TEDxDeer Park Women

Speakers

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

• Andrea De Loney

  Andrea De Loney is a dynamic leader with over 14 years of experience in human resources and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Senior Manager of Learning & Organizational Development at Warner Music Group, she partners with leaders to design talent strategies that drive engagement, align with business goals, and foster equitable workplaces. A proven advocate for community impact, she has secured over $32,000 through the WMG Social Justice Fund for Long Island–based organizations serving underrepresented communities. In 2023, Andrea launched LevelUp Coaching & Consulting LLC to deliver transformative coaching and consulting solutions that empower professionals and organizations to thrive. She holds an MBA with Distinction in Strategic Business Management from Hofstra University and a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in marketing and management from Wagner College. Her credentials also include certification in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance.

• Dr. Andrea Thomas

  Dr. Andrea Thomas is a global education leader shaping the future of learning at the intersection of culture, technology, and human connection. For nearly two decades, she has pioneered virtual exchange, digital transformation, and responsible AI initiatives that expand access to global learning and prepare leaders to thrive in an interconnected world. Dr. Thomas’ career spans more than 45 countries and six continents, partnering with ministries of education, universities, nonprofits, and technology companies to design and scale programs that foster collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Dr. Thomas is the Founder and CEO of The Common Place, a platform for professional learning and global collaboration that equips educators and leaders with tools to build cultures of trust, innovation, and shared progress. She also serves as a Team Lead at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, advancing work on AI governance, ethics, and education.

• Dr. Kristen Szabla

  Dr Kristen Szabla is a neuroscientist, speaker, writer, catalyst for change, and founder of Transforming Pain. With over a decade of experience as a neuroscientist specializing in the neural circuity mediating fear and depression, Dr Szabla has developed a neurobiologic-based approach that has enabled her to positively transform her life from one filled with fear, anxiety, and pain to one filled with hope, light, love, and authentic empowerment. Dr Szabla is an extremely focused, empathic, and passionate leader who is driven to fulfill her mission of transforming pain into power. Her goal is to redefine and amplify the conversation surrounding the horror of sexual trauma, as well as other traumatic events, and their deleterious effects on mental health.

• Dr. Neva Alexander

  Dr. Neva Helena Alexander is a Global Leadership Strategist, educator, and author recognized for her forward-thinking approach to leadership in an interconnected world. She is the Founder of Nevalliance, a leadership development company that curates global experiences, strategic programs, and thought leadership opportunities designed to inspire sustainable growth and cross-cultural collaboration. In addition to her corporate and leadership work, Dr. Neva established the Nevalliance Foundation, the nonprofit arm of her organization, which focuses on women’s empowerment and community engagement. Through this platform, she fosters initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices, create pathways for leadership, and strengthen community impact. With advanced degrees in Educational Leadership, Legal Studies, and Social Science, Dr. Neva blends academic expertise with real-world strategy, making her a sought-after speaker, advisor, and thought partner.

• Dr. Sabine Charles

  Dr. Sabine Charles is a highly regarded expert in leadership, personal development, and education. She serves as the CEO of Charles Financial Strategies and TAPA Institute, where she brings her expertise to guide individuals and organizations towards success. With a background in research, auditing, teaching, and consulting, Dr. Charles has become a prominent figure in inspiring individuals to reach their full potential. She has authored several books, including her latest work, "Leadership MEQ."

• Elizabeth Oputa

  Elizabeth Oputa is an award-winning strategist, experiential architect, and founder of Pink Rocket, a culture-first creative studio designing campaigns and gatherings that move people. Over the past 15 years, she has led global brand initiatives for Fortune 500 companies including Amazon Prime Video, Moët Hennessy, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer — producing events that not only made headlines but also set new cultural standards across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. From drone shows in Lagos to viral streaming activations in New York, her work has consistently proven the power of experiences to ignite conversation and shift industries. Elizabeth is known for designing gatherings that spark connection and cultural relevance. Her work sits at the intersection of culture, strategy, and storytelling, guided by the belief that whether for ten people or ten thousand, gatherings are opportunities for transformation — not just logistics to be managed.

