On January 21 the second TEDxNatick will take the stage at Natick High School. “TED” is an acronym for “Technology, Entertainment & Design,” and this year’s speakers bring expertise, innovation and passion to all facets of these themes. Over a year in development, this exciting event will feature 12 impressive speakers, including three from Natick: Jamele Adams, Maeve Sheehy and Kathleen Tullie. I asked our local speakers for their thoughts on TEDxNatick, and how an event like this reflects on our community.
Jamele Adams lives with his family in Natick. He is Dean of Students at Brandeis, where he brings passion and determination to building a unified, and simultaneously diverse, community. To Adams, Natick exemplifies some of the ideals he strives to spread. “Natick is a community filled with love and passion for bringing people together and evolving into the best versions of humanity that we’ve experienced thus far as a human family.” Adams said. “It’s ideal, appreciated and timely for TEDxNatick to take place at this location.”
Maeve Sheehy lives with her family in Natick, where she’s a student at Natick High School. “I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “Only a handful of people my age have been given the honor of this platform, and to join them feels incredible and admittedly a bit intimidating!” Sheehy plans to share a deeply personal story that will inform and inspire. The potential of bringing her message to the TEDx stage, she says, “is something I’m very excited about.”
Kathleen Tullie is a longtime Natick resident, where she lives with her family. A passionate advocate for the benefits of child fitness, she started a nonprofit that became BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) at Memorial School in 2009. In the few short years since then, her organization has grown to over 1,000 schools nationwide. To Tullie, Natick is a natural home for an innovative event like TEDxNatick. “I couldn’t think of a better place to host a TEDx event,” she said. “We are what I would call an incubator community. Natick epitomizes collaboration. The community is full of dedicated, passionate, humble, caring individuals - and everyone works together.”
While Tullie focuses on fitness, she points out that the benefits of being in a community like Natick affect all parts of life. “Our community is one of caring and compassion,” she notes. “If we need to create a healthier future for our kids I know that Natick can lead the movement. We are making a difference.” Sheehy sees TEDxNatick as an important opportunity for communication. “The implication of this from an awareness standpoint is huge and I’m very grateful.” As for the broader impact that an event like TEDxNatick might have, Adams’ hopes soar like a benediction: “May the crossroads of the world ascend upon us and find excitement, enjoyment, love and equality.”
An all-volunteer, community-driven initiative, TEDxNatick brings together 800 community members, civic leaders, business leaders, technologists, artists, educators, and other professionals for a full day of thought-provoking talks, inspiring music, conversations and networking. Tickets for the event are expected to sell out quickly. For ticket information, visit www.tedxnatick.org.
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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