TEDxMiddlebury
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxMiddlebury, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxMiddlebury event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
TEDxMiddlebury is run by a 10-member student board. Created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.”
History
TEDxMiddlebury was started in 2010 by Cloe Shasha. The organization has grown steadily each year and is run by a student board. If you are interested in volunteering or leading next year’s event, please email tedx@middlebury.edu.
Student Speaker Competition
Every year TEDxMiddlebury holds a Student Speaker Competition. We invite all students to enter in the competition. Students share a four minute speech of a topic which they are passionate about that is related to the year’s theme. A panel of faculty judges elect the winner, who will give a full, 18-minute presentation at the TEDxMiddlebury event.
TEDxMiddlebury
Saturday, April 5, 2025: 1-4:00pm Testing the Waters Purchase tickets here.
The theme for this year is “Testing the Waters”, which explores the role of uncertainty in sparking innovative thinking, reimagining societal structures, and fostering resilience
in the face of global challenges. We aim for listeners to leave with a
curiosity about how embracing uncharted paths can lead to shifts not only in
their own lives but in their communities and the broader world. Instead of
focusing solely on personal courage, we want to encourage questions like, “How
can new perspectives on career paths, social norms, and global issues
contribute to social transformation?”, “What happens when communities
collectively redefine what’s possible in response to challenges?”, and “In what
ways can exploring the unknown shape a more adaptive, inclusive future?”
You can follow us on the TEDxMiddlebury instagram.
2025 Speaker Schedule
The Importance of Authentic Inclusion in Children’s Media, Akshata Nayak, Founder of Little Patakha
Pivot!, Caroline Corrente, Chef/Owner of Haymaker Bun Company
TED Video, How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education, Sal Khan
Intermission
Why I Travel with Languages, Jenna Tang, Taiwanese Writer and Literary Translator
Swimming Against the Current: A Journey of Self Discovery, Brooke Mumbi ‘26, TEDx Middlebury Student Speaker
Courageous Leadership: The Power of Being Genuine, Representative Becca Balint, US Representative
TED Video, Your Empty Wine Bottle Could Help Rebuild Coastlines, Franziska Trautmann
This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.