TEDxAmoskeagMillyard Blog
Meet Trinidad Tellez
About Trinidad
Dr. Trinidad Tellez is a family physician, community-based participatory health disparities researcher, educator, and public health and health policy professional with over 20 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. She is currently the Principal of [Health] Equity Strategies, LLC. She has called New Hampshire home since 2002.
Q&A
Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? I think we’re living in really challenging times, and I want to urge people to be really cognizant of the importance of paying attention to what’s happening. And to not allow intentional distortions to cloud their understanding.
Sometimes we’re busy with our lives and can’t necessarily pay attention to everything. And so we hear something and we think “that’s the way it is.” I want to push people to… think for themselves, and then decide what’s right.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk? Equity, justice, love
What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? I feel like I have some things to say that some people might find helpful, and I’m just grateful I was selected. When I was nominated, I took it as a sign from the universe that I should at least try and throw my hat in the ring.
What does community here in New Hampshire mean to you? Community is a big part of my life every day. My work is community building, often for people who are not remembered or who may feel not as welcome in many spaces or places. So [I really value] intentional community-building… bringing people together so they can support each other.
What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? I hope people remember that we’re all interconnected and really need to support each other and work together to create the future we want.
This or That
Coffee or tea? Both
Early bird or night owl? Definitely a night owl
Favorite New Hampshire spot? Our house? (laughs)
One word to describe TEDxAM? Stimulating
What’s your favorite way to learn something new? That’s interesting… I guess I’m a visual learner. And I like movement and dance. So some combination of those.
Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? Definitely the ocean.
What’s one thing you’re excited about right now? I’m excited that my daughter’s home for the summer.
Do you have a favorite TED talk? Camara Jones’ “Allegories on Race and Racism”
Meet Ally Snell
About Ally
Ally Snell is a perpetually curious intercultural facilitator, creative strategist, and community connector who has worked in government, education, and non-profit sectors across the US and abroad. A proud partner and human/cat/plant mom, you can find her dabbling in endurance sports somewhere on the trails in New Hampshire in her free time.
Q&A
Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? To be honest, it is taking a lot for me to put myself out here as a TEDx speaker, so at the very least I hope others can see that what they have to offer is valuable and worth hearing!
What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk? Relatable, nerdy, introspective
What does community here in NH mean to you? Community to me is not only who shows up for you but how you show up for others. Interdependence and interconnectedness. I think because NH is a small and at times geographically isolated state, there is a deeply-held ethos of showing up for each other and relying on one another. Even if it is as simple as shoveling your neighbors sidewalk when you are out doing your own or dropping off a meal for a friend who is unwell. I think service is a part of who we are.
What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? I have been a long-time fan of TEDx, and love learning from other people's experiences and insights. I wanted to take on something that would be very challenging for me both personally and professionally, and it is so meaningful for me to be able to take the stage in what has been my home city, having grown up right outside of Manchester.
The area now known as the Amoskeag Millyard has been a gathering place for people for thousands of years, so the symbolism in being a part of an intentional gathering in this same place is very meaningful to me.
What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? A shift in perspective and a shared love for some of the oldest organisms on earth (Stromatolites).
What is a song that encompasses your TEDx talk? Erykah Badu, "Didn't Cha Know?"
This or That
Coffee or tea? Both, but coffee is a necessity.
Early bird or night owl? I have become a reluctant early bird.
Favorite New Hampshire spot? Anywhere in the White Mountains
One word to describe TEDxAM? Accessible
Favorite way to learn something new? I'm definitely a hands-on, "learning by doing" type, and I also greatly appreciate an engaging speaker.
Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? On a lake in the mountains.
Meet Susan Kaplan
About Susan
Susan Kaplan is the founder and CEO of Sustainable Futures Consulting, LLC, a firm that advises multigenerational families, family offices, and boards to align with a net-positive relationship to nature.
She is called the nature ambassador and an environmental legacy advisor who guides families who want environmental stewardship woven into the fabric of their legacy—not as a philanthropic afterthought, but as a core expression of who they are and what they want to leave behind.
Her gift is connecting people and their ideas across sectors, disciplines, generations, and lasting impact. She draws on a rare breadth of experience—spanning corporate sustainability, renewable energy, public policy, healthcare, and higher education—to help leaders see their environmental footprint whole, and act with coherence and accountability.
Susan holds an MBA and is a Certified Circular Economist. She is a champion for democracy, humanity, nature, family, and community—and believes we have everything we need to thrive on this planet, if we choose to honor it.
