Theme: Ideas Worth Sharing

Get ready for an unforgettable day at TEDxUAB, hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the heart of the Magic City! Join us as we explore "Ideas Worth Sharing" with a dynamic lineup of speakers. Hear from brilliant students and faculty members from UAB, influential Birmingham community leaders, and renowned speakers from across the nation. This event will feature groundbreaking talks on medicine, technology, humanities, business, and more. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be inspired and engaged as we celebrate innovation and creativity. Mark your calendar and be part of an event where ideas come to life!

Hill Student Center
1400 University Blvd.
Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
United States

Andrew McConnell McConnell

Founder & CEO (Alively.com)

My name is Andrew McConnell, and I am the Founder and CEO of Alively.com, as well as the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Get Out of My Head: Creating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom. I host the “Home of Healthspan” podcast and am a TEDx speaker with over 1 million views on YouTube. Before my current endeavors, I founded and led Rented.com, VacationFutures, Inc., and Rented Capital, LLC. I’ve also worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and as Director of Solutions Design at Axiom Global, Inc. In addition to my professional roles, I was an international medalist as a member of the US National Team in Open Water Swimming. I earned my A.B. in History from Harvard University, my J.D. from Harvard Law School, and my LL.M. from the University of Cambridge, Trinity Hall. I was born in Birmingham, AL, while my parents were in medical school at UAB. Fun fact: My 9-year-old daughter is a Swiftie because of me—and not the other way around!

Blessing Falola

Associate Professor and Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program - Department of Psychiatry UAB

My name is Blessing Falola. I am an Associate Professor and Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program in the Department of Psychiatry UAB. I am originally from Nigeria but have lived in Birmingham for about 16 years, so Birmingham is home now. The goal for my TED Talk is to increase awareness of the impact of workforce shortage on the youth mental health crisis and share opportunities to increase workforce to ultimately improve the mental health of youths in the community and across the country. Fun fact about me is that I like to dance.

Bridget Goins

Undergraduate Student at UAB

My name is Bridget Goins, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), majoring in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness with a minor in Kinesiology. I’m originally from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a large suburb about 40 minutes outside of Nashville. My TED Talk aims to educate attendees about food allergies and related diseases, share updates on current treatments, and inspire the students and faculty of UAB to get involved in finding a future cure. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy watching and participating in mixed martial arts in my free time!

Dan Ryan

Owner of Ryan Partners

My name is Dan Ryan, and I’m the owner of Ryan Partners and a Vistage Chair. I live in Franklin, Tennessee, and my goal for this TED Talk is to continue advancing my speaking career and refining my skill set. Outside of work, I’m a proud grandfather of four, father of two, and husband to one amazing person.

Emily Dolan

Undergraduate Student at UAB

My name is Emily Dolan, and I’m a junior majoring in Neuroscience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I’m originally from Granbury, Texas, but I chose to come to UAB to pursue my passion for neurodevelopmental research. At UAB, I’m actively involved with the UAB Trailblazers and the Leadership and Service Council. This will be my first time as a TEDx speaker, and I’m excited to share a creative perspective on handling traumatic experiences. My talk will reflect on my personal journey and explore how those insights can be applied to a broader understanding of trauma. A fun fact about me is that I love painting landscapes and enjoy embroidery.

JaColby Jones

Undergraduate Student at UAB

Hello! My name is JaColby Jones. I am a junior at the UAB majoring in Digital Marketing. I am from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. My goal for my TED Talk is to shine a light on the importance of being in tune with your emotions. Mastering our emotions will open endless doors. A fun fact about myself is that I am a content creator!

Jaival Vikal

Masters/Post Graduate Student at UAB

My name is Jaival Vikal. I am a Computer Science and Entrepreneurship graduate and a passionate founder with a deep drive for innovation. I strongly advocate for self-belief and often speak on topics like “Betting on Yourself – The Power of Networking as an International Student,” encouraging others to seize opportunities and build meaningful connections. As a polyglot who can speak five languages, I bring a global perspective and adaptability to everything I do.

Pranaav Satheesh

Undergraduate Student at UAB

My name is Pranaav Satheesh, and I’m a freshman at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), majoring in neuroscience. I’m from Madison, Alabama, where I’ve lived for most of my life. Through my talk, I hope to share my experiences with social media addiction and time management strategies to help high school and college students facing similar challenges. In my free time, I enjoy playing ping pong, rock climbing, and ultimate frisbee.

Ricky Brown

CEO - Speak Life, Inc.

My name is Ricky Brown, and I’m the CEO of Speak Life Inc., an author, leadership speaker, ordained pastor, and United States Air Force veteran. I live in the metropolitan area of Atlanta. My goal for this talk is to raise awareness about the impact of hazardous attitudes in roles that require precision and quick decision-making, while also sharing insights on how to reduce hazardous occurrences. And on a lighter note, I’m also a professional lasagna eater!

Saul Malek

Professional Speaker

My name is Saul Malek, and I’m a professional speaker from Dallas, Texas. In my TED Talk, I’ll be addressing the societal issue of youth gambling, exploring its impact, and sharing ideas on how we can work to prevent this growing problem. A fun fact about me is that I drive for a limo company!

Taylor Simpkins

Undergraduate Student at UAB

My name is Taylor Simpkins, and I’m a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), majoring in biology with a minor in secondary education. I’m originally from Jefferson County. As a speaker for the TEDxUAB event, my goal is to shed light on the lasting effects of implicit bias on K-12 students. A fun fact about me is that I love crafts and critters!