TEDxPontiac

Speakers

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

• Alexis Kerr

  Alexis Kerr is an executive leader, entrepreneur, and marketing and PR strategist with over 15 years of experience building brands, leading teams, and shaping narratives that move people and markets. Her career spans senior corporate leadership, faith-driven entrepreneurship, and purpose-led community impact. She is the founder of Shining Diamond Media Group, where she leads a full-service marketing, PR, media, and experiential firm serving nonprofits, corporations, and creators. Her work is grounded in a clear belief: visibility, when built with integrity, creates lasting trust and influence. Alexis brings lived experience to every room. She has navigated corporate boardrooms, built companies from the ground up, and partnered with organizations where the stakes are high and the mission is real. Her insights have been shared on stages and in classrooms from Harvard University, as well as conferences, panels, and executive forums nationwide.

• Brian Clark

  Brian Clark a.k.a "BJ" is an emerging poet, student leader, and athlete from Clinton Township, Michigan. A baseball player and member of the National Black MBA Association Leaders of Tomorrow Program, Brian uses spoken word poetry as a platform for creativity, confidence, and personal growth. Known for his thoughtful perspective and powerful delivery, he represents a new generation of young voices using art to spark conversation and inspire change. Through performance and storytelling, Brian encourages audiences to embrace authenticity and boldly share their voice with the world.

• Charlie Wollborg

  Marketing Strategist

  With over fifteen years experience as a strategist, designer and writer, he has worked with brand name clients from General Motors to Blue Cross to Boyne Resorts. Most notably, he spearheaded the "My Saturn" owner loyalty efforts, Ford's first internet car sales and the relaunch of the Sanders Candy brand. Charlie is your idea guy. No one does a better job with big picture concepts designed to launch brands, make a splash and demand attention. He continually investigates what's now, what's new and what's next in marketing, as well as how it can benefit your brand. His campaigns have been recognized by the Detroit Creative Directors Council for creativity and the Direct Marketing Association for effectiveness.

• Eisha Branner

  ABOUT ME Eisha Branner, a native of Pontiac, MI a dedicated mother of 4 beautiful daughters (Destinee, Micah, Jala, Jerma’nee) has been an amazing leader and example of tenacity, endurance and bravery amongst her peers and youth in the city of Pontiac. Eisha Branner is a proud graduate class of 2002 from Pontiac Central high school. She continued her educating following her graduation attending Oakland Community College. Eisha received her associated degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Corrections in 2009, graduated with her bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration in 2012 from University of Phoenix. Shortly after she went and pursued her master’s in human services with a specialization in Multidisciplinary Human Services in 2017.

• Emily Jacobs

  Dr. Emily Jacobs is a board-certified doctor of nursing, healthcare coach, author, global speaker, and leadership coach who empowers high-achieving women to break free from burnout and lead with purpose. As the founder of Empowered Moms, a thriving community of 1,200+ women, she has coached over 250 ambitious women/moms, delivered 200+ transformative talks and workshops, and partnered with large and small organizations to design programs that support working mothers. Her book, Live Your Life For You (Not Your Mom), challenges women to redefine success on their own terms and thrive without constant self-sacrifice or people-pleasing. A 2x TEDx speaker and frequently featured on FOX2, CBS, and other national platforms, Dr. Jacobs is recognized as a leading voice on boundaries, resilience, and modern leadership. Emily also serves on the board of Enchanted Makeovers supporting women, children and female veterans escaping domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness.

• Hal Elrod

  Hal Elrod is on a mission to elevate the consciousness of humanity, one person at a time. As an international keynote speaker, host of the popular Achieve Your Goals podcast, and author of one of the highest rated books in the world, The Miracle Morning, (which has over 6,000 five-star Amazon reviews and has sold over 3 million copies) he is doing exactly that. Hal actually died at age 20. His car was hit head on by a drunk driver at over 70 miles per hour, he died for 6 minutes, broke 11 bones, suffered permanent brain damage and was told by doctors that he would never walk again. Then, at age 37, he nearly died again when his heart, lungs, and kidneys were on the verge of failing, and he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer. After being given a 30% chance of surviving, Hal once again defied seemingly insurmountable odds to beat cancer. He is grateful to be sharing his life with his wife and their two children, in Austin, Texas. Hal’s miraculous journey is featured in his most recent project—The Miracle Morning movie—a documentary that shows you how to live to your full potential and highlights stories of ordinary people who are doing the extraordinary.

• Ida Byrd-Hill

  Ida Byrd-Hill is the Chief Executive Officer of Automation Workz, where she has directly and bluntly educated executives as a strategist delivering Culture Audits, Leadership Coaching, and Tech Skill Coaching to turn AI into a return on investment. With SenseiiWyze, an AI-powered behavior prediction platform, she has trained over 17,000 frontliners in AI/machine learning, cybersecurity ops, data analytics, engineering, the Internet of Things, mathematics, network engineering, science, and technology to power corporate digital transformations and organizational change. She was selected by CEO Magazine as a 2025 Top Tech Innovator alongside Sam Altman of OpenAI, Tim Cook of Apple, and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and has been highlighted by the All American Entertainment Speaker Bureau alongside two Gold Olympians and top AI speakers. She has served as a three-year Director of the Detroit Regional Chamber and sits on its CEO Talent Council. Byrd-Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and a Master of Business Administration in People Management/Strategy from the Jack Welch Management Institute.

