TEDxBaltimore hosted talks from 2013 to 2016 that featured over 70 speakers discussing a wide range of topics. The talks were aimed at challenging conventional thinking and included discussions of artificial intelligence, healthcare innovations, social issues like racial justice and reproductive rights, and ways to improve Baltimore through entrepreneurship, education, and grassroots efforts. The event strived for diversity among its speakers, with 34% being black and 51% being female. It was organized by volunteers and aimed to bring innovative ideas to Baltimore while also building community connections.

1. 2013–2016
TEDX
BALTIMORE:
Sarge Salman, PhD

2. For those who heeded the answer to
“how much effort would you expend for no money?”
Printed in 2016
Typeset in Slate Pro and DIN Next LT Pro
Design by Japheth Crawford
J5ive Motion + Design, LLC
WWW.J5IVE.TV

3. No matter what people tell you, words and ideas
can change the world. Robin Williams
iTEDX
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

4. people change people
Slangston Hughes
Prologue v
Leadership Team vii
Highlights xi
Part One: Ideas 03
Part Two: Community 25
Part Three: Impact 41
Part Four: Partners 51
Morgan State University 58
TEDx
/TED 60
Epilogue 62
CONTENTS
iiiTEDX
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

5. In 2012 Jennifer Gunner Meyer opted for the
TEDX
conference platform and the Morgan
State University stage to serve the mandate.
Selected chronicles included Artificial
Intelligence (AI), chess mastery, sports educa-
tion, tissue engineering, entrepreneurship,
transplant medicine, going to Mars, grass-
roots democracy, and many more. However,
timely topics were not denied exposure. They
included #BlackLivesMatter, sexual identity,
prison abolition, reforming social services,
an armed society, and reproductive rights.
Selecting only soft and feel-good talks
would have been irresponsible.
Then once every January, the spotlight caught
the speakers. Words rose, sentences unfurled,
and narratives soared. From 2013 to 2016,
light shined on over seventy speakers.
Compelling curation became a TEDX
Baltimore
hallmark and the perennial expectation.
The commitment to diversity is reflected
in the seventy speakers who graced our
stage: 34% black and 51% female. This
achievement augmented the gathering,
the connections, and ensuing discussion.
The success of TEDX
Baltimore is at-
tributable to volunteers, the unheralded
heeding the answer to, “how much effort
would you expend for no money?” They
worked tirelessly to strive for a more
perfect Baltimore. Attendance and spon-
sor support elevated us to that ideal.
We proudly affirm that TEDX
Baltimore
is unequivocal proof that given all the
resources endemic to the City, we don’t
need to go far to go far! Leading them
in service of the community from 2013
to 2016 has been a grand privilege.
The time has come to move on, to offer
others the privilege of the experience.
Sincerely,
Sarge Salman, PhD
Curator, TEDxBaltimore
Curators are custodians to narratives deserving sunlight.
Their revelation is our mandate.
PROLOGUE
vTEDX
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

6. viiTEDX
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016
CURATORS
JENNIFER GUNNER MEYER | 2013
SARGE SALMAN, PHD | 2013–2016
2013–2016
HIRO AMANO | VIDEOGRAPHY
NEIL DAVIS | GREEN ROOM
CASEY CORCORAN | IT OPERATIONS
JAPHETH CRAWFORD | DESIGN + ANIMATION
2014–2016
REBECCAWOLF| STAGE MANAGER
2015–2016
ELLIE MITCHELL | EXHIBIT SPACE
COURTNEYTRUSTY| MARKETING + SPEAKER LOGISTICS
2013–2015
ANDREW ROSE | VOLUNTEERS + REGISTRATION
2016
TIFFANY BETHEA | REGISTRATION
T. CAMILLE GAUVIN | LOGISTICS
VICKI GOUTZOULIS | LOCAL FOOD
SUNDUS NADA | BOOKSTORE
HEATHER SKANE | VOLUNTEERS
RAVEN WILKINS, JR. | FOOD + BEVERAGE
TERRELL WILLIAMS | FOOD + BEVERAGE
2015
CAMILLE BLAKE FALL | SPEAKER LIAISON
MALACHI HAMMONDS | FOOD + BEVERAGE
2014
SUSAN EMFINGER | EXHIBIT SPACE
MARTHA LUCIUS | FOOD CZAR
2013
KERRY HOLAHAN | STAGE MANAGER
HEATHER BRADBURY| VOLUNTEERS
DOUG KAUFMANN | FUNDRAISING
Volunteers are the lifeblood of TEDx
events.
The commitment to countless hours
of conference preparation remains the
sustaining pulse of TEDx
Baltimore.
LEADERSHIP TEAM

