Kafi is a dynamic leadership catalyst who curates engaging experiences that bring the art of leading with energy to life. As the author of Fired Up! Lead with Energy and Create Ripples of Impact, she champions positive energy as the key to drawing people in and creating meaningful impact—an antidote to burnout-driven leadership that pushes others away. Whenever she’s not busy with her practice, you’ll find Kafi in the community leading spirited indoor cycling classes, joyfully spinning on the salsa dance floor, or volunteering with local groups and associations.
What first drew me to TEDx was how it sparks conversations and brings big ideas to life. I’ve always loved how TEDx gives people a platform to share stories and insights that can really change perspectives and inspire action. It’s such a unique mix of community, creativity, and impact—and that totally aligns with my passion for creating positive ripples through connection and energy. Being part of something that helps people think differently and connect in meaningful ways just felt like a perfect fit.
All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe. Andy is such an engaging storyteller, and he makes it so easy to see how a simple daily habit like mindfulness can make a big difference in our energy and focus. His approach feels approachable and doable, which is what I love about it!
Exciting, energizing, and impactful.
One of my favorite memories from working with TEDx was in 2024 when I joined the team as a Speaker Sherpa. It was such a cool experience to help speakers with all the behind-the-scenes logistics in the final weeks before the event and to be their go-to person on the big day. There was something so rewarding about being there to calm nerves, answer last-minute questions, and make sure everything ran smoothly so they could shine on stage. Seeing their hard work come to life and knowing I played a part in making it all come together was really special.
One thing people might find surprising about TEDx is that it’s 100% volunteer-driven and planning starts months in advance. The energy and collaboration behind the scenes are incredible—every detail, from coordinating speakers to managing event-day logistics, is handled by people who are passionate about sharing ideas that matter. It’s not just about the Talks; it’s about creating an experience where those ideas can truly come to life for the audience
It has helped me grow in ways I didn’t see coming. In 2023, I joined the team as a Speaker Sherpa, which was all about supporting speakers and managing logistics. It sharpened my ability to stay calm under pressure and think on my feet. This year, in 2025, it’s been exciting to step into one of the Guest Emcee roles, which is stretching me in a whole new way. Along the way, I’ve met so many amazing people, and being surrounded by such inspiring energy has made the experience even more meaningful.
Overall, being part of TEDx has changed how I view teamwork and what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for the little details that make a big impact—whether it’s calming a speaker’s nerves or ensuring everything flows smoothly on event day. It’s also inspired me to stay curious and open to new ideas in my own life, which has been such a fun and unexpected bonus!
Volunteering with TEDx is such a rewarding experience because you get to be part of something truly inspiring. It’s not just about the talks—it’s about working with an incredible team of people, building skills in ways you didn’t expect, and knowing you’re helping bring ideas that matter to life. Whether you’re behind the scenes managing logistics or upfront engaging with speakers, there’s something special about being part of a community that’s all about making an impact.
Sometimes, big change begins with something as small as a bee.
Pollinators — bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and more — are the invisible workforce behind our food, our flowers, even our forests. Without them, plants don’t grow. And yet, these tiny creatures are vanishing at alarming rates.
The good news? You can help. And it only takes 15 minutes.
This August, TEDxAtlanta is teaming up with the University of Georgia’s Great Southeast Pollinator Census. It’s a citizen science project where everyone can make a real difference.
Here’s how it works:
Find a blooming plant. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Watch closely. Every time a pollinator lands, you count.
That’s it. No fancy equipment. No biology degree. Just your eyes, a clipboard, and a willingness to notice what so many of us overlook.
Every observation becomes data that scientists, planners, and conservationists use to protect pollinators and the ecosystems they sustain. Your 15 minutes feeds into something much bigger, showing where pollinators are thriving and where they need help.
Local hands, global impact — the kind of idea that belongs on a TEDxAtlanta stage.
Join us
Bring your curiosity, your family, and maybe a sunhat. We’ll meet on Saturday, 23 August, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Rd NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. You’ll get a quick briefing and a guide to help you tell a bee from a fly, then you’re off to count.
Because small actions can lead to big changes. And change starts with you.
Click here to RSVP today and count yourself in!
