Theme: Destination

Our journeys are shaped by the people we meet and the places we explore. When we pursue new ideas, forge connections, and embrace new experiences, we deepen our understanding of one another and the world. The University of Georgia is a place where many paths cross for the first time, where ideas converge and new possibilities emerge. These moments of connection – on campus and beyond – remind us that the journey is as impactful as the destination. And now you’ve arrived at your next Destination: TEDxUGA 2025.

Morton Theatre
195 West Washington Street
Athens, Georgia, 30601
United States

Abby Sterling

Conservation Activist

Dr. Sterling serves as the Director of Manomet’s Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Initiative, dedicated to preserving shorebird populations along the Atlantic Flyway by increasing public attention to the Southeast. She earned her PhD studying shorebirds from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Chanda Santana

Community Activist + Founder of DIVAS Who Win Freedom Center

After breaking free from addiction, Chanda used her lived experience to establish the DIVAS Who Win Freedom Center. As a non-profit organization based in Athens, GA, DIVAS is dedicated to supporting women overcoming addiction, sex work, and trafficking. Every day, Chanda and the DIVAS team advocate for creating systemic, collective change that ensures survivors don't just survive but truly thrive.

Charles Easley

Biologist

Dr. Easley is the Associate Dean for Research at the College of Public Health and a member of the Regenerative Bioscience Center. As an independent investigator, he focuses on developing novel stem cell-based therapies to treat male factor infertility and researches the effects of environmental exposures and lifestyle choices on male fertility.

Michael Rainwater

Ecology Student

As an Ecology and Environmental Law student, Michael researches sacrifice zones, Indigenous ecology, water sustainability, the water-energy nexus, and environmental ethics. Inspired by his aunt’s experience with groundwater contamination in Nassau County, NY, Michael is committed to revealing how pollution affects vulnerable communities and advocating for their resilience. He aspires to become an environmental attorney to join the fight against climate change and ensure every community thrives with dignity and respect.

Nic Laconico

UGA's Associate Director for Business Engagement

Nic is the Associate Director for Business Engagement in the Division of Development & Alumni Relations, where he leverages his higher education experiences and industry knowledge to increase philanthropic support for the university community. He earned a Master of Education from the Mary Frances Early College of Education and previously served as Director of New Student Orientation and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Reuben Faloughi

Psychologist + Business Consultant

As a licensed psychologist, business consultant, facilitator, and speaker, Dr. Reuben is dedicated to empowering emerging leaders to unlock their full potential. He received his bachelor's degree from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences while starring on the Georgia football team. He went on to earn a PhD in psychology at the University of Missouri, where he gained national notoriety for his student activism on campus.

Samantha Hurley

Photojournalism Student

As a legally blind photojournalism student, Samantha has brought a unique perspective to the field that redefines perception and proves that there is no singular way of seeing the world. She has brought new perspectives to various publications, including her coverage of the Paris Paralympics for the Associated Press and contributions to The New York Times and The Guardian.