8. xiTEDX
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016
HIGHLIGHTS
24
63 NATIONS
COLLABORATIONS
12
VOLUNTEER
MANAGERS
SECONDARY
SCHOOLS
50HIGHER ED
INSTITUTIONS
58% Female
1/3 helped 3+ years
FURTHEST: Dallastown Area School District
Interactive Media Production Program/Education Channel 77 (”Baltimore Pioneers” TVShow)
(50 miles)
30TEDX
ORGANIZERS
VIEWED OUR CONFERENCE LIVESTREAMS
FURTHEST: TEDX
KHARTOUM
70SPEAKERS INVITED
Female
Black 34%
51%
76talks posted online
4.4tb
BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INFINITE IDEAS + CONNECTIONS
Choice Jobs Program (Flying Fruit concession)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
video footage
880
Encylopedia Britannicas
BRILLIANT GOOD
2013 44% 52% OVERALL
47% 46% SPEAKERS + THEME
45% 45% VENUE
2014 30% 58% OVERALL
35% 55% SPEAKERS + THEME
42% 42% VENUE
2015 30% (GOOD) NPS SCORE*
2016 50% 44% OVERALL
49% 46% SPEAKERS + THEME
64% (EXCELLENT) NPS SCORE*
*NPS SCORE MEASURES ATTENDEE LOYALTY TO TEDX
BALTIMORE

9. BBaltimore

10. Part One: Ideas

11. “When you’re used to being prepared to reject conventional
wisdom, it leaves you open to learn more.”
Mayim Bialik
OUTLIERS
5
Alash
TUVANTHROATSINGING
Tina Collins
WAKING UPTOANEW REALITY
Michael Cryor
TACKLING SYSTEMIC
URBAN CHALLENGES
Aprille Ericsson, PhD
LET’S GOTO MARS!
Warren Grayson, PhD
TISSUE ENGINEERING FOR
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Slangston Hughes
WRITEOUSALCHEMY
Kevin Manning, PhD
FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Jeff Otto, PhD, MBA
BIRDS, FISH, DOGS,ANDYOU
James Page, Jr., MBA
HOW DIVERSITYFAILS US
Alexandra Petri
HOWTO SPEAK WOMAN
Jamila Raqib
RETHINKING CONFLICT
Alec Ross
INDUSTRIES OFTHE FUTURE
Maya Schenwar
BEYOND REFORM:
ABOLISHING PRISONS
Gymama Slaughter, PhD
HUMAN POWERED BIOSENSORS
Keeanga-YamahttaTaylor, PhD
FROM #BLACKLIVESMATTERTO
BLACK LIBERATION
MichelleThaller, PhD
WEARE DEAD STARS
JessicaWaters, JD
CHANGINGTHE REPRODUCTIVE
RIGHTS CONVERSATION
LeanaWen, MD, MsC
PUBLIC HEALTHASAN
URBAN SOLUTION
Ideas to challenge conventional thinking.
JANUARY14, 2016: OUTLIERS
HOSTED BY AUDREY HUANG, PHD, ERIC T. BOOKER, GUS SENTEMENTES
“The best conference in Baltimore...by far!”
6PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

12. 7 8PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

13. “You can’t react if you don’t collide.”
Unknown
9
COLLISIONS
Lucas Benitez
HARVESTING DIGNITYAND JUSTICE
Ruha Benjamin, PhD
FROM PARK BENCHTO LAB BENCH
Greg Cantori
LET’S MEASURE WHATWETREASURE
Gilda Daniels, JD
FROM WE SHALL OVERCOME
TO WEARE OVERCOME
Kayti Didriksen
HOWTO SEE WITHOUTLOOKING
Edward Ericson, Jr.
HOWTHE “SHARING ECONOMY”
DISRUPTS CIVILIZATION
Jim Hendler, PhD
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE VS HUMANS
Brian Le Gette
MATHEMATICS OF EVIL
Shuangyi Li
WHATHAPPENS WHENYOUTALK
TOASTRANGER ONABUS
Jimmy Lin, MD, PhD, MHS
FINALLY, SOME GOOD
NEWSABOUTCANCER
Martina Lynch
THE UNIVERSE
Julia Marciari-Alexander, PhD
THE MUSEUMAS SUPER COLLIDER
Erica Raleigh
HOW CAN DATACAN HELP
DIAGNOSEANDTREATOUR CITIES?
Shanaysha Sauls, PhD
HUBRIS –THE ONLYTRULY
HUMAN VIRTUE
Andreas Spiliadis
UNLOCKING REVOLUTIONARY
IMAGINATION
Danielle Sten + Lance Guillermo
ONTHE DL
JamesWest
TECHNOLOGYCONTRIBUTIONS BY
UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITIES
The spectrum of individual journeys is marked by collisions and missed
collisions. We focus on the former, impacts of ideas shaping the shared
human experience.
JANUARY30, 2015: COLLISIONS
HOSTED BY JENNIFER GUARINO,AARON HENKIN
“Baltimore lacks conferences like this, and
TEDxBaltimore offers much potential.”
10PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

