TEDxFitchburg Women

Speakers

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

• Angela Russell

  Scientist at Heart

  I connect people, bridge ideas, and create space for belonging. Trained in biochemistry and epidemiology, I think in systems and patterns — then apply those lens to the deeply human work of facilitating engagement, trust, and community. I've spent 20+ years moving between worlds that rarely talk to each other: tracking disease in incarcerated populations, shaping policy in a governor's office, leading public health equity work, and building DEI practices in corporate America. Most recently, I served as President of the TruStage Foundation and Chief Diversity Officer, leading an award-winning team and stewarding $20M in philanthropic investments. I'm a board member for Beloit College, Downtown Madison Inc, and Galin Scholars; creator and host of the Black Oxygen podcast; and Founder and Principal of The Undercurrent. I bring people together across all forms of difference to build what's possible, together.

• Cailin O'Connor

  Principal Consultant

  I support professionals, organizations, systems, and communities to promote better outcomes for young children and their families. My work focuses both on the promotion of healthy development, protective factors, and positive experiences – and the prevention of child maltreatment and other adverse experiences and outcomes. With roots in the field of family support and child abuse and neglect prevention, my work has addressed a wide range of issues, including parent leadership, positive and adverse childhood experiences, early relational health, cross-systems coordination, effective prevention strategies, racism and anti-racism, and results-based accountability. I was on the staff of the Center for the Study of Social Policy for 11 years, leading the organization’s work as part of the Early Learning Nation Collective and coordinating the Strengthening Families National Network.

• Lumei Huang

  Educator

  I’ve spent the past 15 years in bilingual elementary education, working with students, families, and colleagues to design meaningful learning experiences and continually improve how we teach. What keeps me engaged in education is curiosity. I’m always asking why certain approaches work, how children learn and develop, and how research can help us better understand teaching, parenting, and personal growth. That curiosity has also led me beyond the classroom. I write and produce podcasts about education, parenting, self-improvement, and cross-cultural experiences, combining research with real stories and practical reflection. I especially enjoy taking complex ideas and turning them into clear, thoughtful, and useful content. As I grow beyond the classroom, I’m interested in opportunities in educational writing, curriculum and learning design, consulting, and content development.