Theme: Ideas Brewin'

We all know the struggle of dragging ourselves out of bed in the morning or pushing through the sluggish hours of a long workday. But we also know the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the soothing fragrance of steeping tea—little moments of warmth that help us power through. Just like a perfect cup of coffee or tea, our speakers have been brewing up some incredible ideas, and we can’t wait for you to hear them! Join us for an inspiring night at TEDxJHU’s Spring Event, where we’ll dive into fresh perspectives, thought-provoking conversations, and a theme that’s sure to energize. We can’t wait to share this experience with you—see you there!

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy
3701 San Martin Drive Bloomberg 366 Baltimore, MD 21218
Baltimore, Maryland, 21218
United States

Anthony Ware

Mindset Coach, Magician, and Transformational Speaker

Anthony Ware is dedicated to helping professionals on the cusp of leadership redefine their limits and step into their most empowered selves. A U.S. Army veteran, he understands the power of discipline, resilience, and strategic action—principles that have guided his own journey of transformation. His story is one of overcoming the odds. From battling crippling social anxiety and surviving kidney cancer to enduring personal loss and building a thriving entertainment business, he has turned adversity into fuel for growth. His signature AWAREof 2.0 framework is a powerful blueprint for breaking through self-doubt, overcoming perfectionism, and creating lasting change—with an essential ingredient: fun. With a unique blend of strategic coaching, real-world experience, and a touch of magic, Anthony empowers others to take decisive action toward their goals. His talk will reveal the mindset shifts and practical steps that create unstoppable personal transformation—one bold step at a time.

Elena Manjavacas

ESA/AURA Astronomer at STScI for the NIRSpec instrument onboard the JWST telescope

Elena Manjavacas was born in a farmer’s family in Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca, Spain), a small town in the area of La Mancha. She graduated in 2010 in Physics from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain). In 2011, she obtained her Master in Astrophysics from the Universidad Complutense and Autonoma de Madrid (Spain). While continuing studies 2011 to 2015 at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (Heidelberg, Germany), she completed her PhD thesis in the field of Low-Mass Stars, Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets. Returning to Spain in 2015, she held her first postdoctoral position at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC). In 2016 she accepted her second postdoctoral position, working at the University of Arizona, where she worked on characterizing the clouds in Brown Dwarfs and exoplanets. In late 2018, she transitioned to a position as Staff Astronomer at the W. M. Keck Observatory, in Hawaii, which she held from January 2019 through October 2020.

Phillip Wilkerson

Employer Engagement Consultant at GMU Career Services

Earlier in 2024, Philip was nominated as the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s “Mentor of the Year” for supporting other higher education professionals throughout the country by demonstrating leadership and providing exceptional support his mentee(s). Additionally, he received the “Pillar Award,” which recognizes a GMU staff member who supports Black students. Most recently, he was honored with the Spirit of Giving Award from GMU Advancement for his dedication to fostering community and philanthropy. Philip is also a published author of the book Forty Years of Advice and serves as the faculty advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the GMU NAACP chapter. In his free time, he hosts a podcast called Positive Philter, which focuses on well-being and Toastmasters. He is married to Maggie Wilkerson, LCSW (JMU Class of 2007, Social Work), and is the proud father of two boys, Bennett and Miles.

Rosslyn Green

Social Worker

Rosslyn Green is a dedicated social worker who cares deeply about social justice, community development, and client support. She strives to meet her clients' needs with compassion and commitment, always looking for ways to make a difference. A strong advocate for battling food insecurity, Rosslyn believes that access to nutritious food is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for growth. Through her work, she helps individuals and families navigate food assistance programs while promoting long-term, sustainable solutions. Rosslyn is always learning, collaborating, and working toward a future where everyone has the resources they need to thrive.