Becky Spieth is a powerhouse of leadership development and business strategy, dedicated to helping high-impact leaders step up, stand out, and make an impact that actually lasts. As the CEO of Leaders Empowered, a Maxwell Leadership faculty member, and a TEDx Speaker Coach, she works with executives and multi-generational teams to elevate their influence, boost performance, and create leadership cultures that people actually want to be part of. She’s the secret weapon for turning complex leadership challenges into clear, actionable strategies—whether she’s coaching top executives, mentoring next-gen leaders, or helping thought leaders craft messages that hit home. When she’s not shaping high-performance teams, you’ll find her pouring into leaders worldwide, speaking on leadership strategy, and fueling mission-driven initiatives that spark transformation. Read on to learn more about Becky’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
TEDx is a launchpad for bold ideas and transformative leadership. There’s something incredible about seeing a speaker step onto that stage and deliver a message that doesn’t just land—it shifts perspectives, sparks
action, and reshapes industries. TEDx isn’t just about talking; it’s about leading, inspiring, and making a real impact, which aligns perfectly with my passion for developing high-performance leaders and multi- generational teams. Helping speakers craft messages that connect, inspire, and create lasting change? That’s exactly why I’m here!
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown is one of my all-time favorites because it gets to the heart of real leadership—trust, connection, and authenticity. High-performance teams don’t thrive on strategy alone. The real difference-maker is when leaders create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to bring their best. Brené nails it: leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to shine and building a team where people actually want to give their all.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring, transformative, and energizing.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Coaching speakers through those pivotal moments when they realize the power of their message and step into their confidence is an absolute thrill. It’s exhilarating when everything clicks—the nerves turn into energy, the message lands, and the audience is captivated. Watching that transformation unfold and knowing their message will create a ripple effect far beyond that moment is something I’ll never get tired of. There’s nothing like it!
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Most people don’t realize how much work goes into crafting a TEDx talk—it’s not just about having a great idea. There’s a deep process of refining, rehearsing, and structuring to make it unforgettable. It’s about creating an experience that changes the way people think, lead, and innovate. Behind the scenes, a passionate team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure every detail is aligned to deliver an experience that challenges perspectives, ignites leadership, and drives innovation. The real reward? Seeing someone bring their bold idea to life and watching it create transformation. I love being part of a community that champions the speaker, their passion, and the life-changing impact their message can have.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
TEDx has challenged me to think even deeper about how leaders communicate and given me insights into helping my clients simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. On a personal level, it’s been incredible to be part of a community of changemakers who are just as passionate about leadership development as I am. Being surrounded by people committed to elevating ideas that matter has been both inspiring and energizing. TEDx has been a great reminder that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s
a superpower! The right message, delivered with confidence and clarity, builds trust, sparks action, and creates the kind of impact that lasts. Working with TEDx has made me even more fired up about helping leaders harness their voice, inspire across generations, and shape cultures where people thrive.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
TEDx is so much more than an event—it’s a movement. If you love being part of something bigger than yourself, working with inspiring people, and seeing ideas come to life in real time, then you’ll love being part of this community. Whether you’re coaching speakers, running logistics, or connecting with the audience, you’re playing a role in shaping conversations that can change the world and beyond.
To connect with Becky, check out her LinkedIn.
Three women, one mission: to redesign fashion for people and the planet.
What if the future of fashion isn’t just about what we wear, but how we live?
At Exploring Innovations in Sustainable Fashion, hosted by Ideas into Action in collaboration with Georgia State University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute and Creative Media Industries Institute, that question came to life through bold ideas, unexpected materials and a shared commitment to doing things differently. Set against the backdrop of Atlanta Tech Week, the evening brought together creatives, entrepreneurs and researchers who are transforming the fashion industry with science, intention and heart.
For Tia Robinson, sustainability starts with mindfulness. After years as a certified meditation instructor—and a thriving career in communications—she launched Vertical Activewear, a size-inclusive, sustainable apparel brand rooted in her own personal values. But when COVID disrupted the supply chain, Tia took matters into her own hands—literally—by bringing manufacturing in-house.
Her vertically integrated, on-demand model eliminates the guesswork and overproduction contributing to fashion’s staggering waste problem: 30 to 40% of all garments never sell. Vertical’s B2B membership model allows brands to produce only what they need, while its direct-to-consumer line blends bold design with fit education to reduce returns. No inventory. No landfill overflow. Just slow, smart growth.
Mya Love Griesbaum, a Georgia Tech materials science student and founder of Mycorrhiza Fashion, is growing the future—one mycelial thread at a time. In her lab, white rot fungi break down plastic waste and grow into a leather-like biomaterial. The result? A durable, biodegradable alternative to traditional leather and synthetics, without the environmental cost of livestock or petrochemicals.
