Join us for an empowering journey into the world of ideas and innovation at AMPLIFY, a TEDxStLouis Women's event dedicated to celebrating the voices and accomplishments of women from all walks of life.
In a world where the power of women's voices is increasingly recognized and valued, AMPLIFY serves as a platform to elevate these voices even further, inspiring action, sparking dialogue, and fostering connections that transcend boundaries.
At AMPLIFY, we believe in the power of storytelling to create change. Through a captivating lineup of speakers, performers, and interactive experiences, we will explore how women amplify their voices and make a profound impact in fields ranging from technology and science to arts and activism. Our speakers will share their personal journeys, insights, and groundbreaking ideas, challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to be a woman in today's society.
From trailblazing entrepreneurs and visionary leaders to artists and activists driving social change, AMPLIFY will showcase diverse perspectives and highlight the remarkable achievements of women who are breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations. Whether you're a seasoned changemaker or simply curious about the power of women's voices, AMPLIFY offers something for everyone, providing a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and action.
Together, as a community, we can ignite change, challenge perceptions, and build a future where every voice is heard and every woman is empowered to reach her full potential.
Amplify your voice. Amplify your impact. Amplify the future.
Touhill Performing Arts Center
September 6th, 2024
2:00 - 3:00: Supporter Networking Event
3:00: AMPLIFY - TEDxStLouisWomen takes the stage
4:45 - 6:00: Complimentary Happy Hour
Bronwyn Morgan
CEO
Navigating Life and Business in the Sky
Bronwyn Morgan is an FAA Part 107 certified sUAS (drone) pilot and the visionary Founder of Xeo Air, a leading UAS and autonomous systems manufacturer. As an FAA Safety Representative and Drone Pro, she also leads Airversity, offering professional UAV pilot training and on-demand drone services for various sectors, including telecom, utilities, and disaster response. Honored as the 2022 Women and Drone Entrepreneur of the Year, Bronwyn's impact in the industry is widely recognized.
A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Bronwyn's career spans executive roles at P&G and The Coca-Cola Company. She founded Black Women In STEAM and serves on multiple boards, including Tulsa Innovation Labs and GeoFutures. Bronwyn is also a Senior Member of the Civil Air Patrol and hosts the XeoCast Podcast, discussing drones, AI, and autonomous systems.
Yvonne Foo
Product Manager
Returnships, return-to-work programs, are the bridge between talent and opportunity.
Yvonne Foo is a visionary technology leader driving innovation and inclusivity in the financial services sector. At her firm, she leads efforts to implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Beyond her professional achievements, Yvonne is a passionate advocate for greater representation and inclusivity in the tech industry.
Recipient of the Unsung Hero Award at the 2022 OCA Convention, Yvonne is committed to increasing female representation in technology. She mentors emerging professionals, guiding them to succeed and fostering future female tech talent. Yvonne's inspiring talks on diversity and equity in tech motivate audiences to create inclusive environments where all voices are valued and celebrated.
Laura Sawyier
Founder/CEO
The Power of Style
Laura K. Sawyier is a nationally recognized wardrobe stylist and confidence consultant, renowned for her expertise in the Applied Psychology of Fashion. Working with Fortune 500 companies and individuals, Laura empowers clients to harness the transformative power of style to enhance self-esteem and professional presence. Her evidence-based approach includes personalized services like closet edits, budgeted shopping, travel styling, and creating lookbooks, all aimed at fostering a healthy self-regard.
As a thought leader in the Psychology of Style, Laura delivers impactful seminars, workshops, and keynotes on how our clothing choices influence performance, moods, and relationships. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Psychology at Harvard University. Laura's insights have been featured in leading media outlets such as MSNBC, Fast Company, Travel + Leisure, and Elle India. Her client roster includes industry giants like Mastercard, Edward Jones, and Washington University in St. Louis.
2024 St. Louis Teen Talent Competition participants— Molly Sallaberry, Rhoda Mapenzi, and Hannah Joyner —these remarkable young singers bring their passion and vocal prowess to our TEDx stage.
Hanz Dismer
Director of Psychosocial Services
A Matter of Survival: Relationship Violence in a Post-Roe World
Hanz Dismer, a licensed clinical social worker and sexuality educator, specializes in the intersection of interpersonal and institutional violence. As the Director of Psychosocial Services at Hope Clinic, Hanz leads a dedicated team providing comprehensive reproductive health education, counseling, and support. Their work emphasizes Reproductive Justice in family planning and abortion care settings.
In addition to their role at Hope Clinic, Hanz is a feminist therapist for transgender youth and adults, and an advocate for trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered care. A certified sexuality educator through AASECT, Hanz received the 2022 Counselor Advocate of the Year award. They are also a 2024 Public Voices in Public Health Fellow with the OpEd Project and Academy Health.
April Foster
Executive Director
Unlocking Justice: Transforming Lives by Empowering Women
April Foster holds a Master of Social Work from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, with a focus on gender-specific programming in the justice system. Beginning her career in juvenile justice, she later transitioned to behavioral research at Washington University's Brown School of Social Work, focusing on trauma, PTSD, and severe mental illness in adolescents. In 2019, April returned to her passion for justice-involved populations, joining the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry as Director of Programs, and advancing to Executive Director in 2021.
April is dedicated to advocating for the needs and rights of justice-involved women, making significant contributions through her leadership. She remains actively involved in reentry work, volunteering, consulting, and serving on boards of local reentry organizations.
Thank you to our
Sponsors
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Innovation Alley Exhibitors
By Jack is a unique event printing company inspired by the adventurous spirit of its namesake, Jack. We bring his passion for trying new things to life by creating personalized t-shirts on the spot at your event, so you can share in Jack's lifestyle and showcase what you love.
