Theme: Dream. Dare. Do.

TEDxThirdWard is an independently organized TEDx event designed to inspire curiosity, spark bold ideas, and foster meaningful action. Taking place on March 1, 2025, at MATCH Houston, the event will bring together a dynamic mix of speakers, performances, and community experiences under the theme Dream. Dare. Do.

This half-day event is structured to engage attendees from start to finish

MATCH Houston
3400 Main St
Theater 2
Houston, Texas, 77002
United States

Amber Gunner

"Dr. Amber Gunner’s journey into workplace wellness began with personal experiences of burnout and connection. As a high-achieving professional, she faced the challenge of balancing ambition with well-being, quickly realizing that connection, psychological safety, and support systems were the keys to sustainable success. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and certifications in Trauma-Informed Care and Burnout Prevention, Dr. Gunner has spent over a decade helping organizations create cultures where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She partners with ERGs, corporations, and teams to deliver engaging keynotes, workshops, and consulting solutions that focus on connection as the antidote to burnout. Through her CORE Framework—Curiosity, Openness, Resilience, and Engagement—she equips leaders and employees with actionable strategies to strengthen relationships, enhance psychological safety, and build inclusive workplaces where well-being drives innovation. Dr. Gunner’s work isn’t just about theory—it’s about real change, real connection, and real impact."

Arthi Vasudevan

Arthi Vasudevan is a technology leader and cybersecurity professional with 16 years of experience, mom, author, and speaker. Through her first book, Cyberama, its accompanying online game, and related interactive workshops, she has educated over 3,500 students, parents, and educators on internet safety and social media awareness. https://cyberama.org/Resources/ Arthi holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, and an MBA from Rice University. She is the recipient of multiple awards including Houston Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business”, Empowering Women in Industry, and ALLY Energy’s GRIT awards. In addition to regularly speaking at industry conferences and CxO roundtables on cybersecurity, Arthi is also passionate about promoting STEM in young students and leading Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.

Brandy Woods- Smith

Brandy Woods-Smith is a charismatic and passionate educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant. She is known as a thought leader, change agent, community developer and to many she is hailed the Millionaire Midwife. Ms. Woods-Smith attended Jarvis Christian College in East Texas. She finished her Master in Education Administration in 2005. After serving the public school system for 13 years, Woods opened Imagine Me Academy in 2013 and now has multiple locations. In her quest to help other aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success, she founded Powerhouses United and Childcare Millionaires, business incubators designed to give education, resources and teaching financial literacy to entrepreneurs. Believe BIG! Expect BIG! Do BIG! is the mantra she lives by. Woods says, “Although BIG is not the most eloquent word, it gets the vision across clearly! With belief in my heart, the work of my hands, and the words in my mouth. I will accomplish what I am commissioned to do: Motivate! Educate! Produce!

Cris Wright

Cris is a strategist, speaker, and former journalist who has lived in 14 cities, spoken one-on-one with thousands, and explored hundreds of topics—all in pursuit of intellectual capital. Born and raised in Houston’s historic Third Ward, she’s a proud graduate of Jack Yates High School and Howard University. Cris leads a consulting practice, a technology platform, and contributes to local government initiatives—all while volunteering across multiple community organizations. Her work centers knowledge, infrastructure, and goodwill as the real foundations of lasting impact.

Ed Pettitt

Ed Pettitt is a doctoral candidate in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. He serves as a Graduate Research Assistant with the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice in Houston, where he focuses on equitable energy transitions and community resilience. Ed played a key role in securing a $156 million EPA Solar for All grant to expand community solar, energy efficiency, and microgrids. This initiative will benefit Historically Black Colleges & Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges & Universities, and adjacent low-income, energy-burdened communities across the United States—serving as a model that can be replicated globally.

Gina Carroll

"Gina began writing, blogging and speaking after leaving a large corporate law practice to raise her five children. Her first book, 24 Things You Can Do with Social Media to Help Get into College, helped students show their best selves and tell their own stories online. Dedicated to the belief that everyone has a story worth the writing and the telling, she wrote A Story That Matters: A Gratifying Way to Write About Your Life, to help aspiring writers get their life stories written, polished and shared. She founded Story House, LLC (formerly InspiredWordsmith), a writing, editing, and authorship services company based on the belief that the storytelling universe needs more authentic and diverse voices. She is most proud of the debut Story House publishing effort, Stories Are Medicine: Writing to Heal, An Anthology, a beautiful offering from a committed and brave group of Black women writers from Houston and beyond. Gina, a Los Angeles native, is a graduate of Stanford University and UCLA Law School, currently living in Houston, Texas. The Grandest Garden is her debut novel."

