Syracuse University to Host TEDx Event Featuring Thought Leaders and Innovators
Syracuse University will host an exciting TEDx event on April 9, 2025 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tan Auditorium of the National Veterans Resource Center, 101 Waverly Avenue, on the theme “Changing the Narrative.” The free event is open to students, faculty, alumni and members of the community and will feature thinkers, doers and innovators from a variety of fields who will share groundbreaking ideas and inspiring stories. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance.
The theme of this year's TEDx Syracuse University event invites both speakers and attendees to challenge conventional stories and reshape the way we think about the world. In a time where narratives — whether personal, cultural, or global — often influence perceptions and drive actions, the power to change the narrative holds the potential to unlock transformative change. At its core, changing the narrative is about creating spaces for voices to be heard and sharing stories that shape our lives, our communities and our futures. Five featured speakers will delve into their personal journeys and inspire attendees to take ownership of their own stories as they think critically about how they, too, can be part of changing the narrative in meaningful and positive ways. Attendees can also network, share ideas and engage with Syracuse University’s TEDx community.
Co-sponsored by Syracuse University Libraries and the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, the event is being coordinated by Ryan Nkongnyu ’25 (College of Visual and Performing Arts), who is majoring in Communications and Rhetorical Studies. Nkongnyu is an Our Time Has Come Scholar, as well as finance board member of the Syracuse Student Association, vice president of the Black Student Union, Mentor for JUMP Nation, and event coordinator for the Black Honors Society. He is also a writer for the Daily Orange and reporter for Citrus TV.
“In today's world, our media and the messages we share have established narratives that affect the lens through which we all see our society,” notes Nkongnyu. "Changing the Narrative is meant to emphasize the role we all have as catalysts for positive change. Using our voices and platforms to positively influence, we can educate, empower and inspire others with our research, innovation and activism messages.”
Featured speakers and talk titles include:
· Sonia Issa, G’25 and ’24 “Breaking Cycles, Not Ourselves””
· Alie Savane, ’25 “Redefine Your Life”
· Melissa Martinez, faculty, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, “Be A Creator”
· Jordan Pierre, ’24 “The Danger of A Single Narrative Story”
· Clare Frattarola, ’10, “How Teaching Kids Emotional Intelligence Can Change the World”
“SU Libraries is pleased to sponsor TEDx at Syracuse University, and we hope it will spark thoughtful conversations and connections that will continue long after the event ends,” said David Seaman, Dean of Syracuse University Libraries and University Librarian.
For more information about the event, or if special accommodations are needed, please contact Ryan Nkongnyu, rnkongny@syr.edu
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connections. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.