• Jori O'Neale

  Jori O'Neale is a dynamic Developmental Writing Coach at IYH Innertainment LLC, where she has been instrumental since 2022 in adding a writing and publication component to the company's arts and entertainment offerings. Her expertise lies in helping aspiring authors excavate their stories and transform them into published books, eliminating the common headaches of writer's block and wasted time. As a 9-times published and best-selling author, Jori brings a wealth of experience and insight to her clients. She also serves as a Christian Productivity Coach, guiding Christians to make more time for what matters most in their lives.

• Kai Diata Giovanni

  Kai Diata Giovanni is the 2025 New York City Youth Poet Laureate. Kai has organized and performed locally, nationally and internationally as an artivist (artist-activist) for many years. Kai has performed with the Brooklyn Museum, the Blue Note Jazz Club, the Guggenheim, Lincoln Center, the WNBA, University of Nairobi, Trinity Church, and more. Their work routinely explores race, rage, radical justice, and belonging.

• Kennedy Campbell

  Kennedy Campbell graduated from Syracuse University’s prestigious Musical Theatre Program in 2023. Kennedy is the former Miss Upstate New York America. She is the Founder and President of Arts for Anxiety Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to bring awareness and assistance to those who suffer from anxiety and other mental health issues by the relief that can be found through the Arts. She partners with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America to bring her message to youth. Her work through this organization gives her the opportunity to highlight this growing health crisis facing youth today. She is a children’s book author and singer songwriter, whose addresses anxiety, depression, identity and social justice issues. Kennedy has been featured with NBC, CBS and other national media outlets concerning her work for anxiety. Kennedy can be seen in theatres across the country and in advertisements for Hasbro, Optimum TV, Blue Cross Blue Shield and others nationwide.

• Latavia Sturdivant

  Latavia Sturdivant, graduated from Columbia University in 2016 with her masters degree in speech language pathology and has her license in NY & Maine. She has been practicing for 8 years now and works with children from preschool-high school in a school setting. She is also an adjunct Prof. at Lehman College, content creator, editor and host of Queens On A Roll Podcast, Certified Lead Advocate for the Amputee Coalition and Ms. Wheelchair America 2026. As a proud advocate for people with disabilities, she focuses on breaking down barriers through education and leadership, as she seeks to challenge societal misconceptions and overcome systemic obstacles that hinder equal access to learning and leadership opportunities.

• Tanya D. Crawford

  Tanya D. Crawford is a lifelong resident of Wyandanch, New York, with more than 38 years of nursing experience and a reputation for combining professional skill with community advocacy. Her leadership extends across numerous organizations. She is Vice President of the Suffolk County Black Nurses Association and holds multiple roles in the Long Island Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. As Social Justice Chair for the Suffolk Section of the National Council of Negro Women, she advances health equity and civic engagement, while also serving as Secretary of the Wyandanch Family and Recognition Day Committee and as a member of the NAACP Islip/Smithtown Branch. A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Crawford transformed her personal health battle into a public mission, volunteering with the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, Adelphi’s statewide program, the Witness Project, and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.

• Theresa Wilson,Esq.

  Theresa Wilson, Esq., an experienced and passionate advocate and thought leader in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and restorative justice. A lawyer, equity trainer and law professor who has been teaching and training for more than 20 years. Her style of educating around the difficult topics of race, bias and fairness for those engaged in or impacted by the legal profession invites thoughtful conversation, growth and evolution. Theresa engages with the judiciary, bar associations and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to address the disparities which exist in our legal systems. A former prosecutor and public defender who lives at the intersection of race and gender with the lived experience of being a mother of a child with mental health challenges and the daughter of a police officer. These experiences allow a perspective and insight into this work which is multi-faceted and invaluable.