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).

Performing Arts Center
430 Moon Street
San Marcos, Texas, 78666
United States

Andy Bell

Andy Bell is driven to create a meaningful impact in the world by reimagining education to bring a lifelong love of learning to ALL kids. As a cancer survivor, engineer, educator, father, public speaker, and executive leader, his relentless focus is finding the potential in all things and collaboratively building innovative solutions to ensure today's youth thrive. As Director of Innovation & Ecosystems at LEGO Education, he helped bring groundbreaking STEM learning solutions that inspire creativity to millions of students across the globe through the LEGO MINDSTORMS and WeDo product lines. As the CEO of Thinkery, he is equitably expanding access to joyful learning experiences through new educational models including a first-of-its-kind neighborhood museum embedded in a Title 1 public school. He passionately works as an advocate and thought leader serving on the Advisory Board for SXSW EDU, the Champions Board for the Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem, and the Board of Directors for the Center for Engineering and Education Outreach at Tufts University.

Dr. Aitiana Sanchez-Garciaguirre

Dr. Aitiana Sanchez-Garciaguirre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, a wife, and a proud mother. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, I earned my B.S. in Psychology from Texas State University and went on to complete my M.A. in Experimental Psychology and Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso. Her work focuses on resilience research, especially in connection with minority stress and health disparities among Hispanic students. She is passionate about building interventions that empower individuals to thrive despite adversity, using insights from her personal background and academic training to foster resilience and health equity.

Dr. Judy Oskam

Dr. Judy Oskam is a Texas State University Professor and serves as the director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She has a Master of Science in Mass Communication and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Earlier in her career, Judy worked in television news and public relations. Judy is a Gallop-Certified Strengths Coach, Tiny Habits Certified Coach, and Thrive Certified Coach. Her podcast, Stories of Change and Creativity, features interviews with interesting people who inspire, educate, and motivate.

Dr. Omar S. Lopez

Dr. Omar Lopez, a Professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies, is a STEM Higher Education Reformer. A proud native of south Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, his passion lies in using transdisciplinary methodologies to solve some of the thorniest problems confronting society's most vulnerable populations. His recent research examines the nexus between higher education preparation and STEM workforce readiness.

Dr. Zach Thomas

Dr. Zachary Thomas completed his doctorate at Texas State University in the School Improvement program in 2023. His research focuses on creativity and imagination’s value in traditional school systems, and how divergent thinking can transform learning. Zach holds a Master of Arts in Education (Emphasis: Psychology) from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Indiana University. Currently teaching in Austin, Texas, Zach continues to cultivate his unique educational praxis.

Sergio Carvajal-Leoni

Sergio Carvajal-Leoni is a storyteller, researcher, and cultural advocate with over two decades of experience telling stories across multiple platforms, including film, music, interactive media, and live events. Based in Texas, he is the creator of italchannel.tv, an edutainment platform celebrating Italian culture, as well as El Gallo and the Texas cult film Tiramisu for Two. His film work has been featured at renowned festivals, including Tribeca, South by Southwest, and Traverse City. A master’s graduate in Journalism and Mass Communications from Texas State University, Sergio’s award-winning thesis explored how documentary filmmaking can strengthen the Texan-Italian community. Currently a PhD candidate in Adult, Professional, and Community Education, he also occasionally teaches in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. His recent documentary series, Education is Boring, spotlights innovative approaches to make learning more engaging, reflecting his commitment to connecting communities through media and storytelling as tools for entertainment-education. Sergio is the founder of Tiburon Transmedia, a boutique communications shop based in Austin, Texas, where he collaborates with clients from local organizations to global corporations. Inspired by thinkers like Paulo Freire and Marshall McLuhan, he is exploring critical pedagogy and how we can use digital legacy to facilitate intergenerational learning and create meaningful connections across generations.