Skye Oduaran presents at TedxDavenport 2024 at the Capitol Theatre -- October 10.
Thursday, October 10, 5:30 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, 330 West Third Street, Davenport IA
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, the city's Capitol Theatre will host the October 10 event TEDxDavenport, a local, self-organized event that brings people together to share a TED-like experience, and that will find eight gifted speakers sparking deep discussion and connection through a number of fascinating subjects.
This year's lineup of scheduled TEDxDavenport speakers includes:
Skye Oduaran on "Story Changes Everything." At age 13, Oduaran is a young journalist and student. She has either met or interviewed many key figures including President Obama, former UN Ambassador Andrew Young, GA Governor Kemp, Senator Warnock, actress America Ferrera, Representative Stacey Abrams, reporter Ernie Suggs, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon, journalist Monica Pearson, Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson, actress Tessa Thompson, journalist Marian Alexis Scott, & Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives Fentrice Driskell, amongst many others. Reporting from the White House, she covered both the 2022 and 2023 Pardoning of the Thanksgiving Turkeys and the Nov. 20, 2023 Press Briefing, even securing an interview with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Beyond her journalistic pursuits, Skye is a Youth Ambassador for the 5Rights Foundation and the author of 2 books in the Susie Cinnamon Sleuth Series since age 12. In an industry often dominated by adults, Skye believes that age is no barrier to insightful reporting and meaningful advocacy.
Erica Cole on "The Fashion Industry is Finally Ready for People with Disabilities." After losing her leg in an accident in 2018, Erica Cole founded No Limbits, an internationally recognized accessible apparel brand for people with disabilities. A passionate entrepreneur, Erica uses her platform to advocate for entrepreneurship as a career path for people with disabilities. After appearing on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Mark Cuban and Emma Grede, Erica has been featured in Fast Company, named Forbes 30 Under 30, and is a 2024 Cartier Women's Initiative Fellow.
Travis Horn on "The Power of Passion: How a Professional Wrestling Dream Became a Life-Changing Gift." Travis Horn is a husband, a son, a professional wrestler, and an advocate for chasing your most passionate dreams. As a child, he fell in love with the larger-than-life superstars of the world of professional wrestling, which blossomed into a passion he always dreamed to chase. As a graduate of the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, he now performs across the Midwest entertaining crowds while creating memories with the fans.
Stephanie Karzon Abrams on "Reclaiming Connection: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Psychedelics for the Contemporary Soul.” Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist with a Masters of Science in Clinical Pharmacology, is the founding advisor of Beyond The Bench consultancy. The firm provides science, research, operations, and strategy solutions to organizations and clinics in the natural product, plant medicine, and psychedelic sectors. A recognized leader in shaping the future of integrative and innovative healthcare, Stephanie Karzon Abrams champions the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Her interests extend beyond neurology, encompassing plant medicines, women's health, and the potential of music to enhance healing.
Malik Jackson on "Is It Better to Have and Lost or Never Had at All: Learning How to Live After the NFL." Jackson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, father, retired NFL Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl Champion. Drafted in 2012 by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Tennessee where he was an All-SEC selection, Jackson spent nearly a decade in the NFL as a star defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles. In 2016, Jackson was a member of the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos and in 2017, was recognized by colleagues, coaches, and fans as a Pro Bowler - the league's highest individual position honor. Over the course of his career, Jackson worked with philanthropic organizations in each city where he played donating over $1MM and launching Malik's Gifts. During COVID, Jackson donated medical supplies to the USC Hospital sparking an interest in the medical field. He continued his entrepreneurial journey in 2023 with the creation of Care League and Partners.
Leigh Steinberg on "The Power of Resilience: Overcoming Life's Challenges." Steinberg, premier sports agent, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and Chairman of Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment Holdings, is best known for his work building athletes into stand-alone brands. He is often credited as the real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire. Leigh has represented many of the most successful athletes and coaches in football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, and golf, including the number one overall pick in the NFL draft for an unprecedented eight times in conjunction with 64 total first-round picks. With an unrivaled history of record-setting contracts, Leigh has secured over $4 billion for his 300+ pro athlete clients and directed more than $1 billion to various charities around the world. Over the course of his career, Leigh has been featured on numerous national television programs, including 60 Minutes, Larry King Live, The Today Show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and many more. He has been profiled in a host of magazines, including Business Week, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, People, Forbes, Playboy, GQ, and FHM. He currently resides in Newport Beach, California.
Nicole Roberts on "From Me To We: The Transformative Power Of Generosity In Society." Dr. Nicole F. Roberts is a true game-changer in the world of health, human rights, and generosity. As the author of Generosity Wins: How and Why this Game-Changing Superpower Drives Our Success, she shares her profound insights and experiences from working with presidents, diplomats, professional athletes, team owners, artists, and billionaires. Dr. Roberts is the founder of Health & Human Rights Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based advising firm, host of The Global Good Podcast, and a contributor to Forbes. With a doctorate in public health, a master's in public policy, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, Dr. Roberts has worked to solve global problems following war, disasters, and extreme poverty. Her message is clear: generosity is the key to success in all aspects of life, and small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the world. Dr. Roberts' mission is to inspire and equip others to manifest a better future, longer life, and happier world through the power of generosity.
Sarah Dandashy on "The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special.” Dandashy is a verified TV travel expert. With over 18 years of experience in hospitality, Sarah's career took off as a luxury hotel concierge, where she earned numerous accolades and laid the foundation for her widely recognized brand, "Ask A Concierge." Transitioning from her role as an award-winning concierge, Sarah now travels the world, collaborating with leading industry brands. She has become a go-to travel authority on major news networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and even The Kelly Clarkson Show, frequently discussing current travel dynamics. As the author of the number-one bestselling book Hospitality from Within, Sarah also brings her insights to various platforms. She hosts The Creators podcast for Visit West Hollywood and co-hosts Good Morning, Hospitality on LinkedIn Live. Whether you're seeking practical travel tips or insights into the latest trends, Sarah's work continues to inspire travelers worldwide. She is half Lebanese and grew up in Saudi Arabia, London, Atlanta, and New York City before settling in Los Angeles.
TEDxDavenport 2024 will begin at Davenport's Capitol Theatre on October 10, and the 5:30 p.m. event will feature a speaker meet-and-greet following the presentation, with drinks and snacks available for purchase. Admission is $22, and more information and reservations are available by visiting TEDXDavenport.com and FirstFleetConcerts/com/first-fleet-venues/the-capitol-theatre.