14. 11 12PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

15. “All the past we leave behind;
We debouch upon a newer, mightier world, varied world,
Fresh and strong the world we seize, world of labor and the march, Pioneers! O pioneers!”
Walt Whitman
13
MaggieAnderson
ECONOMIC LIFESPAN OFADOLLAR
Medea Benjamin
THE BITTER REALITYAND
FAILURE OF DRONE WARFARE
Cheryl Carmona
BALTIMORE’S URBAN SOIL
Nick Cienski
SOMETIMES IT’S NOTENOUGH
TO BEAPIONEER
Tokyo Cigar
RAP
Lisa Cooper, MD
TACKLING ETHNIC HEALTH DISPARITIES
Niki Ernst
THE GLOBALTEDX
COMMUNITY
Rick Geritz
WHATDOYOU WANTTO BE
WHENYOU GROW UP?
Haben Girma, JD
PUBLIC SERVICE LAWYERSAS
PIONEERINGADVOCATES
Jen Guarino
THE RETURN OF SKILLED LABOR
MANUFACTURINGTO DETROIT
JosephT. Jones, Jr.
FATHERHOODASANANTI-
POVERTYSTRATEGY
Chris Kraft, PhD
GIVING VOICETO SEXUALITY
Elijah Miles
OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Catharine Robertson
THE SECRETIDENTITYOF
ANADOPTED CHILD
Tyson Sanford-Griffin
GOING FROM POINTATO POINTB
Jennifer Shahade
UNDERSTANDING CHESS MASTERY
Molly McGrathTierney
RETHINKING FOSTER CARE
THUS
EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC
Pug
BEINGA12 O’CLOCK BOY
We celebrate those who harbor vulnerability. We seek out those who carry
the creative flame. We yearn for those who call deep on their courage to
march, impatient, and full of action. Pioneers! And we honor the cause
that there is more to live, to do, to experience, and to discover than what
is known today.
JANUARY31, 2014: PIONEERS O’ PIONEERS
HOSTED BY SARGE SALMAN, PHD, DEREK BRAUN, PHD
“I liked having speakers familiar with and local to
Baltimore. It creates a sense of community pride
which we can all appreciate.”
14PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

16. 15 16PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

17. “It is not enough to be industrious; So are the
ants. What are you industrious about?”
Henry David Thoreau
17
Peter Beilenson, MD, MPH
PLACE MATTERS
James Piper Bond
BREAKINGTHE CYCLE OF POVERTY
Keimmie Booth
FINDINGYOUR PASSION
Shaquille Brooks
FEAR PROBLEMS OPPORTUNITIES
AND CHANGE
Firmin DeBrabander, PhD
FREEDOM OFANARMED SOCIETY
Ami Dang
BOLLYWAVE
Ellen Durkan
ACCESSORIES FORAN IRON MAIDEN
Joe Ehrmann
BEAMAN
Roni Ellington, PhD
THE FUTURE OF STEM EDUCATION
Lois Feinblatt
CHOICES WE MAKE
Aaron Henkin
TALKINGTO STRANGERS
Seema D. Iyer, PhD
HOW BALTIMORE GROWS
Lance Lucas
BRIDGINGTHE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Evodie Ngoy
THE PARADISETHATWASN’T
OrchKids
STUDENTORCHESTRA
Eduardo Rodriguez, MD
BUILDING FACES, REBUILDING LIVES
John Sarbanes
GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
Whitney Sibol
HOWAREYOU?
Noor Siddiqui
THIEL FELLOW
DanTrahey
THE STORYOF ORCHKIDS
Baltimore has strong historical roots as an engine of growth, and it
played a key role in the emergence of America as a global leader. Today,
innovation and entrepreneurship are transforming the city and the world.
New leaders and innovative thinkers are using bold ideas and emerging
technologies to reshape the city and the region as a cornerstone for the
New Economy.
JANUARY25, 2013: BALTIMORE: REWIRED
HOSTED BY JENNIFER MEYER, SARGE SALMAN, PHD
“Showcased Baltimore well… Nice stage and
theater. Very inspiring talks.”
18PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

18. 19 20PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

19. The Young. The Wise. The Undiscovered.
Dream Me. Build Me. Make Me Real.
FEBRUARY27,2013
SEPTEMBER 20,2013
HOSTED BY DANIELATZMON
HOSTED BY DANIELATZMON
IRENE SMITH NEXT CHAPTER
MELISSA COLIMORE NEXT STEPS
MICHELLE ANTOINETTE EVOLVING LIFE
LAWRENCE BROWN
CAROL OTT
DAN D’OCA
ERIC BOOKER
MICHAEL SCOTT
SUSAN MALONE & LENDL TELLINGTON
DAVE TROY
We gathered to watch the TED 2013 Conference
through a live webcast with featured local speakers.
This conference included a TEDCity2.0 livestream
discussing the cities of our future and sharing big ideas
about sustainable solutions and collaborative action.
Also included were live, local, Charm City speakers.
TEDX
BALTIMORE LIVE
TEDX
BALTIMORECITY 2.0
21
MAN VS. MACHINE
Is technology controlling society and manipulating humans,
and/or is society too dependent on technology?
Invented Here.
NOVEMBER 25,2013
DECEMBER 5,2013
HOSTED BY DAQUAN LAWRENCE, GIANNI PEREZ
HOSTED BY MONICAGUERRERO
BRIONY HYNSON REDESIGNING THE CITY
MOLLY CORBETTREMAKING A LIFE
SHEELA MURTHY, JD BEING A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR (WITH YOUR SPOUSE)
EKEMINI UDOFACONNECTING WOMEN AND STEM
A small and intimate gathering focused on
a single discussion topic of interest to the
community. Participants watched TED videos
followed by engaging discussions.
We combined the webcast of Session
2 from the TEDWomen: Invented Here
conference with four local speakers.
TEDX
BALTIMORE SALON
TEDX
BALTIMORE WOMEN
22PART ONE: IDEASTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

