St. Louis Lights Up with Big Ideas at TEDxStLouis Curiosity 2025

Date: May 31, 2025

A Night of Excitement and Wonder

The Missouri History Museum buzzed with excitement and wonder as TEDxStLouis’ Curiosity 2025 event brought together over 300 people on Saturday, May 31.

Attendees weren’t just there to listen — they came to be moved, inspired, and challenged by the powerful local voices shaping the future of the region.

“There’s something magical when a room full of curious minds comes together,” said TEDxStLouis co-founder Steve Sommers. “It’s not just a talk. It’s a catalyst. It reminds us what’s possible here in St. Louis.”

For 13 years, TEDxStLouis has been a stage for big thinkers, creative minds, and bold ideas that help move the region forward. And with the city still recovering from the recent tornado that tore through neighborhoods and toppled century-old trees in Forest Park, this year’s event felt especially meaningful — a reminder of the resilience, curiosity, and connection that keep the St. Louis community pushing ahead.

“If there was ever a time for upliftment, this is it,” said co-founder Mich Hancock. “Yes, like any city, we have problems. But we also have extraordinary people here who are reshaping how things work for the better. TEDx is here to shine a light on that.”

What the Speakers Brought to the Stage

• Sean Savoie (lighting designer and educator)
  Invited the audience into the often-overlooked world of light, showing how it shapes our moods, affects our health, and transforms how we experience space.

• Lauren Miller (Saint Louis University professor)
  Delivered a heartfelt call to rethink math education, arguing that today’s students need statistical thinking more than calculus to navigate a data-driven world. She also shared her work with the Inside Out Alliance, which unites college students and incarcerated people in shared learning.

• Yemi Akande-Bartsch (CEO, FOCUS St. Louis)
  Delivered the message that meaningful change begins with relationships. She asked, “What problems are we choosing to solve?” and reminded the audience that leadership is about connection, listening, and showing up for one another.

• Justin Grubb (wildlife ecologist and filmmaker)
  Challenged the audience to rethink the American lawn. By planting native species, he argued, we can restore biodiversity and heal the environment, right in our own backyards.

• Tabari A. Coleman (consultant and facilitator)
  Closed the evening with a talk on the transformative power of radical candor, showing how honest, self-aware conversations can change not just workplaces but entire communities.

A Community Experience

Between talks, the Red and Black Brass Band kept the energy soaring, filling the museum with their signature mix of jazz, funk, and soul. Born from a desire to uplift the St. Louis community during the pandemic, the band has become a beloved symbol of local spirit and resilience.

“This is what people love about TEDx,” Mich said. “They come for the ideas, but they leave feeling part of a whole community that loves asking ‘what if’ and pushing themselves to think differently.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We’re deeply grateful for the generous support of our major sponsors:
U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, Missouri Historical Society, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, 100th Monkey, and Nine PBS — whose partnership powers the TEDxStLouis mission.

Special thanks to our in-kind contributors:
4 Hands Brewing Co., SOM Wines, Chandler Hill Vineyards, and Excel Bottling Company, all of whom helped create a vibrant, welcoming experience.

Adding to the evening’s energy, COCAbiz Professional Development introduced a custom-designed TEDx scavenger hunt, offering attendees an interactive and playful way to engage.

And finally, thank you to the many additional community partners whose support made Curiosity 2025 not just an event, but an unforgettable celebration of ideas, creativity, and connection.

Amplify the Talks, Share the Ideas

These TEDxStLouis talks are currently being edited, submitted to TED, and will soon be available on YouTube.

In the meantime, visit our website to watch past TEDxStLouis talks — and help amplify these powerful local voices by sharing them with your networks.

What Is TED and TEDx?

Since 1984, TED (originally standing for Technology, Entertainment, and Design) has been a global platform for “ideas worth spreading,” featuring talks by some of the world’s most inspiring thinkers and doers.

TEDx events are independently organized, community-based versions of TED, licensed under TED’s guidelines but run locally to spotlight homegrown talent and ideas. TEDxStLouis is proud to be part of this global movement, bringing world-changing ideas to our city.

Super Supporter Perks and What’s Next

For $100, become a Super Supporter and enjoy:

• Premium seating

• Exclusive swag

• Insider access at TEDxStLouisWomen 2025 on September 5 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

• Tips and opportunities on how to apply to be a speaker at future events

Our next event, TEDxStLouisWomen 2025, will spotlight women shaping society and envisioning what’s next under the theme Future Focus — so mark your calendar!

How You Can Get Involved

• Subscribe at tedxsaintlouis.org

• Follow @TEDxStLouis on our social media channels

• Volunteer, sponsor, or apply to speak at a future event

Together, we can keep building a more curious, connected, and inspired St. Louis — one idea at a time.

As Mich put it, smiling, “It’s way fun. And it’s only getting better.”

Media Contact

If you’re a member of the media and want to learn more about the May 31 event, the upcoming September TEDxStLouisWomen event, or covering TEDxStLouis as an organization, please contact:

Paula Vasan
TEDxStLouis Director of Communications
paula@tedxsaintlouis.org

Early confirmation is encouraged for event signups.