What began as a bioremediation research project has evolved into a biomaterials startup that blends fashion, science and environmental justice. Each prototype tells a story—not just of circularity and innovation, but of aesthetics shaped by nature itself. “One of the most loved features,” Mya shared, “is the patterning. Designers don’t see flaws—they see beauty.”
Tanjuria Willis, founder of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, didn’t begin her career in the fashion world. An electrical engineer by training, she was driven into action after her infant daughter experienced unexplained health issues linked to toxic textile chemicals. That journey led her to research, then advocacy, and finally to founding a platform that celebrates local makers and educates the public on how fashion affects our health and environment.
Her wearable designs speak volumes—literally. Tanjuria showcased pieces made from construction fencing, lanyards, game day banners and recycled textiles. Her mission is clear: reduce waste, elevate craft and make sustainability accessible. Through workshops, repair cafés and partnerships, her team empowers others to reuse, reimagine and create beauty from the discarded.
The panelists didn’t just present ideas—they invited dialogue. And the audience delivered.
How can we tell if a brand is greenwashing?
Mya pointed to misleading labels and vague claims—like garments tagged “100% recycled” that refer only to the label itself. Tanjuria and Tia recommended sites likeGood On You andRemake.world, as well as reviewing factory certifications and supply chain transparency.
Does changing 10% of our purchases really make a difference?
Yes. Buying even one of every ten garments from an on-demand or sustainable source can shift retail behavior, reduce waste and signal demand for better practices. Multiply that by millions of consumers, and the impact grows.
What if sustainable fashion feels too expensive or inaccessible?
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” Tanjuria said. “Start where you are.” Whether it’s upcycling a T-shirt into a tote or choosing one mindful purchase, small actions can have a ripple effect.
What’s next for the future of fashion?
The speakers pointed to a convergence of technology, biology and design—from AI-powered patternmaking and 3D printing to compostable fabrics and regenerative sourcing. The shared goal? A fashion industry that heals more than it harms.
Sustainable fashion isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation. And it’s being led by people who aren’t waiting for permission to build something better.
As the evening closed, the message was clear: We all have a role to play. Whether you’re a designer, a student, a shopper or a scientist, the future of fashion is something you can influence—one purchase, one question, one idea at a time.
Want to get involved?
Follow the work of Vertical Activewear, Mycorrhiza Fashion, and Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week
Try the 10% shift: buy just one in ten items from a sustainable source
Rethink, repair or repurpose what’s already in your closet
Fashion shapes culture. Let’s shape it with care.
TEDxAtlanta speakers share fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation and action.
Every year, the world produces more than 400 million tons of plastic. Half of it is designed to be used once. Only 10% gets recycled. And about 11 million tons end up in our water—rivers, lakes, seas and oceans—every single year.
To put that in perspective, that’s the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers.
Plastic pollution is more than a waste problem. It’s a global challenge that affects our health, our communities and our climate. That’s why June 5—World Environment Day—is a reminder to not only understand the impact of plastic waste, but to advocate for solutions that help build a more sustainable future.
Here are just a few ideas from creators and inventors from the TEDx and TED stage who are taking action on the waste problem:
TEDxAtlanta 2021 speaker alum Aurora Robson is an award-winning debris artist known for her meditative work intercepting the plastic waste stream. She creates art that explores issues related to the culture of disposability and consumerism.
In this TEDxMtHood talk, Morgan Vague describes her research with microbiologist Jay Mellies on the wild world of microbes that eat plastic. With more plastic than fish projected in our oceans by 2050, this groundbreaking research could offer a surprisingly natural (and tiny) hero in the fight against pollution.
TED Fellow Suzanne Lee delivers a boundary-pushing idea that opens a window into the world of biofabrication—where living cells, not factories, are the future of material production. From replacing plastic to rethinking cement, she explores how biology can help us redesign some of the most wasteful parts of modern life. It’s not science fiction. It’s sustainable innovation, and it’s happening now.
This World Environment Day, join us in reflecting on the future you want to help create—and take one small step to protect it.