21. Part Two: Community

22. TEDx
Baltimore is a contributor to thriving
local and international communities. We
relied on the gathering to further those
connections and to support worthy causes.
27
SECONDARYEDUCATION
Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore County Public Schools
Baltimore Lab School
Baltimore Leadership School forYoungWomen
Bryn Mawr School
City Neighbors High School
DallastownArea School District, PA
HIGHER EDUCATION
American University
AnneArundel Community College
CaseWestern Reserve University
Christopher Newport University
Community College of Baltimore County
Drexel University
Elon University
Gallaudet University
George Mason University
GeorgeWashington University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg Seminary
Goucher College
Guilford College
HarrisburgArea Community College
Howard Community College
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola University, Maryland
LutheranTheological Seminary, Gettysburg
Maryland University of Integrative Health
McDaniel College
Maryland Institute College ofArt
Montgomery College,Takoma Park
Morgan State University
Mount St. Mary’s College
Nazareth College
NewYork University
Saint Louis University
SpaceTelescope Science Institute
St. John’s College
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Temple University
Towson University
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Baltimore
University of Delaware
University of Hawaii
University of Maryland
University of Maryland Medical Center
University of Maryland University College
University ofTexas,Arlington
University ofVermont
Ursinus College
Vassar
Villanova
Virginia Commonwealth University
William & Mary
Howard County Public School System
Jemicy School
Park School
Patterson Park Public Charter School
Randallstown High School
St.Timothy’s School
ACADEMIC ATTENDEES
28PART TWO: COMMUNITYTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

23. Project CASL/
Closed Captioning
29
Relying on the video broadcast of an off-stage American Sign Language
(ASL) interpreter, deaf attendees and remote deaf viewers streamed
the interpretation of the talks on any device connected to the web.
Since 2015 we have relied on Caption First to provide in-theatre
captioning of all conference talks. We are grateful for consultations
with the Governor’s Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing,
Gallaudet University, and the Maryland School for the Deaf.
30PART TWO: COMMUNITY
At TEDxBaltimore 2014 we unveiled Project CASL to
augment the conference experience in a very special way.
TEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

24. Baltimore Pioneers
Television Show
“In 2015 and 2016 students from media programs at Baltimore City
Public Schools were given the opportunity to interview speakers
at TEDx
Baltimore. The interviews were conducted for “Baltimore
Pioneers” TV show, a production that is entirely student-run, to
produce professional content for airing on Education Channel 77.
Episode production was entirely student-run, including, the operation
of multiple cameras, sound recording, set design, and guest interviews.
Interviewees spanned a diversity of backgrounds and fields of expertise. This
opportunity exposed the students to accomplished role models and novel ideas.
The TEDx
Baltimore experience showcased Baltimore City students’
skills and provided them a real world media production opportunity
that encourages them to pursue the vocation with confidence.
Lynn Patterson, PhD, Jim Mahjoubian
31
OBJECTIVES:
— Compelling guests who are thinkers and doers in Baltimore
— Real world opportunities for media students
— Production teamwork: research guests, student hosts, equipment, & editing
— Episode run time: 30 minutes
EDUCATION CHANNEL 77 TEAM AT TEDX
BALTIMORE 2016
The product is a student-run discussion-style television show
and web series by the Interactive Media Production program/
Education Channel 77 of Baltimore City Public Schools.
The inaugural episode of Baltimore Pioneers was released in October 2014 and production has continued
unabated. The content engages community members to become the next thinkers and doers of Baltimore
and beyond. The show also appeals to a wide-ranging audience of national and international viewers.
By special arrangement with TEDx
Baltimore, a backstage studio was provided during the 2015 and 2016
conferences for the recording of additional Baltimore Pioneers interviews with distinguished speakers.
All episodes are broadcast on Comcast Education Channel 77 and posted online.
CREW
Shakura Shird
Jaqua Oakley
Alisha Coates
ShyiemWilliams
Kamerin Gage
JonathanTynes
Camon Crank
HOSTS
Blessin Giraldo
Ariona Mayo
Cydney Greene
Leree Simmons
Cameron Potts
Na’im Smith
32PART TWO: COMMUNITYTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

