TEDxSimsbury

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Kathy McAfee

  Kathy is an executive presentation coach, black belt in Tae Kwon Do, author and speaker. Her business is to work with motivated business executives, high potential corporate talent and ambitious entrepreneurs and help them become recognized leaders in their field. Kathy’s presentation at TEDxSimsbury will focus on her personal experience as a foster parent who became an adoptive mother.

• Kate Emery

  Kate is a business and social entrepreneur. She founded reSET to offer a view of how businesses could conduct themselves in the marketplace. Kate migrated her 20+-year-old IT service firm – Walker Systems Support – from a for-profit business to a social enterprise, which divides any distributed profits equally among its 50 employees, investors, and the community.

• Vanessa Stevens

  Vanessa Stevens is a singer, songwriter and writer. She founded The Purple Song Project to bring hope, healing and awareness of domestic violence – its definitions and issues – through song. Vanessa helps survivors express themselves through "Writing Songs that Heal" workshops and assisting the public, in general, become more aware of domestic violence, its effects and how to prevent its societal and emotionally destructive cycle. Vanessa is at work on the Project's first CD and serves on the board of the Connecticut Alliance for Victims of Violence and their Families. Without her guitar, Vanessa sings lead in The Happening, a 60’s and 70’s dance band.

• Jon Picoult

  Jon is an executive, speaker and author who helps businesses impress their customers, inspire their employees and turn everyday people into loyal brand advocates. Jon will be inspiring the TEDxSimsbury audience with his take on how to make one commitment that will wow your customers, family and friends.

• Caley Henderson

  Caley is a soccer player, debate champion, award-winning Irish dancer and social activist. This Kingswood Oxford student, who was homeschooled until last year, founded Kidz Kare with her siblings in 1999. Kidz Kare operates under the theme of “kids helping kids.” Over 800 children collect everything from basic items like clothing to wish list materials such as art supplies and donate them to local homeless shelters and organizations that help Connecticut children in need. Kidz Kare has taught Caley that a small idea can grow and make a difference.

• Jerry Aiyathurai

  Jerry is an organizational management consultant and award-winning speaker who also loves to travel, coach scholastic chess and play jazz. As a consultant, he assists companies – ranging from non-profits to Fortune 50 corporations – embark on large-scale change. Jerry is currently writing a book on passion and meaning as drivers of innovation.

• The Sawtelles

  Husband and wife duo, the Sawtelles, are a balance of four elements: alternate-tuned guitar, stand-up drum kit (ala Velvet Underground's Mo Tucker) and two voices. Listeners describe the Sawtelles’ music as sparse but intricately arranged pop, which is as lush as it is threadbare.

• Simsbury Camera Club

  The Simsbury Camera Club provides TEDxSimsbury with a display of their 2010 winning prints.

• The Holcomb Farm Group Art Show

  The Holcomb Farm Group Art Show brings TEDxSimsbury a display of paintings from seven local artists who create together in the spirit of encouragement, inspiration and mutual support.