing millennial, survivor, and mental health and recovery community advocate with over 15 years of unique personal and professional experiences. As a first-generation Cape Verdean American, Carlene believes that education, mental health wellness, financial empowerment, and self-advocacy are the keys to healing and living a happier life. In November 2023, Carlene took on the role of Statewide Director for the Rhode Island Afterschool Network, bringing her expertise and passion for youth and community development to the forefront. Additionally, Carlene spent four years on the Central Falls City Council, demonstrating her commitment to public service and community advocacy. She continues to educate and inspire as a faculty member at College Unbound, where she supports non-traditional adult learners. Carlene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Criminology from The George Washington University. A lifelong learner, she is also a certified Social Emotional Learning facilitator and yoga instructor, bringing a trauma-informed lens to all her work.

Frank Williams

Frank J. Williams is the former Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He was appointed by Governor Lincoln Almond and unanimously confirmed by the state legislature in January 2001, after serving for five years as Associate Justice of the Superior Court. On December 30, 2003, the President of the United States, through the Secretary of Defense, invited Chief Justice Williams to be a member of the then Military Commissions Review Panel for tribunals to be held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with the rank of Major General. The Military Commissions Act of 2006 created the Court of Military Commission Review on which Williams serves as Chief Judge. Chief Justice Williams is also one of the nation’s leading authorities on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, and one of the country’s most renowned Lincoln collectors, having amassed an unsurpassed private library and archive that ranks among the nation’s largest and finest. In addition, for more than twenty years he has been widely acknowledged as the foremost leader of America’s Lincoln fraternity – the large, nationwide community of Lincoln historians, students, and enthusiasts.

John Tarantino

John Tarantino, a lifelong Rhode Island resident and renowned attorney, has built a remarkable career spanning over 40 years. As President Emeritus and Senior Counsel at Adler, Pollock & Sheehan P.C., John has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of America’s top lawyers by Best Lawyers of America.

Shannon Shallcross

Currently, Shannon is the head of Client Services for the Silicon Valley-based InsurTech Pinpoint Predictive. Pinpoint uses big data, deep learning and behavioral economics to quantify unpriceable risks for top P&C insurers. Shallcross serves as an appointee for the State of Rhode Island’s HIE Advisory Commission which oversees technology that connects data across health care providers throughout the state. She has a Master of Science degree in Insurance Management from Boston University.