Sixteen speakers from the Finger Lakes, across New York and around the country will take the stage Aug. 19 at Watkins Glen International for a full day of TEDx talks on leadership, inclusion, resilience, science and creativity.
TEDx Watkins Glen will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. across four themed sessions titled Spark, Disrupt, Elevate and Ignite, according to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.
The independently organized event is designed to move from personal inspiration to challenging established ideas and creating lasting impact. Tickets remain available through the TEDx Watkins Glen event page, organizers said.
Spark
The opening session, scheduled from 9 to 10:15 a.m., will feature former Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Lyn St. James speaking about becoming a force for change. St. James competed in the Indianapolis 500 seven times and has worked as an author and advocate for women in motorsports.
Author and former mentalist Tim David will discuss human connection and communication, while Finger Lakes entrepreneur and two-time Oswego Speedway champion Alex Hoag will speak about optimism and redefining success.
Sierra Grandy, a neurodiversity educator, disability rights advocate and attorney, will address a missing voice in conversations about diversity. Grandy draws on her experience as a neurodivergent and disabled person in recovery and is the founder of Questify Your Life LLC.
Disrupt
The second session, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., will open with entrepreneur, educator and executive adviser Neil C. Tarallo discussing how different perspectives can strengthen trust and leadership.
Sammy Davis, a 20-year law enforcement veteran and undersheriff who grew up on a migrant farm, will speak about building trust between people with different views of policing. Former middle school science teacher and four-time American Ninja Warrior finalist Rachel Degutz will address fear, consistency and goal-setting.
Farmer, business leader and executive identity coach Tamiko McGurk will explore the consequences of disappearing farmland. Comedian and keynote speaker Jeff Wozer will close the session with a talk about digital distraction and what people can learn from their dogs.
Elevate
The afternoon program will resume from 1 to 2:15 p.m. with Tina Mt. Pleasant, a Tuscarora Nation Turtle Clan member, cultural storyteller and traditional beadwork artist. Her talk will focus on motherhood and perseverance.
Farm Sanctuary President and co-founder Gene Baur will discuss how everyday actions can make a difference. Business adviser and small-business advocate Michael Herceg will offer lessons for entrepreneurs, while Air Force retiree and leadership strategist Sean Douglas will speak about using waypoints to build resilience and improve performance.
Ignite
The final session, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., will feature planetary scientist and educator Zoe Learner Ponterio discussing the artistry of space exploration. Ponterio has worked on NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover missions and in science outreach.
Communication coach and author Fern Chan will address public speaking and the risks people hesitate to take. Writer, director and producer Matt Bennett, whose television work has received 70 Emmy nominations and 16 wins, will close the event with a talk about finding art in everything.
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale said the event is intended to expose attendees to different experiences and perspectives, start conversations and encourage people to act on new ideas.
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