All-female TEDxScranton shares ‘Fearless’ stories at Ritz Theater on Nov. 29
From a press release:
Women are fearless. They are leaders – mothers, creators, activists, advisors, planners, therapists, and so much more.
Six vibrant women will take the stage of the Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center in downtown Scranton to tell their personal stories in the next installment of TEDxScranton, titled “TEDxScrantonWomen 2020: Fearless,” on Sunday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It will be hosted by Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, the first female mayor of the city.
The local speakers with various fields of expertise – Joella Smith, Elisabeth Constanzo, Joy Zavada, Mary Kuna, Savannah Drummond, and Caroline Jones – will deliver presentations in a safe environment that meets state and CDC guidelines on indoor seating. The Ritz (222 Wyoming Ave., Scranton) has 425 seats, but only 100 tickets are available so audience members can socially distance their party from others. Masks are required for this event.
Tickets, which are $15, are on sale now via Eventbrite. Only 30 seats remain for TEDxScrantonWomen, so this is likely to sell out.
A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and performances are shared with the community. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. A TEDx event is organized by volunteers from the local community, and just like TED events, it lacks any commercial, religious or political agenda. Its goal is to spark conversation, connection, and community. The content and design of each TEDx event is unique and developed independently, but all of them have features in common and present multiple issues from a diversity of voices from many disciplines.
A TEDxWomen event celebrates a number of different ideas from a range of backgrounds, either given by or relating to women. TEDxWomen events are organized around the official TEDWomen conference.
This will be the first TEDxScrantonWomen conference. The first TEDxScranton was held over six years ago on Aug. 16, 2014 at the University of Scranton; the second was held earlier this year on March 7 at Marywood University in Scranton. A TEDxYouth@Scranton was also held at West Scranton High School on Sept. 9, 2016.
All these events have been organized by Jess Meoni, an artist and activist known for creating local events since 2009, which include Ladyfest, Scranton Zine Fest, Scranton Radical Book Fair, Grrrls Night Open Mic, Hallowfest, the Bad Trip Psychedelic Festival, Not Another Punk Rock Flea Market, Burning Roses Jamboree, and Weird & Wired Punk Bazaar and Zine Expo.
TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) is a nonprofit organization devoted to “ideas worth spreading.” TED began as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago and has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak, and the talks are then made available for free online.
Joella Smith
Mental health case manager
Joella Smith knows mental health. As a case manager, she has helped various communities through an “it takes a village” concept. Her TEDx talk will explain how this idea helps unite people to form a stronger, more compassionate community.
Elisabeth Constanzo
Enrollment management professional
Elisabeth Constanzo Stewart is navigating the ups and downs of new motherhood and its ever-changing challenges and bountiful gifts of life, especially during the first months. But what if maternity leave leaves you lonely, indifferent, uninspired? Her TEDx talk will show you how to make the most of motherhood without losing your maternal instincts or your independent identity.
Joy Zavada
Visual artist, triathlete
Joy Zavada is a self-described life enthusiast, but she will tell you firsthand, she wasn’t always this way. How did she get to where she is today? Her TEDx talk will show you how to bring your life to the table and go the distance.
Mary Kuna
Economic developer
Mary Kuna is an economic developer with a passion for empowering the everyday person. Her TEDx talk will inspire you to use your voice and elevate your city.
Savannah Drummond
Social activist
Savannah Drummond is the social activist behind local justice organization Creating Change FTP, whose mission is to empower oppressed populations through education, systematic growth, and inclusive community outreach programs. Her TEDx talk will have you seeing society in a whole new way.
Caroline Jones
Financial advisor
Caroline Jones is a financial advisor, musician, and children’s book author. Her TEDx talk will have you questioning everything you think you know about leadership.
