TEDx speakers share some background, sneak peaks before Saturday talks
by Oona Goodin-Smith
Posted on Mar 11, 201
Do the mid-semester doldrums have you in a funk and lacking inspiration? Shake off the winter blues and get x-cited for OU’s first-ever TEDx conference, taking place on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Focusing on the theme of “Inspiration”, the event will be held in in room 1050 of the Human Health Building and feature speakers and performers ranging from hip-hop artists to engineers, all gathering to further the TEDx slogan of “ideas worth spreading.” “Love Doctor” Terri Orbuch, 12-year-old musical prodigy Daniel Cho, “Insite the Riot” hip-hop artist Allandra Bulger, and world-traveling OU Professor Barbara Oakley are just four of the twelve set to perform at the conference.
Allandra Bulger
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I graduated from O.U in 2008 with a master's degree in Public Administration specializing in Nonprofit Organization and Management. I am currently serving as a fellow with the Detroit Revitalization Fellowship Program through Wayne State University. I also perform as a hip hop artist under the moniker “Insite The Riot”, which means to incite a revolution in our thinking. The music I create is a call to action for the listener to overcome limited thinking, persevere and expand self-awareness. I believe music can be a tool for personal development and growth.
Can you give us sneak preview into what you'll be talking about for the conference?
I will actually be performing at the conference. My performance will be framed around using our authentic voice. My work seeks to impact the audiences’ perceptions of our individual and collective worth and potential. In a nutshell, the primary message I am conveying is to know yourself, love yourself and let your light shine.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Inspiration”. What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from the resilience of the individual and collective human spirit. I find inspiration in the history of my ancestors, the stories of my community, the unapologetic fight against injustice, human imperfection, spiritual evolution, the exotic and the mundane.
What does speaking at OU's first TEDx conference mean to you?
Speaking and performing at OU's first TEDX conference is truly an honor. The fact that the event is locally organized adds a unique dynamic and experience. I am excited to return to my alma mater as a participant. I’m also looking forward to experiencing the other speakers as well.
Read the full article HERE.