TEDxSTU

Speakers

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

• Christtian Travieso

  I have been in education for 17 years. I have always been passionate about philosophy, critical thinking, and the meaning of life. I teach classes in Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities. My Ph.D. is in Humanities from Salve Regina University, and I currently serve as the Director of the STU Honors College.

• Cindia Marra Gonzalez

  Cindia Marra Gonzalez is a Cuban-born biology student, researcher, and aspiring astrobiologist whose journey across continents has shaped her passion for science and discovery. From learning English with a dictionary in hand to leading research in Martian agriculture and spinal cord regeneration, she transforms challenges into puzzle pieces that build toward a greater purpose: unlocking life’s potential beyond Earth and inspiring others to do the same.

• David A. Armstrong, J.D.

  David A. Armstrong, J.D., is currently in his seventh year as President of St. Thomas University, and continues driving to make STU the leading Catholic University in the South. President Armstrong’s considerable experience in higher education includes enrollment, fundraising, student life, and athletics. He is a nationally recognized speaker on future trends of higher education law, Title IX, and campus safety. His commitment to the transformative power of education has led to seven continuous years of record enrollment, and multiple new corporate partnerships. For 2025 and beyond, President Armstrong has charged St. Thomas University's faculty, staff, and students to pursue excellence in every aspect of the higher education journey.

• Dr. Ashlee Rzyczycki

  Dr. Ashlee Rzyczycki is a pioneering educator and fashion industry expert dedicated to transforming fashion education through sustainability, ethics, and innovation. With over a decade in the fashion sector and academic roles at institutions like Mercyhurst University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, and Kentucky Wesleyan College, she brings a wealth of experience to her current position at St. Thomas University. As the founding Program Director, she launched Florida's only SACSCOC-accredited Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. Dr. Rzyczycki's research delves into sustainable fashion, cultural narratives, and the intersection of faith and fashion. She is a sought-after speaker, having delivered talks at conferences and events, where she challenged prevailing narratives in the fashion industry .

• Dr. Chad Michael Altieri Esq

  Dr. Altieri is a force in international law, finance, and compliance. As a Law Partner and recognized thought leader, he blends deep expertise in corporate law, international trade, anti-money laundering, cryptoasset & fintech regulation, and global sanctions with a passion for empowering businesses and communities worldwide. Dr. Altieri’s thought leadership and speaking engagements extend to the world’s most prestigious forums. From delivering actionable insights on Health Diplomacy™ and the geopolitics of trade in London to pioneering blockchain strategies and supply chain management in Dubai, his dynamic presentations inspire leaders and policymakers to think beyond boundaries and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Florida, the U.K. & Wales, and United Arab Emirates, he has operated in private practice since 2007.

• Dr. Pedro "Joe" Greer, Jr., MD

  Dr. Greer spearheaded Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP) which prepares medical students and other health professions students to address the social determinants of health through a hands-on longitudinal experience caring for underserved households in Miami-Dade County. He established Camillus Health Concern, Inc. and Saint John Bosco, health centers for underserved populations in Miami-Dade County, Florida. A 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in Life Sciences listed on the Florida Trend 2019; June 2019 AMA Foundation Pride in Profession Award; Bob Graham Center for Public Service 2017 Citizen of the Year; 2014 National Jefferson Award in the category of Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged; 2013 Great Floridian Award; the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom; and in 1993, was honored as a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” Fellow.

• Franklin Mejías Castellanos

  Franklin Mejías Castellanos is a quadruple amputee, author, and motivational speaker originally from Venezuela. After surviving a near-fatal case of bacterial meningitis shortly after arriving in the United States, Franklin turned personal tragedy into purpose. Today, he travels the world sharing his story of resilience, courage, and hope, inspiring others to overcome adversity and embrace life with gratitude and strength.

• John Leon

  John is a licensed attorney in FL who focuses his practice on civil litigation and Crisis Management. As an attorney, John has been admitted to eight (8) courts at the State and Federal level. He has been in private practice for over (23) years and has handled or consulted on over 100,000 legal matters. As part of his work, John has been recognized as a national authority and pioneer in the area of Crisis Management. His philosophy of Pre-Emptive Crisis Management has been written about extensively and John has lectured and given interviews nationally about what publications have referred to as his “trailblazing” philosophy. Among his accomplishments, John has been named among the top 1% of attorneys nationally by major industry trade publications as well as having received dozens of awards recognizing both him and his Firm for their work.

• Sami Rahman

  Sami Rahman is a recent graduate of St. Thomas University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. The Port St. Lucie native was also a part of the men’s basketball program during his time at STU.

• Tobi Rubinstein

  Tobi Rubinstein is a rare force in the fashion industry—an enduring voice of purpose in a world driven by trends and image. She has built a groundbreaking career at the intersection of couture and conviction, redefining what it means to lead with both style and substance. A fashion industry veteran, Tobi began with brands like Victoria’s Secret and later co-founded “Chedda,” the first women-owned urban brand developed for K-Mart. As the founder of The House of Faith & Fashion, a religious leader, author, and media personality, she has become known for integrating spirituality into the fashion world. Her bestselling book series, What My Wardrobe Taught Me About G-d and Haute & Holy, form the foundation of a brand that spans media, live events, and runway shows from New York to Paris—bridging faith, creativity, and cultural dialogue .

• Zachary Catanzaro

  Professor Zachary Catanzaro was one of the twelve speakers who took the stage for the first-ever TEDx Talk hosted by St. Thomas University. He delivered a compelling talk exploring artificial intelligence's impact on posthumous control and digital immortality. In "Digital Ghosts: Training AI to Outlive Us," Professor Catanzaro examined emerging technologies that extend human consciousness beyond death, from virtual reality reunions to AI-driven estate management. Drawing from his research on algorithmic dead hands, he offered insights into balancing technological innovation with human autonomy as we navigate this new frontier of digital persistence.