Theme: Collective Belonging

Join us on the stage, in the audience, or online for TEDxWCC at Towsley Auditorium on the Washtenaw Community College Campus.

Thursday, April 10, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m.

5:30pm - Student poster presentations, live improv performances, and engaging activities.

6:30pm - MainStage speakers perform live and on Zoom. Click the blue 'Attend this Event' button near the top of this page to join on Zoom!

Washtenaw Community College
4800 Huron River Drive
Morris Lawrence Building - Towsley Auditorium
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105
United States

Dylan Orsolini

Writer, storyteller, orator, baker, and materials engineer

Dylan Orsolini is a writer, storyteller, orator, baker, and materials engineer. The universe is full of fascinating details, and the closer you look, the more there is to see. Dylan Hopes that his stories will inspire curiosity and awe for the world around us.

Jason Thompson

Communication Studies and Veteran

Jason Thompson, proud Washtenaw Community College alumnus, is currently studying Communications and Media at the University of Michigan. When he’s not pursuing his dream of returning to WCC as an educator, he’s moonlighting as a writer, podcast host, dog dad, and collector of rare and hard-to-find records. A highly decorated 24-year veteran of the U.S. Naval Service.

Jennifer German

Owner, Integrate Ed

Jennifer German is a seasoned professional with expertise in software engineering, education, and space science outreach. A Harvard-educated engineer, she spent 18 years in software development, excelling in problem-solving, mentoring, and technical leadership at companies like Amplifinity and InfoReady Corporation. She later transitioned into medical education, attending Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2024, Jennifer founded Integrate Ed, Inc., pioneering immersive 3D learning tools for medical students. Passionate about science outreach, she has been a NASA Solar System Ambassador since 2017, engaging communities in space exploration. With a strong foundation in technology, education, and science communication, Jennifer continues to drive innovation and inspire learning across disciplines.

Jessica Hale

Professional Faculty, English and College Readiness

Dr. Hale is a faculty member in the Department of English and College Readiness at Washtenaw Community College. She earned an M.A. in English from Indiana University (2023), an Ed.D. from Eastern Michigan University (2010) and a M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Michigan (2003).

Kristina Moreno

Environmental Justice

Kristina Moreno is a dedicated professional with experience in various facets of the service industry. She has a passion for environmental justice and enjoys working on community outreach. In her free time, she reads as many books as she can and loves being outside.

Lukas Hendricks

Educator and Student

Lukas Hendricks is an educator for AAPS and a current student at Washtenaw Community College. They are originally from Flint, Michigan, graduating from Grand Blanc High School in 2016. Lukas finds motivation in supporting students and creating an environment where they feel valued and heard. Outside of their work, they enjoy reading, playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends, and immersing themselves in storytelling. As an openly queer individual, Lukas is committed to authenticity and fostering inclusive spaces both personally and professionally.

Michelle Silverthorn

Key Note Speaker

Michelle Silverthorn is an award-winning global keynote speaker who believes each of us deserves to belong, thrive, and succeed. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School, Michelle has lent her expertise to Fortune 500 companies, law firms, Hollywood studios, law schools and universities, and non-profits around the world. From eight-person workshops to 1000-person conferences, Michelle equips everyone with the necessary tools and skills to finally make real progress on belonging and inclusion. Michelle is a TEDx speaker, a best-selling author, and was recently named by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 250 Female Founders in the world. You can receive her newsletter about authenticity, allyship, and inclusion every week.

Roman Karas

Health Studies Student

Roman Karas is a 16-year-old junior at Washtenaw Technical Middle College and a dedicated multi-sport athlete who competes for WCC basketball and high school ultimate frisbee. Roman’s interest in the physical and psychological pressures young athletes face has inspired him to advocate for a more supportive framework for youth sports culture. TEDxWCC was founded by five students, including Roman, in 2023 where he served as Project Manager and later as Volunteer Coordinator in 2024. He is thrilled to join the main stage presenters in 2025!

Zach Damon

Actor, voice actor, and broadcaster

Zach Damon is an award-winning professional actor, voice actor, and broadcaster. His voice can be heard on stations all across the United States and Canada. He is also the owner of Zach Damon Productions, LLC. The company produces local television, radio, and web-based media content for distribution. Since the early 1990s, Zach has been an advocate for disability issues through public speaking and media work.