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Life & Labor is a community founded by Karli Auble, dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds through support and shared experiences. The organization believes in the power of women uniting to uplift one another, offering bi-monthly meetups that cover topics such as sex, finances, relationships, and spirituality. Additionally, Life & Labor provides a Positive Childbirth Course aimed at preparing women for a positive labor experience. The community fosters connections and personal growth, driven by the belief that women can achieve anything when they support each other.
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The American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA) St. Louis chapter is part of the oldest and largest professional membership organization for the design industry, with over 70 chapters and 15,000 members. The chapter focuses on advancing design as a professional craft, a strategic advantage, and a vital cultural force. AIGA St. Louis offers a variety of benefits to its members, including local events, keynotes, workshops, stronger connections between design professionals, access to webinars and resources, designer-specific legal guides and job boards, and exclusive co-working partnerships. The organization aims to enhance the value of design across all disciplines by setting global standards, promoting ethical practices, and providing accessible tools and resources.
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EarthDance Organic Farm School is a teaching farm located in Ferguson, Missouri, dedicated to educating people about organic farming. Situated on a 14-acre historic farm, EarthDance serves as a model of sustainable food production and offers programs that train farmers and gardeners of all ages, promoting food justice and community connection. Founded in 2009 by Molly Rockamann, the farm acknowledges its location on the ancestral land of the Missouria, Osage, and Illini peoples and honors the indigenous roots of regenerative agriculture. EarthDance, the oldest organic farm west of the Mississippi, continues its legacy of organic food production since 1883 and is committed to ensuring access to healthy, local produce for all.
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That's What She Said – St. Louis is a storytelling event where local women share authentic and personal stories, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The event showcases a range of heartfelt, humorous, and vulnerable experiences that deeply connect and empower both the storytellers and the audience.
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Svound is a wellness practice founded by Lisa Grezlak that focuses on the healing power of sound vibration therapy to help regulate the nervous system during times of mental and physical stress. By using bioresonance and vibrational sound therapy, Svound aims to provide restoration and calm to those suffering from various conditions. Lisa, an advocate and teacher, was inspired to create Svound after her own transformative experience with sound vibration. Her practice offers private sessions, community sound baths, training programs, guest speaking, and retreats, with a vision to grow into an education and resource center advocating sound frequency as a future medicine.
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Show Me The World Project (SMTWP), founded in 2012 in St. Louis, provides transformative educational opportunities for students from under-resourced communities. Focused on cultivating global leaders in entrepreneurship and STEM, SMTWP combines rigorous academic preparation with real-world applications to enhance college and career readiness. Through international exposure, experiential learning, and collaboration with local organizations, the initiative equips students for global citizenship and ensures educational equity by offering experiences typically inaccessible to them.
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Melon Press is a small Risograph press and independent publisher based in St. Louis, focusing on showcasing Midwest artists. Founded in 2022, they produce personal zines, anthologies, and offer Risograph printing services for comics, magazines, and more. Notable titles include Duplicator Magazine, a multimedia artist anthology, and YRBK, a yearbook for local STL artists.
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For more than 30 years, Cinema St. Louis (CSL) has served as the region’s go-to arts nonprofit for educating and inspiring audiences of all ages through film. Annually, the organization hosts the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) — included among USA Today’s 10 Best “Film Festivals Worth Traveling To” — as well as the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, QFest St. Louis, and the Robert French Film Festival. In addition, Cinema St. Louis seeks to engage younger audiences, exposing them to the possibilities of becoming filmmakers through free hands-on filmmaking camps and screenings through Cinema for Students.
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The St. Louis Teen Talent Competition is an annual event for high school students in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, offering them a chance to showcase their talents in dance, instrumental music, vocal performance, or specialty acts. Participants can compete for scholarships, cash prizes, and the opportunity to perform on stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The competition is free for students in grades 9-12 within a 75-mile radius of the Gateway Arch and provides participants with the experience of working with theater professionals. Organized by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, this event encourages young people to explore and participate in the performing arts. Registration for the 2025 competition is open until September 30, 2024.
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Through their financial education and coaching services, Prosperity Connection helps St. Louisans build the confidence, knowledge, and skills to enhance their financial well-being. Their services include classes that cover essential aspects of personal finance, credit report reviews that provide a clear understanding of your credit situation and an actionable improvement plan, and 1-on-1 coaching sessions to guide you through the financial world and help you achieve your goals. These Best-In-Class services are offer at no cost to you!
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Campfire is an organization dedicated to teaching storytelling and public speaking through a unique, interactive, and conversational style. By hosting events, classes, and workshops, Campfire helps individuals share their personal narratives from the stage, leaving audiences with meaningful insights to take back into the world. Campfire also collaborates with nonprofits, foundations, and universities to enhance their communication strategies through the art of storytelling.
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Passback creates a circular economy for sports gear and textiles to ensure every kid can play. By offering a reuse and upcycling solution, they help sports clubs and retailers offload surplus gear while providing high-quality products for free to underserved communities. Passback also operates a re-commerce store where items are sold at a fraction of the retail price, with proceeds supporting their mission.
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The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation (2DEF) is a nonprofit organization focused on educating, strengthening, and empowering survivors of domestic violence and other socio-economic challenges. By offering resources and support, 2DEF helps survivors rebuild their lives, regain self-sufficiency, and heal from their experiences. Through various programs and services, the organization is dedicated to inspiring and uplifting survivors and the communities they serve.
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MADE Makerspace is a unique collaborative workspace in the heart of St. Louis' Delmar Maker District. It offers an array of tools and resources, including laser cutters, 3D printers, wood and metal shops, sewing areas, and more. Members gain access to free skills classes, advanced training, and personalized support for their creative projects.
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