25. 33
In support of the 2014 conference theme, Pioneers,
we sought to expose and educate attendees about
what is available in the Chesapeake region.
Flying Fruit – the Choice Jobs Program at
UMBC prepares youth for the work world.
LOCAL FOOD HERITAGE
UMBC CHOICE JOBS PROGRAM
Conference attendees were served foods to be eaten in winter, locally sourced
then preserved, not simply fresh-from-the-garden produce. The businesses
reflect traditional methods of our food heritage predating fast food.
Flying Fruit (FF) provides on-the-job training experience for youth. The program utilizes
a supported employment model that delivers community-based vocational services that
include a job readiness curriculum, paid on-the-job training experience and supported
job placement. The Choice Jobs Program, in conjunction with the Intensive Advocacy
program, addresses employment barriers by building skills critical to the culture of work.
SAMPLED FOODS:
— Goat cheese and goat cheese-cheesecake (Charlottetown Farm)
— Chow-chow/kimchi and pickled kohlrabi (Woodberry Kitchen)
— Beef jerky (Triple R Farms)
— Spice mixes over roasted winter veggies (Max’s Degrees)
— Grapefruit jam (Atwater’s)
— German baked goods (Babett Corcoran’s Kitchen)
“For the Choice Program at UMBC Flying Fruit social enterprise the opportunity to showcase the
work at TEDX
Baltimore 2016 was something that we wont soon forget. To serve Fruitshakes for the
attendees of this amazing event allowed us to not only serve our delicious drink, but to inform people
about the work we do at the Choice Program at UMBC, and showcase Job Training in Progress!”
Stephen Marengo (Program Manager)
Flying Fruit youths served 1,000 fruit shakes to conference attendees.
34PART TWO: COMMUNITY
In early 2013 the global TEDx
community initiated a time capsule
program to share current information with future people.
A TEDx
Baltimore innovation developed to recruit Twitter users
for online discussion about the upcoming TEDx
Baltimore
2013 conference, and to promote ticket sales.
TIME CAPSULE
#MEDIABRIGADE
We engaged students at Wide Angle Youth Media to record community responses to the
question, “what will be different in Baltimore in five years?” Responses were stored on a USB
memory device and placed in a sealed capsule. It was stored in the bomb, earthquake, and
zombie-apocalypse proof TED vault deep under Vienna, Austria, where it remains today.
In November 2016 City residents will elect a new Mayor. In March 2018 the capsule
carrying the response videos will be returned in a parcel addressed to:
The Honorable Mayor, Baltimore City Hall
100 Holliday St
Baltimore, MD 21202
“What will be different in Baltimore in 2018?”
From January 15 to January 24, 106 unique users generated 830 tweets using the #MediaBrigade hashtag.
Specifically, fourteen Twitterati generated over thirty tweets each to earn a free conference badge to live-tweet
the conference. Members of the brigade were provided with Twitter and tweeting tutorials to augment skills.
TEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

26. YOFCENTRALMARYLAND
Acharitable organization in Central Maryland dedicated to developing the full potential of
every individual
CODE INTHE SCHOOLS
Brings high-quality computer programming classes to the under-served and under-represent-
ed youth of Baltimore City
WIDEANGLEYOUTH MEDIA
Provides Baltimore youth with media education to tell their own stories and become engaged
with their community
FUTURE MAKERS
Inspires students and educators to innovate and make
BALTIMORE CITYROBOTICS CENTER
Strives to increase the number and quality of competitive robotics teams in Baltimore
MARYLAND OUTOFSCHOOLTIME NETWORK (MOST)
Builds coalitions that support increased program quality for youth opportunities in the out of
school hours
BMORE STEM
An initiative to build cross sector collaboration around STEM education
FLYING FRUIT@ UMBC
AChoice Jobs Program that provides disconnected youth job readiness training through
education, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
Organizations committed to service of the
community were provided exhibit space.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
36PART TWO: COMMUNITY

27. We are member of a connected global
community. Over four years we hosted TEDx
organizers of the following conferences:
TEDX
ORGANIZERS
TEDX
AdamsMorgan
TEDX
Ado
TEDX
AmericanUniversity
TEDX
BergenCommunityCollege
TEDX
ChesterRiver
TEDX
DESA
TEDX
Gallaudet
TEDX
GeorgeMasonU
TEDX
Georgetown
TEDX
JohnsHopkinsUniversity
TEDX
Khartoum
TEDX
Lancaster
TEDX
MidAtlantic
TEDX
Nashville
TEDX
Philadelphia
TEDX
Phoenixville
TEDX
Potomac
TEDX
PSU
TEDX
RockCreekPark
TEDX
Salzburg
TEDX
TempleU
TEDX
TowsonU
TEDX
UMBC
TEDX
UMD
TEDX
VillanovaU
TEDX
VirginiaTech
TEDX
Youth Baltimore
TEDX
YouthTimonium
TEDX
Youth@RMHS
37
Those unable to attend the conference were
provided a live feed video stream of the event.
Viewer locations included these nations:
LIVE ONLINE VIEWERS
ANGOLA
ARGENTINA
AUSTRIA
BARBADOS
BELGIUM
BOSNIAAND HERZEGOVINA
BRAZIL
BULGARIA
CANADA
CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS
CHINA
COLUMBIA
CROATIA
CYPRUS
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
ECUADOR
EGYPT
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GREECE
GUYANA
HONG KONG
HUNGARY
ICELAND
INDIA
INDONESIA
IRAQ
IRELAND
ISRAEL
ITALY
JAPAN
LEBANON
LITHUANIA
MALAYSIA
MEXICO
MOLDOVA
MONTENEGRO
MOROCCO
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
NORWAY
PAKISTAN
PERU
POLAND
PORTUGAL
PUERTO RICO
ROMANIA
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
SAUDI ARABIA
SERBIA
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
THAILAND
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
TURKEY
UKRAINE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES
VENEZUELA
38PART TWO: COMMUNITYTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