Q&A
Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? Every single person has an opportunity to enjoy and protect what you most care about in nature.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk? Stewardship, legacy, and forests
What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? I believe that my ancestors, including my mother, grandparents, and great-grandparents, who grew up in Manchester, would be proud about our natural legacy.
What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? I hope that people will look around and listen to the energy of the soil, the smell of rain, and the power of the sun so that we are aligned with things that we love and need to protect.
If you had to pick a song that encompasses your talk, what would it be? Aretha Franklin, “Respect”
This or That
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Both
Favorite New Hampshire spot? Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club in Andover, New Hampshire, is a multigenerational home.
One word to describe TEDxAM? Thrilling
Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? Mountains
Meet Evenor Pineda
About Evenor
Evenor Pineda is the intervention services director for the Manchester Police Athletic League. He helped pilot CHOICEs (Creating Hope, Opportunities, Inspiring Change, Excellence, & Success)—a youth mentorship and court diversion program—in 2023. He is a first-generation Latino-American born and raised in Nashua, NH.
Q&A
Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? I like to think of myself as an ambassador for multiple communities. I feel like my message is not heard enough. A lot of folks with my background, they put their past in the rearview. I’ve done the opposite: I embrace it. So I think my message can open some eyes and minds and change some hearts.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk? Authentic, ground-breaking, a new wrinkle for NH
What does community here in NH mean to you? For me, in NH, it’s building bridges. There are a lot of folks that just stay in their lane, and are very siloed. We need to tear those down by speaking to each other, engaging, building relationships…That’s community building.
What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? In part, I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for me to get the word out. It’s an opportunity to do that on a much larger scale. Plus, it’s a challenge. And I will always step up to a challenge.
What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? I hope the audience walks away with a new perspective. A change of heart. Maybe break down some stigmas and stereotypes.
If you had to pick a song that encompasses your talk, what would it be? 2Pac, “Changes”
This or That
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Neither, and both
Favorite New Hampshire spot? The Notch
One word to describe TEDxAM? Amplification
Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? All of the above… but if I had to choose one, it would be lakes
Meet Lani Voivod
About Lani
Lani is a professional muse, author, and experience maker. Her path has evolved from building social media and marketing conferences and consulting ventures to offering immersive, human-centered havens through yoga, Reiki, sound baths, retreats, and her signature “Activisioning” framework. She lives in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.
Q&A
Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? Because there’s a lot of confusion and weight and heaviness in the world. A lot of people are looking for answers where there may not be any, and I’m hoping to bring some clarity, some insight, and some embodiment into the mix.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk? Experimental, creative, fascinating
What made you want to be part of TEDxAM? I’ve been inspired by the TED brand and the communities that come out of it for so long. And I’ve learned so much not from just hearing different voices, but seeing people stand up in their power and communicate on a deeper level to their audiences. I’m curious what it’s going to be like to be in that role and to dig deep and share meaningfully.
What does community here in NH mean to you? Community in New Hampshire is such an interesting thing. It’s so easy to get to all the little corners. Just a couple hours it takes to get from one side to the other. And yet we have clusters of passion and interests and insights… We’re unexpected and down to earth.
What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? I hope the audience takes away a sensation of their own truth.
If you had to pick a song that encompasses your talk, what would it be? Chicago, “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”
What’s one thing you’re excited about right now? Being in the pocket of uncertainty.
This or That
Coffee or tea? I love ‘em both
Early bird or night owl? Night owl with occasional early bird pops
Favorite New Hampshire spot? I’m a fan of the lakes region—that’s where I’m from
One word to describe TEDxAM? Riveting
What is your favorite way to learn something new? Through experience and embodiment
Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? I’m a lakes gal
Favorite TED Talk? Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Your Elusive Creative Genius”
Meet Rony Camille
About Rony
Rony Camille is a public affairs and communications professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning journalism and local government. He leads municipal communications for the Town of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, overseeing community media and civic engagement initiatives. Throughout his career, he has specialized in translating complex information into stories people can understand and act on.
Q&A
Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? I think people need to hear from life experiences and that’s what I’m looking forward to sharing with the audience this year.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk? Trust, understanding, communication.
What does community here in NH mean to you? Well, New Hampshire is home. New Hampshire’s been home for me for the last 30 years. It’s where I set my roots, my family. Community to me is being able to understand each other, being able to collaborate with each other, being able to share cultural experiences, and just enjoy one another.
What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? So, I was nominated and when I received the nomination, I thought to myself, you know I’ve given public remarks but never of this magnitude and it’s really an honor. To be recognized by folks in your community, to share life experiences, that’s what I’m hoping to do.
