2024 Speakers
TEDxNewAlbany is an empowering platform for growth and development that focuses on all facets of life, from business and leadership, to nature and astronomy. Our team of experienced speakers is committed to inspiring positive change and cultivating meaningful conversations, while delivering thought-provoking talks and presentations.
Ty Banks Ty Banks' marketing journey began as a freelancer and quickly grew to key roles within leading corporations. His foundational work with non-profits and notable firms like Mars Petcare laid the groundwork for his impressive career. Ty was an early adopter of Generative AI and organized Nationwide's social media summit, and helped Nationwide’s content go viral in 2023. He established connections with industry-leading companies like McDonalds, and Lids, and his innovative approach catalyzed his transition to the forefront of marketing technology. Ty actively participates in tons of mentorship and inclusivity programs like Nationwide's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Marketing Council, Columbus Promise, Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE), and also helps HBCUs where he fosters collaborative work environments, and helps students with personal branding and digital literacy. His journey showcases his ability to connect, innovate, and mentor.
Kelly Schmidt Kelly Schmidt, a wife and mom of two, is a registered dietitian and fitness instructor. She owns Kelly Schmidt Wellness, which is a functional virtual nutrition practice that helps men and women use proven strategies to support their metabolism. She paves the way for her clients to thrive by using integrative nutrition approaches, and blends together her background in dietetics and her life with type 1 diabetes. You can find her on IG @diabeticdietitian.
Dr. Femi Ogunjinmi Femi Ogunjinmi, a renowned global relationship expert, distinguished TV host, and #1 International Best Selling Author of "Five Pillars of Relationship Equity," is celebrated for his expertise in nurturing healthy relationships. With extensive media coverage on NBC, ABC, FOX NEWS, The New York Weekly, and USA TODAY Magazine, his insights have reached millions. Dr. Femi's TEDx talk, "How To Tell If Someone Truly Loves You," has captivated over 5 million viewers. He founded National Relationship Equity Day, observed on June 24th annually, to combat gender inequity in relationships and champion equality based on gifts, values, and interests. Dr. Femi, alongside his wife, Dr. Victoria Ogunjinmi, affectionately known as "My All-Inclusive Wife," is committed to inspiring and impacting relationships globally, while raising two remarkable children.
Alice Foeller Alice Foeller, a powerhouse professional and dynamic speaker, is a business owner, marketing expert and community leader in Columbus, Ohio. She makes her living running SiteInSight, a company that improves the web presence of organizations and businesses. Her communication skills make her a master manager of client relationships and enable her to relay her clients’ core message to their customers. Her company specializes in website design, search engine optimization (SEO) and automated digital marketing. Alice, a 3-time Ironman, graduate of Northwestern University, and a community leader in north Columbus, is the author of “I Choose to Live,” a book about her journey through grief after her life partner of nine years died by suicide in 2023.
Anthony Macerollo Tony Macerollo, educator, and outdoor enthusiast, was born in Washington, D.C. in 1970. His formative years in Clifton, VA, near Great Falls, ignited a passion for adventure sports including rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and mountain biking. Despite a hiatus during his family-raising years, Tony rediscovered his love for outdoor activities in 2012, catalyzed by climbing at an indoor gym and summiting Mt. Baker in 2014. From ice climbing in Banff to mountain biking across various terrains, Tony's pursuits are diverse and dynamic, with a consistent dedication to mountain biking, averaging over 1,500 miles per year. He boasts climbing accomplishments in renowned locations like Red River Gorge and Seneca Rocks and revels in snowboarding wherever and whenever possible. Whitewater kayaking also holds a special place in Tony's heart, with Class III rapids conquered in rivers across the United States. Tony resides in Worthington, OH, with his wife Allison and their two daughters, Regan and Kennedy. His life's journey embodies resilience, adventure, and the pursuit of passion, making him a compelling storyteller poised to inspire audiences at TEDx.
Preston Moore For two decades, Preston Moore has been a passionate advocate for mental wellness and addiction education. Preston helps organizations, first responders, and schools reduce stigma and increase wellness participation by normalizing basic services like coaching, counseling, and support groups. His talk will highlight challenges we face regarding the mental healthcare system and how to get people to utilize services before they end up in the back of the police car, the principal's office, or in the middle of a major crisis. We have more in common than we ever realized. Today, you will learn how to make an even bigger impact in the places that matters most, in your family, in your community, and in the mirror.
Rohan Bala Rohan Bala is a junior at New Albany High School interested in engineering. Rohan participates in school clubs like Rocketry Club, Science Olympiad, and Robotics. He hurdles and runs for his school’s Track and Cross-Country team. In his free time, he works on machines, from working with his brother to rebuild his 1976 Mustang Coupe to fixing laser cutters. Rohan also has a passion for model rocketry. Having represented the US at many international events (2024 Arizona World Cup, 2022 FAI International Galactic Cup, 2023 FAI International F.I.R.E Cup, etc.), he looks forward to competing in Colorado this summer. Rohan also flies model rockets with a club he and others lead at their school (the New Albany Rocketry Club). He hopes to show others how to create an impact on their community and how they can be remembered for their legacy. Rohan created the Rocketry Outreach Movement so schools around the U.S. can learn rocketry. Through his grandfather’s story, he will show others how to create their own impact and how they can be remembered for their legacy.