29. Part Three: Impact

30. AUDIENCE DATA
TICKETS SOLD: 3,021
2013
2014
2015
2016
306
800
1076
839
2013
2014
2016
REASON FOR ATTENDING
31%
31%
24%
15%
30%
37%
18%
13%
40%
46%
9%
5%
TO LEARN
SOMETHING NEW
TO BE INSPIRED
TO SUPPORT
LOCAL COMMUNITY
TO NETWORK
AGE GROUP
7%
38%
36%
15%
10%
45%
25%
18%
3%
34%
27%
36%
15–21
22–34
35–49
50–75
Reason for Attending and Age Group Data not available for 2015
44PART THREE: IMPACT

31. ACADEMIC INSTITUTION FEEDBACK
“Sometimes—certainly not often—in life, we witness the
extraordinary. TEDx
Baltimore addressed critical social
issues directly, but with expert academic elegance
veiled in human compassion and intense sincerity. The
range of speakers challenged us to think, to consider in
depth, and to evaluate perspectives related to our core
values and beliefs. Lives were changed. I was changed.
Thank you for having the courage to provoke.”
Dane Fickes
(Dallastown Area School District, PA)
“TEDx
Baltimore has become synonymous with
bringing together exciting people and ideas in
an environment unconcerned with allegiances,
titles, and adornments—just speakers, ideas, and
audience. TEDx
Baltimore taught our girls the power
of one voice with an important message—and
the transformative power they have. Bravo!”
Shanaysha Sauls, PhD
(Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women)
“First, students need every opportunity for exposure to
external educational events. Secondly, students have
been introduced to TED talks within their curriculum
and the conference was a great chance to see it live
and up-close. Overall it was a great educational
experience. The students are still talking about it.”
R. Sabastian Brown, PhD
(Baltimore County Public Schools)
“TEDx
Baltimore is a great way to extend that
legacy of understanding, contributing, and
connecting. We enjoyed the opportunity to be
both challenged and inspired — and, at the end
of the day, felt a strong kinship with the thinkers,
dreamers, and doers who participated.”
Lucie Andre
(The Park School)
“TEDx
Baltimore is a way to expand our knowledge
of local and global communities. The passionate
speakers allowed us to gain a better understanding
of the interconnection that we each have to one
other. This has enabled us to express our own
experiences by giving us a template of what it
looks like to speak up for what you believe in and
what you are willing to dedicate your life to.”
Ian Van Andan
(Mount St. Mary’s University)
“We have been bringing students to TEDx
Baltimore
for 3 years. We are always on the lookout for
programs in the community that challenge
perspectives, bring new insights, and enhance
critical thinking. We have enjoyed the eclectic mix
of topics and speakers over the years and hope
to bring along a bigger crowd again next year.”
Maura Dunnigan
(Howard Community College)
45
ATTENDEE FEEDBACK
“Thank you for connecting me with
like-minded people. I couldn’t be more
grateful for a curator who makes time
for every question, every person, every
idea... not to mention, his patience
and humbleness on the stage.”
“I’ve attended TEDx
Baltimore in 2014,
2015, and 2016 was the best yet for
speakers and content. Really great
curation of the speakers and topics.”
“Great speakers. Bright, well spoken,
and interesting. Topics were diverse
and thought provoking. Loved close
captioning as it helped with the
many notes I took. Well organized.
Warm and open atmosphere.”
“The presenters were top notch,
represented a variety of interesting
topics, and the energy was awesome.”
“It was a very good experience,
ranging from the people on
stage, to the conversations with
random audience members!”
“I liked having speakers familiar
with and local to Baltimore. It
creates a sense of community pride
which we can all appreciate.”
“The way you had introducing hosts match
the speakers coming out was masterful.
The way the host knew all the speakers
was genuine and appreciated. I also cried
hearing the deaf/mute man speak with
the interpreter. I felt honored. That was
beautiful and outstanding of you to show.”
“The organizers were fantastic. I liked
that there were the MC’s. That made
it clear that this was a volunteer run
event. I liked the variety that they
tried to bring into it. I thought it
was really cool how they Skyped an
astronaut and a student in Kenya.”
“Baltimore lacks conferences like this, and
TEDx
Baltimore offers much potential.”
“Excellent speakers and theme this
year. Very moving, engaging, and
inspiring. Very relevant to the
local community. Thank you.”
“I loved the energy, content, and
passion on display that day. From the
other attendees, to the speakers to the
volunteers, it was clear everyone wanted
to be there and learn from each other.”
46PART THREE: IMPACTTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

