TEDx Spring 2019 Talks


Neither Trauma nor Overcoming: Rhetorical Critique of Formation | Lee Pierce

Lee Pierce (she/hers) is a Visiting Assistant Professor at SUNY Geneseo teaching classes in rhetoric, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. Lee is also a scholar of rhetoric, style, and contemporary U.S. political culture. When Lee isn't teaching or writing she teaches fitness classes and serves as faculty adviser for the student newspaper and the visual culture clubs on campus. Lee is not your ordinary professor - she is hip, spunky, and chic.

Behind Each Smile, There is an Unspoken Story to Be Told | Jean Paul Laurent

Jean Paul Laurent is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Unspoken Smiles Foundation, a New York-based non-profit that promotes both long-term oral healthcare and economic security in the world’s most disadvantaged regions. Jean Paul is an Award Winning Social Entrepreneur, Oral Care Specialist, Author, and Philanthropist. His philanthropic achievements have garnered recognition from a variety of prestigious organizations including The United Nations (ECOSOC), New York State Senate, The Clinton Global Initiative University, President Obama Lifetime Achievement - Volunteer Service Award, and many more.

What Do You Have to Offer the World? | Jacob Klingensmith

Jacob Klingensmith is a senior Communication major here at SUNY Geneseo who was born and raised in Rochester, NY. After spending a summer studying Spanish in Oaxaca, Mexico and after joining Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity here on campus, he was inspired to create his own company - Madera Greek Paddles - which donates a portion of its profits to support STEM education in Oaxaca.

Promoting Wellness By Being Connected | Poonam Desai

Dr. Poonam Desai is an emergency medicine doctor attending at a level 1 trauma center and academic hospital. She completed a fellowship in emergency ultrasound and is currently the emergency ultrasound division director at New York Presbyterian Queens. Aside from being a doctor, she is also a professional dancer. She has trained in classical Indian dancing and recently performed at the world-renowned Lincoln Center in New York City. Dr. Desai is a health and wellness advocate and has developed a strong network of followers on social media. She enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and has visited over 41 countries.