Speakers
Josh Valcarcel
Scientific Photographer at NASA's Johnson Space Center
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About Josh Valcarcel
Josh has been a professional photographer and videographer for 18 years and has served as a Scientific Photographer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center since 2017. From engineering tests to astronaut training to mission control operations, Josh documents subjects and events of importance to NASA’s human space flight effort.
Dr. Zuly Inirio
Founder and Executive Director of the Afro-Latinx Song & Opera Project
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About Dr. Zuly Inirio
Zuly Inirio, an Afro-Latina soprano from the Dominican Republic, champions representation and equity for BIPOC in classical music. Her "Afro-Latinx Song and Opera Project" commissions new works, decolonizes the classical music canon, and elevates the stories of Afro-Latin composers. Notable performances include Verdi's Requiem in Munich and Aida in Sicily. Winner of the Pittsburgh Concert Society's Major Artist Competition, Dr. Inirio collaborates with various ensembles and holds fellowships with the Sphinx Organization, NALAC, and 1Hood. With a Doctorate of Musical Arts and a master's in social work, she co-directs the Center for Ethnic Studies Research at the University of Pittsburgh.
Professor Angus Fletcher
Professor of Story Science at Ohio State's Project Narrative
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About Professor Angus Fletcher
Angus Fletcher is Professor of Story Science at Ohio State's Project Narrative. He studies imagination, commonsense, and other low-data processes that AI can't do but animal neurons can. His research has been called "mind-blowing" by Malcolm Gladwell and "life-changing" by Brene Brown. In 2023, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his "groundbreaking" work with US Special Operations. His most recent books are Wonderworks (Simon and Schuster), Storythinking (Columbia University Press), and Primal Intelligence (Penguin RH).
Chinmayi Mungara
First-year MBA Student & President of the Graduate Business Association, Tepper School of Business
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About Chinmayi Mungara
Hi! I'm Chinmayi, a first-year MBA student, currently serving as the president of the student body at the Tepper School of Business. With a background in Pharmaceuticals, I'm eagerly transitioning to the beverage industry for my upcoming summer internship. Beyond academia, I have a passion for exploring new cuisines and restaurants, and I love reading books! I'm also an Indian classical dancer and teacher and have been deeply in love with this art form for about two decades. Dance has not only been a source of solace during challenging times but also a guiding force that provides direction and purpose to my life. In the journey of combining business acumen with cultural richness, I am excited to bring a unique perspective to the TEDx stage!
Alex Parra
Cancer Survivor & Disability Advocate
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About Alex Parra
Alex is a motivational speaker, former US Para swimmer, and two-time cancer survivor. He had his leg amputated when he was sixteen, but that hasn’t stopped his positive outlook and adventurous spirit. Through his content, Alex showcases his incredible resilience and encourages others to embrace their uniqueness. Alex aims to raise awareness for disabilities, inspiring & encouraging others to defy the odds, one day at a time.