Theme: The Power of We

Our 2025 TEDxFaurotPark speakers will be presenting TEDxTalks exploring how collective action and shared aspirations drive meaningful change in our communities and beyond.

Tickets will be available in March, 2025.

Encore Theatre
991 N Shore Drive
Lima, Ohio, 45801
United States

Dr. Gowri Rocco, MD

Medical Doctor, CoFounder and CMO of Optimum Wellness & Longevity, Author, Medical Correspondent, Wife & Mother of 3 amazing Kids

I am double board certified medical doctor and I am passionate about health. My family moved to the US from Chennai, India when I was 6 years old and I am deeply enrooted in both western and eastern forms of medicine and incorporate both forms when working with patients. I love and I am passionate about preventive and regenerative medicine, I practice proactive medicine. I am a mother of 3 wonderful children, an author and I love hiking, baking, reading and journaling.

Dr. La'Shardae Scott

President and CEO of Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition

Dr. La’Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, CHES, is President and CEO of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition, leading efforts in infant mortality, mental health, and the pediatric-to-adult transition for sickle cell patients. She has secured vital funding and co-developed the CDC’s manual Oral Health Management in Sickle Cell Patients. Her partnerships with Ohio hospitals have improved care transitions and outcomes for vulnerable populations. A passionate advocate and mother of two children living with sickle cell disease, Dr. Scott serves on several health equity boards and the NASW-Ohio Region 1 Board. She holds degrees from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctorate of Social Work in Administration and Leadership from the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Stella Dellamora

Speaker, Coach, and Author

Dr. Stella (aka Elizabeth Dellamora, PhD) is an entrepreneur, author, educator, and athlete, with dual diagnoses of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and ADHD. She’s literally been diagnosed as a hyperactive, hyper-moral, workaholic perfectionist. And she uses all this to her advantage! Dr. Stella competes in open water swimming, has completed 4 Ironman triathlons, and time- qualified for the Boston, Chicago, and New York City marathons. As an educator and award-winning author, Dr. Stella taught from early childhood to university level, including as an adjunct at NYU. She has helped thousands of educators apply research-based strategies to develop students’ critical thinking skills and has supported hundreds of leaders building effective teams and launching initiatives. Dr. Stella’s passion lies in using brain-based strategies to help teams transform individual strengths into collective brilliance. She is the Founder and Lead Activator at Seligo LLC.

Emily Hedrick

Professional Resilience Consultant and Author

Emily Hedrick is a resilience coach, author, and former pastor who specializes in helping people recover from religious trauma and chronic shame. With a background in theology and a deep understanding of attachment theory and trauma recovery, Emily bridges the gap between intellectual insights and practical tools for healing. Her work invites individuals to reconnect with their bodies, rewrite harmful narratives, and build meaningful, authentic connections. Emily’s latest book, How to Treat Your Body Like a Sacred Text, offers a transformative approach to addressing shame and reclaiming agency. Through coaching, writing, and community-building, Emily is dedicated to creating spaces where vulnerability meets growth.

Marc Bowker

Owner, Alter Ego Comics

Marc Bowker is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as the owner of Alter Ego Comics, an award-winning comic book store located in downtown Lima, Ohio. With deep expertise in comic retail, he has helped shape the local and national comic book community, offering valuable insights into building a successful and sustainable business in the niche world of comics. As a certified Heroic Coach, workshop instructor & speaker, he specializes in guiding small business owners to increase their energy, productivity, and connection. Drawing from personal experience living with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder after a nervous breakdown in 2016, Marc is dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of mental health while achieving peak performance in both business and life. He and his wife, Angie, live in Lima and have three children.

Ruth Agbaji

Entrepreneur, Small Business Strategist, and Founder of Code Wiz

Ruth Agbaji is the founder & CEO of Code Wiz, a dynamic children’s coding franchise that has sparked a love for technology in kids across the US. Born & raised in Nigeria, Ruth taught herself to code amidst challenging circumstances, driven by a determination to change her future. Her journey led her to the US, where she worked at Microsoft and discovered her passion for teaching & entrepreneurship. Through Code Wiz, Ruth has built a community where children explore STEM in a fun, engaging way, developing skills in coding, robotics, & problem-solving. Under her leadership, Code Wiz has grown to over 40 locations, making technology accessible to children from all backgrounds and inspiring the next generation of tech leaders. Recognized by publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur, Ruth’s innovative approach has transformed how kids learn to code. Her commitment to making tech education inclusive and exciting continues to drive Code Wiz’s success and impact on communities nationwide.