What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? I hope people get a better understanding that we’re all in this together and I think if people were just to take that small amount of time, just to understand where somebody’s coming from, what their life experience is like, how a process is, the world would be a much better place.
This or That
Coffee or tea? Tea
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Favorite New Hampshire spot? Mt. Washington
One word to describe TEDxAM? Informative
Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? Seacoast
BUILD 2025 - Tickets On Sale NOW
Tickets for TEDxAmoskeagMillyard 2025 are officially on sale!
Join us for a day of powerful talks, bold ideas, and inspiring connections as we explore this year’s theme: BUILD.
Tickets for TEDxAmoskeagMillyard 2025 are officially on sale!
Join us for a day of powerful talks, bold ideas, and inspiring connections as we explore this year’s theme: BUILD.
🎟 Get your tickets now
Meet DaSean Greene
Known as “The Magicman” of Manchester, NH, DaSean inspires audiences to believe anything is possible.
Meet Cyrena Arnold
Cyrena Arnold is saying yes to science, storytelling, and reframing failure as possibility.
A meteorologist, author, and nationally featured STEM advocate, her TEDxAmoskeagMillyard talk shows us how the storms we face can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Announcing our Performers for “Build” - Shikha and Ms. Vee!
We're bringing the energy and blues to TEDxAmoskeagMillyard on October 22!
We’re thrilled to welcome two dynamic performers to the TEDxAmoskeagMillyard stage at The Rex Theatre on October 22: Shikha and Ms. Vee!
Shikha is an accomplished dancer who brings the rhythm and spirit of India to life through Bollywood and traditional folk styles. Her folk-fusion performance will feature dazzling costumes, expressive props, and a unique blend of classical and contemporary movement. Bonus: there’s an interactive segment that’ll get you moving too!
Ms. Vee (Akosua Valyria Arnold Afriyie) is an award-winning blues powerhouse whose voice carries stories from Alabama to Memphis, and from Portland to Berlin, NH. She’ll perform selections from her new album, "Salvation in the Layaway," promising a soul-stirring set that bridges roots, rhythm, and raw emotion.
Don’t miss these incredible artists as they bring music, culture, and connection to our TEDx celebration!
Meet Amy Regan
Amy Regan is saying yes to equity, access, and bold new possibilities in education.
An educator, strategist, and passionate advocate for inclusion, her TEDxAmoskeagMillyard talk reminds us that one small word — yes — can change everything.
Meet Tiffany Claflin
Tiffany Claflin is BUILDing boldness into every step of the admissions journey.
An expert, author, and advocate for authenticity, her TEDxAmoskeagMillyard talk inspires us to break free from conformity — and trust our voice.
Meet Eryn Gordon
From flower fields to foreign cities, Eryn Gordon is BUILDing a life — and a talk — filled with curiosity and connection.
As a travel journalist and founder of Earth To Editorial, she brings a global perspective to the TEDxAmoskeagMillyard stage.
Meet Dr. Samantha Gnanasegaram
Dr. Samantha Gnanasegaram, MD, FAPA, brings science and empathy to the TEDxAmoskeagMillyard stage. Named one of NH’s 40 Under 40, she’s BUILDing a more thoughtful, fearless conversation around mental health.
BUILD: Announcing the Theme for Our 2025 Event
Each year, TEDxAM chooses one word to ignite ideas, challenge assumptions, and inspire action. For 2025, that word is:
BUILD.
The wait is over.
Each year, TEDxAmoskeagMillyard chooses one word to ignite ideas, challenge assumptions, and inspire action.
For 2025, that word is: BUILD.
What will you build? A legacy? A new future? Something no one’s imagined before?
This fall, join us as we explore the power of creation, reconstruction, and reinvention.
Introducing Our 2025 Event Speakers
Storyteller, STEM Advocate, Magician, Seeker, Barrier Breaker…just to name a few.
The big news keeps coming!
We shared the date a few weeks ago for our 2025 event. Now, we’re thrilled to reveal the voices behind the bold ideas that will light up the TEDxAmoskeagMillyard stage this fall.
Meet our 2025 speakers:
Jake, Cyrena, Tiffany, Janet, Samantha, Eryn, DaSean, Steve, Christine, and Amy.
Some of the words they use to describe themselves include:
Storyteller, STEM Advocate, Magician, Seeker, Barrier Breaker…just to name a few.
Join us at The Rex Theatre in Manchester, NH, on October 22, 2025, for an afternoon of inspiring conversations and game-changing perspectives.