Jai Collier, JD SPHR

With over 20 years of collective experience in the fields of law, psychology, and human resources, Jai Collier is an HR executive who specializes in transformative organizational strategy that fosters equity, inclusion, and optimized employee potential. She is also the founder and CEO of Bird House Publishing, an independent publishing house that focuses on and promotes the development of new and inclusive stories and voices. Additionally, she serves on the board of Writers in Schools, Houston, where she advocates for the support and advancement of written and spoken literary arts among youth and young adults. Jai is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). She holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a Master's Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Jeannine K. Brown

"Jeannine K Brown was named among the 25 Most Powerful Women in the Accounting profession in 2024 and 2023 by the Association of International Certified Public Accountants, Inc. (AICPA & CIMA). As the CEO of Everyday Lead, Jeannine K. Brown advocates for creating psychologically safe spaces for high-performance teams. Her people-centered work delivers solutions that assist corporations, increase retention, develop leaders, advance talent, and create competitive advantage with the implementation of the firm’s signature high-performance team strategy. Before 2010, Jeannine held leadership roles at Deloitte, the Alabama Department of Revenue, and in industry, where she led national teams in state and local tax planning and economic development. Jeannine earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Alabama State University, Percy J. Vaughn, Jr., College of Business Administration, and an MBA from Robinson College, Georgia State University. She is the author of the bestselling book, Unstuck and Unstoppable, host of the UnToxic Boss Podcast. Jeannine serves on several civic and organizational boards. She enjoys live music performances, the arts, and to explore destinations far away from home."

Jotina Buck

Jotina Buck (she/her) is a black queer female licensed professional counselor, 200 hr. registered yoga teacher, meditation and breathwork guide. She is the owner and founder the first and only black, queer, female-owned integrative mental health practice in central Houston, Root + Yoke Wellness. Jotina has over 15 years of experience studying psychology and human behavior. She is a native Houstonian but recently relocated to Quintana Roo, Mexico. Over the years her soul’s work has manifested in various forms. She’s written personal development books, hosted empowerment gatherings, shared messages as a public speaker, served as an educator, school counselor, and mobilized on-ground support for marginalized communities in need both locally and abroad. Today her soul’s work is manifesting through listening and looking at what’s here now to help heal as a mental health therapist + yoga guide. She is a wellness advocate with a commitment to closing the gaps of equity disparities in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Jotina loves supporting humans with better humaning. She is a native Houstonian who loves her city. Jotina affirms that she is here to co-build a better, kinder, and more compassionate human-centered world. Learn more about her practice and life’s work at www.rootyokewellness.com

Mary Adegbesan

Mary Adegbesan is a dedicated advocate for equity in computer science education, committed to bridging the digital divide for under-served communities worldwide. Inspired by her passion for accessible STEM education, Mary founded CTRL Code, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth globally with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven world. Through CTRL Code, Mary has led numerous programming initiatives, offering hands-on workshops and digital resources that introduce youth to essential technological skills. In addition to her role as a programming instructor, Mary also self-published Coding Unplugged, an offline Python programming book designed to provide an accessible introduction to coding for youth without access to internet connectivity. Beyond her individual contributions, Mary's efforts have also extended to fostering impactful collaborations with organizations such as Google, Code.org, and global charities in regions including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, etc., empowering students without access to comprehensive educational curricula to unlock new opportunities in technology and develop the confidence to pursue careers in STEM. Ultimately, Mary is driven by the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the tools to unlock their boundless potential and envision brighter futures in STEM!

Nguyen Griggs

Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs is a high content trainer and speaker with a rich, motivational style. Tom works with organizations to create black belt teams that overcome stress and cultivate cultures of success. His background in martial arts, adult learning and education have shaped his unique style of facilitation. Tom's uses movement, role-play, game theory and participant led activities to create engaging, impactful & applicable takeaways. Dr. Griggs lives by his belief that learning won't always be easy, but it can still be enjoyable. He owns Lead Connect Grow LLC and is a senior instructor at TnT Jujitsu in Houston, TX. You can learn more and connect with Tom at www.ntgriggs.com where he will challenge you to Find Your Inner Black Belt™

