Calling All Speakers!
TEDxStLouis is searching for inspiring voices to share ideas worth spreading. If you have a compelling story, innovative idea, or unique perspective and a connection to St. Louis, this is your opportunity to take the stage. Limited spots are available, so don’t wait. Apply now and show us your passion for making an impact!
Join the TEDxStLouis Team!
TEDxStLouis is looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help bring transformative ideas to life. Whether you have experience in event planning, project management, communications, or simply a desire to contribute, we have a place for you!
We are currently seeking volunteers for the following leadership roles:
🔴 Director of Finance – Oversee financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting.
🔴 Director of Partnership – Manage fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and grant opportunities.
🔴 Digital Operations Coordinator – Manage TEDxStLouis’ website, IT systems, and digital tools.
🔴 Volunteer Engagement Coordinator – Recruit, engage, and support the amazing volunteers.
These roles offer a unique opportunity to be part of inspiring events, connect with incredible people, and play a key role in spreading ideas that make an impact.
Be part of something extraordinary—apply today!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
TEDxStLouis is incredible. As soon as you arrive you feel like you're in exactly the right place and at exactly the right time. The speakers selected consistently compel me to think differently and see things in new ways. It's similar to reading a book, where one gets lost in the story, down the rabbit hole, yet it's real life and happening all around you. -Matt D
TEDxStLouis is worthy event. Each year I leave feeling inspired, hopeful and proud of our city. -Chris S
WHAT IS TED?
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self-organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
WHAT IS TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDx events, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
TEDxStLouis Executive Team
As the License Holder for TEDxStLouis, Mich plays a key role in shaping the organization, serving as the primary liaison between TEDxStLouis and the global TED community. She helps oversee speaker curation, event planning, and the overall execution of TEDxStLouis events, working closely with the leadership team to bring engaging ideas to the stage. Outside of TEDx, Mich is the founder and CEO of 100th Monkey, a digital marketing agency specializing in strategy and engagement for B2B and B2C brands. Passionate about innovation and digital storytelling, she thrives on creating meaningful connections—both online and in person.
Mich Hancock
License Holder & Director of Programming
As Director of Communications for TEDxStLouis, Paula amplifies the voices and ideas that make the region a hub for innovation and creativity. An award-winning journalist with experience across digital media, podcasts, TV, and streaming platforms, she brings a passion for storytelling and meaningful connections to her role. Paula leads communications strategy, ensuring clear messaging and stakeholder alignment to drive TEDxStLouis’ vision forward. She connects speakers with relevant conversations, keeping past talks impactful while building momentum for future events. Her goal is to showcase TEDxStLouis’ influence on both a local and global scale, ensuring every idea reaches and resonates with the right audience.
Paula Vasan
Director of Communications
As Executive Director, Steve works alongside a team of dedicated volunteers to shape TEDxStLouis into a platform that sparks conversation and inspires change. His journey with TEDx began in 2012 after reading a WIRED article that made him realize how much St. Louis could benefit from TED’s global influence. Outside of TEDx, Steve is the co-founder of SolPower Energy Solutions LLC, an approved vendor for the Illinois Shines solar program, helping bring renewable energy to nonprofits and public facilities in underserved communities. He has a deep appreciation for the people and ideas shaping the world around us.
Steve Sommers
Executive Director
Sara serves as Chief of Staff for TEDxStLouis, working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. As a strategic advisor to the Executive Director and leadership team, she oversees key initiatives that drive TEDxStLouis’ mission forward. Value-driven and results-oriented, Sara knows how to guide the team in focusing on key metrics that drive impact and growth. She first joined TEDxStLouis in 2021 as Director of Production and is passionate about creating a stage—both literal and figurative—for thought leaders to share ideas that challenge perspectives and inspire change.
Sara Vaughan
Chief of Staff
As Director of Operations, Matt ensures TEDxStLouis runs seamlessly. From managing volunteers and IT systems to providing staff support, he makes sure the team has everything they need to bring big ideas to the stage. Since joining TEDxStLouis in 2019, Matt has played a key role in building a strong, engaged community of volunteers and thought leaders. He’s passionate about fostering an environment where creativity thrives and transformative ideas take center stage.
Matt Inman
Director of Operations