Atembe Giles is a communications professional with 15 years of experience crafting brand messages and communications strategies for various organizations and industries around the world, including education, healthcare, fashion, travel & tourism, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). A former educator in the US, France, and South Korea, she loves learning and teaching about multicultural experiences and storytelling in all forms, from history to dance to television. She is passionate about using the power of words and expression to help people become better connected with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Read more to learn about Atembe’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
I’ve always been a fan of TED Talks and TEDx experiences. I experienced my first TEDx event as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my most recent TEDx experience was a few years ago in Seoul, South Korea. I really appreciated that no matter where in the world you are, you can find a place with other people who are also interested in sharing ideas, self-improvement, and learning more about the world and making it a better place. I’m new to Atlanta, so I wanted to find a space where I could meet new people and connect with others, but also learn more about what’s brewing in Atlanta and play a role in giving back to the community.
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. She verbalized so many of my lived experiences and feelings about myself that I never knew how to express, and made me feel more comfortable and empowered about who I am.
Welcoming, educational, and collaborative.
Besides finally working my first TEDx conference, I’d say it was my first time meeting the team in person. It was at a storage facility to move all the TEDxAtlanta props and decorations to another location. It may seem like an insignificant experience, but it was my first exposure to seeing how these different personalities got along, worked together, considered each other and other people, and really cared about what we’re doing with TEDx. We met at another volunteer’s house after to have dinner and some social time, and I enjoyed the genuine conversations we had about our cultures, life experiences, and plans for the future. It made me excited about continuing to work with everyone on future TEDxAtlanta events.
Absolutely everything that you see is due to the work of volunteers: months of planning, dedicating weekend and evening hours outside your regular 9-5, scheduling meetings virtually and in-person, fundraising and sponsorships…it’s a lot of work. But everyone’s time is respected and appreciated, whether you can dedicate 10 hours a week or one hour. It’s cool to see how passionate people are about their work with TEDx.
It’s another outlet of creativity for me. I get to do work that I don’t normally get to do in my job, and it’s nice to activate those other parts of my brain throughout the week, which helps with mental health and feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s given me an outlet to fine-tune skills I don’t use everyday in my current job, but are still valuable skills to have, such as photography, social media content creation, and sales. I’ve learned how effective partnerships work between organizations and between people. I’m seeing, through our speakers, how opportunities are limitless when it comes to using your passion and knowledge as a force to bring about positive change. And I’m growing more confident in sharing my ideas and opinions, especially when it comes to trying to make something better.
It’s a great way to be an active part of your community, gain exposure to new perspectives, and improve or learn new skills. Everyone’s contribution is significant, no matter the task, and it all goes towards a mission that’s about helping people and communities grow. The likely and unlikely connections you’ll make is definitely one of the best parts of volunteering with TEDx.
For all current TEDx volunteers, whether you represent a city, a state, a campus, or somewhere in between, the goal remains the same: to connect, educate, and empower local communities to research, discover, and share ideas worth spreading.
This past weekend, a TEDx regional workshop was hosted at Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was nothing short of inspiring. It was collaborative, energizing, and full of opportunities to connect with other passionate volunteers and organizers.
In general, TEDx regional workshops are all about expanding collective knowledge and preparing your teams to make an even greater impact at your next TEDx event. It’s a space for sharing ideas, successes, and failures. Over the course of the day, connections were made, valuable experiences shared, and a sense of renewed purpose took shape—one that will surely carry over into future events. The reason we all ultimately show up, the potential to further impact on our communities, was advanced in real time.
The possibilities for topics at a TEDx regional workshop are endless. One of the best parts of this one was how naturally the information flowed. We discussed everything from:
These topics were explored both in theory and through lived experience, with seasoned TEDx organizers sharing what they’ve learned over the years. It was just as much about what didn’t work as it was about what did. Those hard-earned lessons became some of the most invaluable takeaways.
The group session structure created space for impactful, live discussion with questions raised, answers brainstormed, and solutions offered from multiple perspectives. From the start, it was interactive and immersive. Newer organizers brought curiosity and a fresh perspective. Veterans offered grounded, real-world insight. Everyone had something to learn and something to contribute. That’s the kind of feedback you can take home and immediately put into practice. TEDx is all about collaboration, and the openness, honesty, and generosity in the room made that spirit unmistakeable.
What made this workshop feel especially valuable was the variety of people in the room. Each person brought something unique to the table. Whether you’re organizing in a small town or a big city, the shared goal is always to create something meaningful that meets people where they are. Each independently organized group brought different TEDx realities: different-sized events, different audiences, different local challenges. Still, it all synced up, and everyone walked away with something new.
It’s energizing to be reminded that you’re part of something bigger. That feeling of unity and common purpose is what makes being part of the TEDx community so powerful.
