March 12, 2026
Welcome to TEDxKalamazoo 2026
Kalamazoo is a city defined by big ideas and a profound passion for creativity. TEDxKalamazoo 2026 celebrates this spirit by uplifting powerful insights from our local community and beyond, fostering a vision of innovation and connection across Michigan.
This year, we are thrilled to host our event on March 12, 2026, in the heart of the city’s cultural scene. Beyond a lineup of incredible speakers, attendees will enjoy tours of the Epic Center, offering a unique opportunity to gain insights into leading arts and entertainment organizations. The evening will be further brought to life with live performances by local musicians and dancers.
Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to resiliency, art, music, and "ideas worth spreading".
5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6 p.m. Tours of the Epic Center
Guided tours will take attendees to each of the cultural organizations inside the Epic Center where you can learn about the people that help bring the arts to life in Kalamazoo.
6:15 p.m - 6:55 p.m. Live Piano Performances
Advanced students from the Crescendo Academy of Music will play on a grand piano provided by The Gilmore.
Seojin Lee, cello (student of Silvia McClish)
Justin Liggins, violin (student of Audrey Lipsey)
Terry Stamp, violin (student of Mark Portolese)
Mark Portolese will accompany Seojin and Liggins on piano
The last performance will be from Julian Avendaño, piano, Crescendo Teaching Artist
6:30 p.m. Doors Open
7:00 p.m. TEDxKalamazoo Begins
Dr. Emily Jacobs
Susan Rosas
Rebekah Kik
Intermission: Light refreshments for sale in the lobby
After Intermission: Cellist Mylo Chow courtesy of Fontana Chamber Arts
Jana Curtis
Laird Walker
Russ Kavalhuna
9:30 p.m. (estimated) End of Show
2026 Speakers
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Dr. Emily Jacobs
THE INVISIBLE LOAD: THE TRUTH ABOUT WORKING MOTHERHOOD
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Susan Rosas
THE ROLE OF NON-PROFITS WITHIN A GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ITS PEOPLE
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Rebekah Kik
THOUSANDS OF COMMUNITY VOICES
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Jana Curtis
WHEN A CHILD IS LABELED “BROKEN”
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Laird Walker
WHY BASKETBALL HEALS WHAT TALK THERAPY CAN’T
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Russ Kavalhuna
JUDGEMENT, EMPATHY, COURAGE: THE NEW OUTCOMES OF COLLEGE
IN-KIND PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNER
EPIC CENTER PARTNERS
CREATIVE PARTNERS
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. Our event is called TEDxKalamazoo, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxKalamazoo event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will 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.