Nguyen "Tom" Griggs

Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs is a high content trainer and speaker with a rich, motivational style. To works with organizations to create black belt teams that overcome stress and cultivate cultures of success. His background in martial arts, adult learning and education have shaped his unique style of facilitation. Tom's uses movement, role-play, game theory and participant led activities to create engaging, impactful & applicable takeaways. Dr. Griggs lives by his belief that learning won't always be easy, but it can still be enjoyable. He owns Lead Connect Grow LLC, and is a senior instructor at TnT Jujitsu in Houston, TX. You can learn more and connect with Tom at [www.ntgriggs.com](http://www.ntgriggs.com/) where he will challenge you to Find Your Inner Black Belt™

Sierra McClain

Sierra McClain is an educator, maternal mental health advocate, full-spectrum doula, community organizer, trainer and speaker. She founded Sankofa Mama Birth Services with a mission to center and enrich the birth experiences of Black mothers and to help them navigate the systemic challenges they face birthing in the United States. In 2021, Sierra established the #WeGotUs Emergency Response Collective to provide comprehensive disaster relief for pregnant mothers and families with small children, ensuring access to essential resources like diapers, formula, and hygiene products through community-driven efforts and strategic partnerships. Please visit www.sankofamama.com to learn more.

Stephanie Wilkins

Rev. Dr. Stephanie Wilkins is a passionate leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering women—especially those over 50—to overcome grief, rediscover joy, and live boldly. With over 20 years in education and ministry, she helps women reclaim strength and purpose after loss. Dr. Wilkins holds an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in Humanitarianism, a Master’s in Education, and a Master of Arts in Ministry. Her work has earned recognition from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service. A compelling speaker, Dr. Wilkins is known for her authentic and engaging style. She is frequently invited to speak on grief recovery, women’s empowerment, and prayer, with features in WOW Magazine, The Houston Chronicle, The Houston Defender, and Amazing 102.5 FM. She has presented at events like the 2024 Women of Excellence Conference and Servant’s House Ministries Women’s Conference. As an author, Dr. Wilkins has written six books in a twelve-part journal series that guides readers through healing and rediscovering joy. She is currently working on her memoir. One of her most impactful initiatives is the annual Overcoming Grief/Reclaiming Joy Workshop, which offers tools and community support for women navigating grief. Rev. Dr. Stephanie Wilkins is a beacon of hope, using her voice, leadership, and compassion to inspire women to embrace life, walk in purpose, and find joy even in the wake of loss.

Tiffany Yvonne

Tiffany Yvonne is a TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she teaches Design Your Life & Work in the Honors College. With a background as a CPA and a human dynamics expert, she brings a rare fusion of business acumen and emotional intelligence to her work with leaders, teams, and organizations. Her approach is rooted in a belief that people problems are profit problems—and that human-centered cultures aren’t just good for morale, they’re good for the bottom line. She has received congressional recognition for her leadership development and life coaching work, served as a contributor on a bi-monthly NBC news segment, and founded Playmaker Solutions to help high achievers and executives disrupt burnout and design success with purpose and joy. Tiffany is a proud Chicago native, a mom of three, and is known for blending storytelling, strategy, and soul. She believes the most powerful leaders aren’t the ones who do it all, but the ones who know what to let go.

Tyrone Void

"Tyrone Void, Jr, is known as TJ by most people in his life. He is an author, writer, speaker, creative, and Leadership Trainer and advocate. Above that, however, he is a husband and a father. Born in South Carolina, but raised in Central Texas, he has always had a calling to serve. TJ has spent time as a coach, educator, and mentor for many years, but has started Void Ventures, LLC to lean deeper into his mission to amplify the voice of the unheard, and provide an avenue for people, both young and old, to write their own stories how they see fit. Whether it’s engaging in a thoughtful conversation about fatherhood via his Instagram (@thefatherhoodshow) or Void Ventures YouTube, delivering a keynote to young men and women, or penning on of his many published family friendly children’s book, TJ’s goal is to add value to anything he is a part of."

Vivian Liu

Vivian Liu is the co-founder of Origami For Good, a global nonprofit that spreads joy and awareness through the art of origami. With over 170 chapters in 50 countries, the organization has donated more than 820,000 origami pieces—handmade from recycled paper—to children’s hospitals, senior centers, and military facilities. Through campaigns focused on mental health, wildlife conservation, and cultural appreciation, Vivian empowers youth to turn small acts into meaningful global impact. Her work has been featured by TEDx, FOX News, Bold Journey Magazine, Channel Kindness Foundation, and the Houston Chronicle.