• John Patterson

  John Patterson is a leading expert in AI and social media marketing, known for his ability to transform complex concepts into simple, actionable strategies that drive innovation and results. With a passion for making technology accessible, John Patterson has helped businesses of all sizes harness the power of AI to revolutionize their marketing efforts. His presentations are not just informative but also highly engaging, blending humor and real-world examples to create a fun, interactive experience for the audience. Whether speaking to seasoned professionals or those new to the field, John Patterson delivers insights that are immediately applicable, ensuring that attendees walk away with practical tools to elevate their marketing strategies. His dynamic approach and clear communication style make him a sought-after speaker at conferences and events worldwide.

• Judson Anderson

  Judson Anderson is a spoken word artist, poet, and former high school athlete whose work explores identity, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Through poetry and performance, he uses storytelling to inspire audiences to embrace vulnerability, confidence, and authenticity. Blending emotional depth with stage presence, Judson has become known for creating performances that challenge people to reflect, heal, and find strength in their own voice. His mission is to help others transform pain into purpose through creativity and connection.

• Marc Alexander

  As a keynote speaker and workshop leader, Marc brings people together through powerful storytelling and actionable insights that transform organizations. President & CEO of Lite Raise, a social technology platform designed to help nonprofits bridge the digital divide and access the tools they need to thrive. Author of Dreaming of Success, a guide that delivers practical, no-nonsense strategies for turning your aspirations into reality.

• Megan C. Sellers

  Megan C. Sellers serves as Oakland County Deputy Executive. She oversees the Department of Public Communications, Older Adult Services, Community Engagement and is the liaison to the Board of Commissioners. Sellers has been with Oakland County for more than nine years in the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office and the Board of Commissioners where she rose to operations supervisor and was interim chief of staff. She serves as special projects adviser in Coulter's administration, helping with the county’s relocation of its administration and employees to Downtown Pontiac. Prior to her tenure with the county, Sellers held managerial and supervisory positions with hotel chains from 2010 to 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, organizational communication and public relations from Michigan State University and her certified public manager - a leadership program for individuals in public service - from Saginaw Valley State University. Sellers lives in Clarkston,MI.

• Que Morgan

  Hello I'm Que, I build trust, momentum, and business impact at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and execution. As a marketing and sales strategist, TEDx Speaker, brand storyteller, and event moderator, I help brands and teams navigate complex environments, strengthen relationships, and turn vision into results. I believe when people feel seen, informed, and inspired, business moves. That’s why I pair stage presence with strategic discipline to create alignment, engagement, and move measurable outcomes. My experience spans marketing, training, branding, events, sales enablement, cross-functional leadership, and high-visibility initiatives that require both precision and presence. I’m especially effective in roles where client trust, operational excellence, and brand impact must work together, whether in account-facing environments, field operations, strategic marketing, or event-led experiences. What sets me apart is my ability to translate complexity into clarity, build credibility across stakeholders, and create work that resonates long after the moment ends. Let's connect if we haven't already.

• Quinn Conyers

  Quinn Conyers is a high-energy keynote speaker and event emcee who transforms average events into epic experiences. She takes pride in commanding crowds from start to finish so attendees rave, return and refer others to attend future events. Quinn has hosted events for brands and organizations such as Nike, Walmart, UPS and PayPal just to name a few. Quinn is the author of 2 books and trains others speakers, emcees and business owners how to turn conversations into clients.

• Roland Coit

  Roland "Ro Spit" Coit, formerly OcTaNe of OcTaNe and ILLiTe, is a Detroit based rapper from Pontiac, Michigan. Rapping since the late 90's under cousin One Be Lo's label Subterraneous Records, Coit was best known as the first-half of Detroit-based duo OcTaNe and ILLiTe, which the Detroit Metro Times has called "one of Michigan's most storied hip-hop crews." In 2007, Coit took over Burn Rubber in Royal Oak, a Sneaker Boutique which had begun to build a reputation for its exclusive conservative and conservative footwear and refined clothing since its founding in 2004. Coit and business partner Rick Williams revamped the store to cater to a younger urban crowd, attracting visits and shout-outs from stars such as Mos Def and Jay-Z. The business venture, initially meant as a Plan-B for his spotty financial success as an underground artist and the uncertainties of a turbulent music industry, helped reinvigorate his rap career and allow him to pursue more solo work as "Ro Spit."

• Roni Shanoada

  Dr. Roni Shanoada is an obstetrician-gynecologist in Dearborn, Michigan and is affiliated with Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital. He received his medical degree from Trinity Medical Sciences University and has been in practice for a number of years.

• Tati Botta

  Tatiana (Tati) Botta is an executive, sales trainer, and the owner of the Sandler by Tati Botta franchise based in the Greater Detroit Area. She also serves as the Honorary Consul of Brazil in Michigan and is she is a speaker renowned for her expertise in leadership, personal branding, and sales strategy.

• Zenell Brown

  Zenell Brown has been president of the Detroit Bar Association since June 2024. She grew up in Detroit and Highland Park and attended public schools there and private school in Bloomfield Hills. At 16 years old, she went to Alma College, later transferring and graduating cum laude from University of Detroit before the merger with Mercy. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a Judicial Administration Certificate from Michigan State University. Brown has worked solely in public sector positions: Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office as a paralegal in the family division; State of Michigan as a departmental analyst; and the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County as a domestic relations specialist, attorney, mediator, and executive. Her current role is a Regional Administrator with the State Court Administrative Office. She serves as liaison to Wayne County’s 26 trial courts, including the 3rd Circuit, Wayne Probate, and 36th District – all of the state’s largest. She believes court systems are a critical part of society and enjoys public service and judicial administration. In 2020, she published a book titled “Coffee and Conversations: Inclusion and Belonging,” encouraging honest conversations about racial and economic differences as a catalyst for genuine change.