If we had to sum up the takeaway? We’re all trying and committed to improving. Not just at planning and executing events, but at building community, uplifting voices that matter, and keeping the TEDx mission moving forward city by city, campus by campus, story by story. That’s why workshops like this are so important.
Every TEDx team faces its own unique set of challenges. Yet, across those differences, we all come back to the same question: How can we do this better? That shared curiosity and that commitment to growth are one of the many things that unite us all.
Our surprise guest, Steve Carse, co-founder and CEO of King of Pops, drove this point home. He reminded us that building something meaningful is rarely linear and that generosity, joy, and purpose aren’t extras, but essentials to the journey. (Yes of course, he brought pops!)
So here’s to the late-night planning sessions, the speaker coaching marathons, the fight to find the right venue, the unexpected tech hiccups that keep us on our toes, and the sense of satisfaction when it all somehow comes together. Here’s to the countless emails, the endless edits, the awkward icebreakers that turn into real friendships. And here’s to the idea that no matter how many events we’ve done, there’s always more to learn and there’s always someone willing to help.
Until the next one!
Elaine Powell is known as The Thought Disruptor™️, a keynote speaker, and a TEDx speaker. She supports organizations in elevating their teams’ and employees’ performances into transformative results, helping them realize their full potential through her renowned T.H.I.N.K. Methodology, a five-principle framework that can transform organizational performance, productivity, and profits. Elaine has spoken at over 250 global events training 35,000+ people, including senior leaders and thought leaders, in the art of transformational thinking and effective communication. With a passion for mental growth, she helps people turn challenges into opportunities. Read on to learn more about Elaine’s experience as a Coach for TEDxAtlanta.
In 2012, while participating in a personal development course in London, I was tasked with creating leadership within my community over a three-month period. At the time, the UK was reeling from its worst riots in recent history, and I kept hearing young people express a common frustration: Their voices weren’t being heard. With my background in working with young people and public speaking, I decided to take action by organizing a TEDxYouth event. My goal was to create a platform where they could share their ideas and stories with the world. I assembled a dedicated team of 14 volunteers, including eight skilled Toastmasters speaker coaches, and together, we brought the vision to life. Over the course of three inspiring years, we ran TEDxYouth events that amplified the voices of young people, empowering them to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown. It’s a powerful Talk because it encourages authenticity and openness, which I think are essential for building meaningful connections. Her insights on embracing imperfection resonate deeply with me and remind me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Transformative, collaborative, inspiring
Whether curating a TEDx event, serving as a speaker coach for TEDxLadbroke Grove, or now coaching for TEDxAtlanta, my favorite memory always centers around working with speakers to uncover, craft, and articulate their ideas in a way that deeply resonates with the audience. Seeing their ideas come to life and knowing they have the potential to ignite change and inspire action is truly unforgettable.
Many people don’t realize the sheer amount of effort that goes on behind the scenes. From coaching speakers to curating talks, TEDx is a labor of love powered by volunteers who are passionate about creating a platform for change. It’s not just about the Talks—it’s about building a community around meaningful ideas.
Professionally, my time with TEDx honed my skills in curating powerful ideas and helping others communicate their vision effectively. Personally, it deepened my understanding of the human experience and the importance of empathy in connecting with others. It’s been a cornerstone in my journey as a speaker and coach. Being part of TEDx has profoundly shaped my perspective on the power of storytelling. It’s heightened my appreciation for ideas and how they can drive innovation and transformation. It also reinforced the importance of clarity, authenticity, and purpose, which now influence how I approach my work and relationships every day.
Volunteering with TEDx is a unique opportunity to be part of something much bigger than yourself. You get to contribute to spreading ideas that matter, while building lifelong connections with an incredible community of changemakers. It’s a chance to grow, give back, and experience the power of ideas in action.
What if everything you’ve been taught about building a successful career no longer applies?
Margaret Weniger has spent years exploring that question from both sides of the table. As director of entrepreneurial programs for CREATE-X at Georgia Institute of Technology, she helps founders navigate uncertainty while building companies designed for the future. As a technology sales executive, leadership strategist and author of “Broken,” she has interviewed hundreds of professionals, founders and executives to understand why some people emerge from career disruption stronger than before.
Margaret’s work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, leadership and the changing nature of work. Drawing from her own unconventional career and years of research, she challenges long-held assumptions about success, ambition and what it really takes to build a meaningful career in a world that refuses to stand still.
At TEDxAtlanta, Margaret invites us to rethink one of the most familiar ideas about work. The answer may change not only how you think about your career, but also how you approach whatever comes next.