32. SPEAKER FEEDBACK
“I enjoyed the experience tremendously. The
guidance offered was invaluable in preparing
the talk and delivering the message in a way that
could connect with various audiences. Several
said for the ‘first time’ they could understand the
work that we do. It was a fabulous conference!”
Warren Grayson, PhD
“I learned so much from the preparation and
planning of my talk. I felt welcomed and supported
by the staff, audience, and other speakers at the
conference, and despite my nerves, found the
atmosphere engaging and exciting. I’m honored
and grateful to have been able to participate.”
Maya Schenwar
“Making it into the TEDx
Baltimore spotlight gave me the
opportunity to rise above the crowd. I’ve learned from
my TEDx
experience about maximizing my chances
of communicating my work to my community.”
Gymama Slaughter, PhD
“The process of writing a speech really helped
me identify and develop my thoughts—and
the coaching made a huge difference. That’s
the power of TEDx
Baltimore—it conveys to
strangers that one’s ideas matter, are credible,
and are worth thinking and talking about.”
Ed Ericson, Jr.
“Sarge said ‘you have something important to say.’ I
stepped on stage and felt the power and the magic and
the energy of the audience. When I started speaking
my soul opened up for the first time in a long time. In
retrospect, it was on that day that I realized that it
was time to step out of silence and revel in crazy.”
Shanaysha Sauls, PhD
“I’ve given hundreds of talks and lectures in my
career but I can’t remember a single one which
matched TEDx
Baltimore. The experience was
great! I hope the thousands who’ve watched
my presentation found it enjoyable, but in the
end, none of them enjoyed it more than I did.”
Jim Hendler, PhD
47
“Being at the conference is a very different experience
than what one would receive watching the edited
‘perfect’ talks on YouTube. When you are there in person,
you feel the warmth of good will and encouragement
from the audience and the curators, a synergy that
produces lasting optimism in our human condition.”
Shuangyi Li
“The opportunity to talk had an enormous impact
on my career. The experience made me better at
articulating my ideas with clarity. TEDx
Baltimore
opened doors to partnerships I never would
have had access to. More to the point, it has
connected me with other warriors in the revolution
to bring equity and opportunity to all people
regardless of their demographic profile.”
Molly McGrath Tierney
“Whenever ideas are shared minds are shared.
When minds are shared hearts are shared. When
hearts are shared communities are shared. When
communities are shared ideas are given energy
and strength. This can be an endless circle of
inspiration for growth. Being at TEDx
Baltimore
was a first class and real-time example of how.”
Jen Guarino
“Giving my talk was definitely one of the highest
moments of my professional and personal life… It
required a lot of courage and focus to prepare —
but it was extremely gratifying and well worth
the effort. My message and passion resonated
with many who want to become involved in this
work or invite me to collaborate with them.”
Lisa Cooper, MD
“In January 2013 my life changed forever. I was to
share my passion, commitment and research in STEM
education. Secretly, I was terrified. But I’m glad I did
it. I have shared my work with thousands and it has
given me the confidence to refine my work and to
continue to grow as a educator, scholar, and speaker.”
Roni Ellington, PhD
48PART THREE: IMPACT
AMARRIAGE PROPOSAL
TEDx
Baltimore 2014 attendee Bilqis Rock proposed to her fiancé with a Shinola watch following Jennifer
Guarino’s talk on the Detroit-based manufacturing company.
TEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

