September 14, 2023
TEDxBatonRouge 2023
What we learned yesterday isn’t what we’ll know tomorrow. What we believe this year may not be what we believe in five years. What we’ve always done doesn’t have to be the way we always do it. It is time to challenge assumptions, consider possibilities, and cultivate curiosity. It’s time to Think Again.
Our Speakers
Tracee Albert
ASL Advocate & Grammatician
Tracee Albert, whose first language is American Sign Language, was influenced to become an advocate after witnessing the everyday situations her two deaf parents face. Noticing the lack of representation and advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing community firsthand, Tracee created "Feel Seen," a sanctuary that offers education, awareness, advocacy, and a safe space for the underserved populations yearning to be heard.
Abe Baggili
Cyber Operative
Professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Louisiana State University and the founder of the BiT Lab (Baggili Truth Lab), Dr. Ibrahim “Abe” Baggili uncovers cyber vulnerabilities through cyber investigations and forensics of systems, AI, and Virtual and Augmented Reality. Alongside his students, his work has impacted more than a billion people worldwide, protecting them from ever-evolving cyber threats.
Robin Palmer Blanche
Death Doula
Twelve-time published novelist and produced screenwriter, Robin Palmer Blanche uses her talent to communicate coupled with her life experiences dealing with death and grief to guide individuals through the emotional, psychological, and social processes of death. As an end-of-life doula, Robin strives to shift conversations of death away from fear and to precious and present moments.
Fareed Dawan
Micro & Nano-Visionary
Dr. Fareed Dawan, a tenured professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and Founder and CEO of In Aim Technologies Corporation, battles for real estate on the micro-level. Researching advanced manufacturing of multi-functional composite materials, Dr. Fareed is working to patent sustainable nano-technology to improve materials for the energy, aerospace, and personal health industries.
Jonathan Mayers
Language Activist
Jonathan “radbwa faroush” Mayers is a visual artist, independent curator, educator, and cultural activist who uses Kouri-Vini, the endangered Creole language of Louisiana, in both his writing and daily life. Working to preserve this heritage language, Jonathan founded Latannyèrizm, a form of Louisiana Creole art that melds visual art, language, and physical place, and co-founded Chinbo, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to the reclamation of Kouri-Vini.