Nov. 21 proved to be a magical night of connecting with others at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business for TEDx Omaha 2024 — Unveiling the Power of Connections.
The speakers had broad definitions of “connection,” from art to science to philosophy to magic, the main theme was explored in unique ways. Each of the speakers brought something to the red circle in which they stood to speak (a TEDx signature), and, while all inspired thought and action, some of the speakers were incredibly powerful.
Blake Harris spoke of his passion for skateboarding and how it has helped him serve underprivileged youth find their purpose. He started skateboarding when the sport was known for outsiders, not Olympic athletes, and has been able to take this passion and has been able to create a nonprofit that helps others.
One speaker in the lineup was absolutely heartbreaking. Janelle Hill, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, spoke about her journey from desiring to be a college athlete to becoming one; and then being tragically raped by her coach. She took this tragedy and became an activist who today serves as a board member for The Army of Survivors.
Around the halfway mark in the evening, musician Darci Gamerl came onstage to talk to people about how to “Embrace Your True Calling.” The professional oboist performed onstage with her Bel Canto Duo cellist David Downing as part of the talk.
Anthony Gould spoke of connections in a literal sense by speaking of his friends and associates—and how he discovered many of whom he thought were friends ended up being associates.
Josh Berry spoke to how AI is going to change language that is being used, and how, and why, people should choose their words wisely. His information about words such as “prospect,” or “target” felt like a knife poke, but in a way that showed authenticity is possible.
Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter ended the night by talking about how to live in the moment, for the moment. It’s apparent that he’s skilled at this—he spoke to the audience while balancing a spoon on his nose.
TEDx Omaha ended with people leaving inspired and ready to spread the ideas they learned throughout the evening. Those interested in hearing a TEDx talk will be able to at a later date by visiting their website, tedxomaha.com or joining their social media channels. All 12 talks presented on Nov. 21 will eventually be released to the organizations social media channels.
