Meet Jackie Lavorgna

Meet Jackie

Jackie Lavorgna is a strategist, writer, and runner based in Manchester, New Hampshire.

She is the founder of Lavorgna Strategy Studio, a consultancy specializing in strategic foresight and strategic planning for mission-driven nonprofits and higher education institutions. As part of this work, Jackie authors Strategy Stories on Substack, which is dedicated to signal scanning and strategic frameworks for curious leaders. She holds a PhD in Business with a focus in strategic management, a Strategic Management Professional certification from the International Association of Strategy Professionals, and foresight practitioner credentials from the Institute for the Future and the University of Houston. She also teaches in the Hutton School of Business at the University of the Cumberlands as an adjunct faculty member.

Before launching her consultancy, Jackie spent nearly a decade at Southern New Hampshire University, where she facilitated two consecutive enterprise-wide strategic plans engaging hundreds of stakeholders. Earlier in her career, she worked as an immigration law paralegal supporting couples and families navigating family-based immigration pathways, an experience that shaped her belief that good strategy is inseparable from human stakes.

Jackie's work sits at the intersection of planning and uncertainty, focused on helping organizations build the capacity to adapt, not just the plans to execute. She brings that same lens to her own life, including a years-long journey from beginner runner to marathon finisher, and the unexpected strategic education that came with a celiac diagnosis along the way.

Q&A

Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? I believe that people need to hear my talk because we are all experiencing different amounts of disruption, unforeseen challenges and obstacles, and finding a way to navigate them with confidence and direction and clarity is really critical. 

What are three words you use to describe your talk? Uplifting, strategic, and motivational. 

What does community here in New Hampshire mean to you? Community here in New Hampshire to me means bringing together all of the different constellation pieces of our ecosystem from our city areas, our lakes region, the way mountains, the seacoast where I grew up, and New Hampshire is a really unique space where you see all of those elements come together into one really unique vibrant community. 

What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? My idea for wanting to be a part of TEDxAM originally started about eight years ago when I saw one of my colleagues when I worked at Southern Hampshire University, Dr. Shanita Williams, give her TED talk on processing feedback with a strainer instead of a sponge.

And that metaphor really stuck with me first and foremost because it's really good advice, but secondly because it made this idea of speaking at a TEDx event something that wasn't just like other people do that idea, but something that someone that I actually knew in real life had done and it became this like achievable concept.

It really inspired me and really stayed on my list of things that would be amazing to do someday that felt approachable, which is like a “not yet.” And then this year, I decided what if it was just here?

What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? I hope that after hearing my talk, audience members come away feeling confident and empowered to face whatever challenge they're encountering right now with confidence and clarity. 

And if you had a song that you would use to encompass your TEDx talk, what would it be? Taylor Swift's “Ready For It.”  

This or That

Coffee or tea? Yes. I'll take both, coffee and tea. 

Early bird or night owl? Early bird. 

Do you have a favorite spot in New Hampshire? I think my favorite spot in New Hampshire is Ellacoya State Park up in Gilford. 

What's one word you would use to describe TEDxAM? Local. 

Mountains, lakes, or seacoast? Seacoast. 

What's one thing you're really excited about right now? TEDxAM. 

And do you have a favorite TED talk? My favorite TED talk is how to start a movement where you have the guy who's in a crowd and he starts dancing and it follows his first follower and subsequent followers and how that one person dancing in the crowd goes from being an outlier and on the way into a movement.

Meet Ronnie Cloutier-Content

About Ronnie

Ronnie Cloutier-Content is a dynamic professional and creative whose work lives at the intersection of structure and self-expression. With a background in customer service and structural operations, Ronnie has built a career grounded in organization, leadership, and supporting systems that help people thrive. Their professional journey reflects a deep commitment to growth, adaptability, and creating environments where both individuals and teams can succeed.

Beyond the office and day-to-day work life, Ronnie transforms into Veronica LaForce, a bold and expressive person-of-color (POC) drag performer known for captivating audiences with high-energy performances and striking visual storytelling. Through Veronica, Ronnie explores identity, confidence, and the art of transformation, challenging expectations, societal norms and embracing the freedom to evolve be your authentic self.

Blending these two worlds, Ronnie brings a unique perspective on what it means to navigate multiple identities in a constantly changing and intersecting world. Their work, both professional and creative, centers on the belief that identity is not fixed, but something we continuously shape, refine, and rediscover.

As a TEDx speaker, Ronnie aims to inspire others to embrace transformation, nurture their inner selves, and redefine what it means to truly know who you are.

Q&A

Why do you believe people need to hear your talk? Right now, I think the world is just in a state of flux and uncertainty, and that goes within themselves. And so my talk talks about the different transformations, growth, and identities that one experiences while going through. So my talk is about the growth, identity and transformation that one does take throughout their life journey, and how my talk can enable that and get people talking. 

What are 3 words you would use to describe your talk?  Transformation, identity, growth

What does community here in New Hampshire mean to you? In New Hampshire, the community definitely has its own way of supporting each other and fighting for each other. And being part of a much larger community, LGBT here, I've definitely seen a flux turn change, but it's always been here from the start to the end, and I love being part of it. 

What made you want to be a part of TEDxAM? Being part of TEDxAM, it is more locally focused, which I appreciate. And so having a lot more local voices and more familiar faces show up and show out is something I'm looking forward to, and something I think the community needs. 

What do you hope audiences take away after hearing your talk? After hearing my talk, I'm most hoping audiences just start to think about more than the identity they present every day, that it's an ever-changing cycle and it's always a change within oneself. 

What is a song that encompasses your TED talk? “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

This or That

Coffee or tea? As long as the tea's piping hot, it's all for me. 

Early bird or night owl? Neither an early bird nor a night owl. I'm a permanently exhausted pigeon. 

Favorite New Hampshire spot? Ooh, Kancamagas Highway. 

What is one word you use to describe TEDxAM? Empowering. 

What's your favorite way to learn something new?  I'd say learn it myself, which means reading a book.

Mountains, lakes, or the seacoast? Mountains. 

Do you have a favorite TED talk? Other than my husband's, not at this moment.

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.

🎟 Get your tickets now

Meet Janet Duliga

Meet Christine Phillips

Meet Steve Long

Meet Jake April

Meet DaSean Greene

Meet Cyrena Arnold

Announcing our Performers for “Build” - Shikha and Ms. Vee!

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

Meet Tiffany Claflin

Meet Eryn Gordon

Meet Dr. Samantha Gnanasegaram