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 Operations – Lead the teams responsible for volunteer coordination, staffing, and digital operations.
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
London Chastain
Director of Communications
As Director of Partnership, Darian brings a lifetime of arts leadership, community activism, and entrepreneurial energy to TEDxStLouis. Deeply rooted in St. Louis' arts and education scene, his direct action during the Ferguson uprising led to his protest art being inducted into the Smithsonian. He now channels that same passion for community impact into TEDxStLouis, bringing bold ideas and diverse voices to the stage.
Darian Wigfall
Director of Partnerships
As Interim Executive Director, Sara brings both strategic vision and deep organizational knowledge to TEDxStLouis leadership. She first joined the organization in 2021 as Director of Production before stepping into the Chief of Staff role, where she worked closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to drive key initiatives forward. Value-driven and results-oriented, Sara has always been passionate about creating a stage - both literal and figurative - for thought leaders to share ideas that challenge perspectives and inspire change. She now leads a dedicated team of volunteers committed to keeping that mission alive and growing in St. Louis.
Sara Vaughan
Interim Executive Director
Marina Vendrova
Director of Finance
Sara serves as Chief of Staff for TEDxStLouis, and oversees key initiatives that drive TEDxStLouis’ mission forward. In her first strategic initiative she is partnering with the Programs Team to evaluate and refresh the process to curate and select speakers.She is known for bringing structure and alignment to complex initiatives, with a strong ability to translate ideas into clear, actionable processes. She values clarity, consistency, and collaboration, and is passionate about building systems that support both people and outcomes.
Sara Hill
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