34. Part Four: Partners

35. OUR PARTNERS
53 54PART FOUR: PARTNERSTEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016

36. 55 TEDx
BALTIMORE: 2013–2016
FISCAL PARTNER FEEDBACK
“TEDx
Baltimore curates a tightly programmed,
one-day showcase of fascinating people, intriguing
concepts, far reaching ideas, creative problem-
solving and innovative projects that inspire us,
challenge our assumptions about human potential,
and add to our knowledge and understanding.”
Beth Harber
(The Abell Foundation, 2013–2016)
“TEDCO supports TEDx
Baltimore because it is a
great event— the ‘best conference in Baltimore!’ It’s
an opportunity to expose our entrepreneurs to
challenging and informative thoughts, ideas, and
speakers. It’s an opportunity for them to spend a
day with a highly intelligent, diverse and engaged
group of attendees. The stimulation found in
that kind of environment is extremely valuable.”
Neil Davis
(TEDCO, 2016)
“AOL was proud to sponsor an event as unique as
TEDx
Baltimore. This event spearheads giving voices
to those in the community doing important work
with diverse ideas worth sharing. Thinking big and
taking chances is just one element of our internal
company values and we are happy to be a part of
growing, successful events like TEDx
Baltimore.”
Paris Pittman
(Advertising.com/AOL, 2013)
“Sponsorship of the TEDx
Baltimore conference
reflects our commitment to initiatives that
reflect the rich diversity of the City, people, and
ideas, and provide opportunities for forging
connections and stimulating discussion.”
Yair Flicker
(SmartLogic, 2016)
“Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company is a
proud sponsor of TEDx
Baltimore and recognizes
its efforts to inspire community-focused
individuals with meaningful conversation
on real world topics. We appreciate all that
TEDx
Baltimore does for the community and we
look forward to supporting future conferences.”
David Diefenbach
(Chesapeake Employers’
Insurance Company, 2016)
The Catholic Health Initiatives Center for
Translational Research (CTR) is a national
company with customers outside Baltimore.
Being viewed as part of the Baltimore community
is an important issue for us — the Baltimore/
Washington corridor is where we want to recruit
talent, and establish business-to-business
relationships and partnerships. Our sponsorship
raised awareness of the CTR Association with
TEDx
Baltimore and was viewed positively.”
Jeffrey Otto
(Catholic Health Initiatives CTR, 2015)
“ETC has been a proud sponsor of TEDx
Baltimore
for the last three years. It is a chance to
showcase Baltimore and its visionary, innovative
people with big ideas ‘worth spreading.’ The
missions of both of our organizations align
perfectly and ETC was happy to support.”
Deb Tillett
(Emerging Technology Centers/
ETC, 2013–2015)
IN-KIND PARTNER FEEDBACK
“We are a great fit with the TEDx
movement, a
group of likeminded individuals. Open Range
Video, founded by Hiro Amano and David
Glaser, is proud to be the webcasting and video
production partner of TEDx
Baltimore. It’s been
a great honor to be a member of the excellent
team led by Sarge Salman since 2013.”
Hiro Amano
(Open Range Video, 2013–2016)
“Hosting TEDx
Baltimore at Morgan State brought
the TED experience to life for students, faculty and
administrators. We partnered with TEDx
Baltimore
to invite the community to the campus to see
the rich history and highlight some of the
great initiatives we offer. What a win for all.“
Omar Muhammad
(Entrepreneurial Development &
Assistance Center/EDAC, 2013–2016)
“Hosting TEDx
Baltimore has been an excellent
venture for the Murphy Fine Arts Center. Over
the years, our shared constituents have grown
in numbers, and personally through the stories
shared on the Gilliam stage. The exposure to
new audiences has been a winning outcome
for both Murphy and TEDx
, and we are proud
to have been the exclusive venue partner from
the program’s inception in Baltimore.”
Monica McKinney Lupton
(Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2013–2016)
56PART FOUR: PARTNERS

37. MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
CARL J. MURPHY FINE ARTS CENTER
TEDx
Baltimore conferences from 2013–2016 were
held on the campus of Morgan State University.
The Murphy Fine Arts Center (MFAC) is Baltimore’s
most modern venue replete with contemporary, state-
of-the-art facilities for members of the performing and
visual arts communities to showcase their talents.
We are guests of University President D. Wilson, PhD and under the sponsorship
of the Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center (EDAC).
The University is a historically black college (HBCU) in Baltimore. It is Maryland’s designated
public urban university and the largest HBCU in Maryland. It operates twelve colleges, schools and
institutes in the service of over 6,000 undergraduate and nearly 1,500 graduate students.
It is one of the leading institutions nationally in the number of applications received from
African-American high school graduates. And the University awards more bachelor’s
degrees to African-American students than any campus in Maryland.
MFAC’s performance spaces ably accommodate performers and productions who play to thousands
at a time-and-to acts who prefer the intimate settings of studio theatre or recital hall venues.
Since 2013, the TEDx
Baltimore conference has only been held at MFAC, on the stage of the venue centerpiece,
the James H. and Louise Hayley Gilliam Concert Hall. Designed to showcase world-class artists, the richly
appointed Gilliam Concert Hall comes complete with fly gallery, a rising orchestra pit, and sweeping double
balcony. This venue provides an elegant and modern setting for concerts, theatre, or musical performances.
MFAC staff, under the leadership of Monica McKinney Lupton, was unrelenting in guidance
and support for the production of the event. We are especially grateful for the assistance of
Dwight R. B. Cook, Production Manager, and the MFAC technical staff: Earl “Harley” Thompson
(lighting), Jonathan Lesane (audio), and Pamela Hobson (Assistant Production Manager).
58PART FOUR: PARTNERS

38. ABOUT TEDX
, X = INDEPENDENTLY ORGANIZED EVENT
ABOUT TED
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events
that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks
video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These
local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized
TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but
individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day
conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple
initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to
speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com.
TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson,
Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia, along
with the TEDActive simulcast event in nearby Whistler. The annual TEDGlobal conference
will be held this October in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. TED’s media initiatives include TED.
com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides
subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the
educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional
individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action;
TEDx
, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events
around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from
around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
60PART FOUR: PARTNERS

39. 62EPILOGUE
Organizing four conferences required new skills and the
refinement of existing ones. The experience has been
enriching and rewarding beyond measure.
The annual January day we strove for dissolved into the following
January day on the calendar. Still, the impact of the community ser-
vice lingers in the shared ideas and ensuing discussions, but most
importantly in the forged friendships. This defined our legacy.
These are troubled times for the City of Baltimore. Still, the words
of Freeman Hrabowski resonate and challenge: “what you do
today will have an impact on generations yet unborn.”
The light of a better Baltimore tomorrow is rising over the
horizon. You’ll find me there welcoming morn.
Sarge Salman, PhD
What now?
EPILOGUE
We must make choices in order to
live a fulfilling and worthwhile life.
Lois Feinblatt

40. People aren’t supposed to look back. I’m certainly
not going to do it anymore. Kurt Vonnegut