Kathryn Woods is a communication consultant and speaking coach with more than 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist. As a “recovering shy person,” she understands how challenging communicating with confidence can be. She fuses her experience and expertise together to form the foundation of training and communicating she uses to help speakers, professionals, and teams feel comfortable and confident when communicating. Kathryn’s impactful and interactive presentations and trainings give participants the “Aha!” moment they seek, while teaching practical strategies that can be implemented immediately and with ease.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
The opportunity to be part of a community that works as a team to highlight the voices of TEDx Atlanta speakers and spread innovative ideas to make the world a better place.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Collaboration, community, and impact.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
The satisfaction of witnessing the joy and pride the speakers feel when they finally get up on that red dot and deliver their message powerfully after weeks or months of working together to refine and practice their talks.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
The events are not just a random group of speakers talking about unrelated ideas, but rather, a curated selection of ideas and speakers centered around a theme. It reminds me of a great album where each song relates back to a central motif.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
If you want to meet fascinating, mission-driven human beings, I highly recommend joining the TEDx volunteer team!
To connect with Kathryn, check out her LinkedIn or view her website.
Meggie Powell is a product marketing manager for a tech company focused on bringing digital workflows to the manufacturing industry. At TEDxAtlanta, she leads marketing and storytelling initiatives, sharing big ideas and amplifying the voices of local innovators. Meggie moved to Atlanta from Louisiana in 2016 and is passionate about sustainability, supporting local communities, and connecting with people who care about making a difference. Read more about how she’s applied her skills and passions as a marketing lead with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
I’ve always loved ideas that challenge the way we think or work. TEDx offered a way to not just hear those ideas, but to help bring them to life. It’s been inspiring to work alongside people who believe in the power of sharing bold perspectives.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?(include a link)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the kind of impact we choose to make, through our work, our buying decisions, and how we build brands.
That’s why Esha Chhabra’s TED Talk, “How Business Can Improve the World, Not Just the Bottom Line,” struck such a chord with me. She challenges the old idea that profit and purpose are mutually exclusive, and instead makes the case for regenerative businesses that prioritize people and the planet alongside performance.
As someone who works in product marketing for technology that helps frontline teams work smarter and safer, I’m constantly thinking about how innovation can support not just efficiency, but human impact. This talk is a reminder that doing good business and doing better for the world don’t have to be at odds.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Curious. Energizing. Thoughtful.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Seeing the talks go live—knowing how much care and collaboration went into every single one. There’s something special about being part of that process behind the scenes.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
It’s 100% volunteer-run. Every detail you see—online, on stage, or in person—was created by people who care deeply about the mission.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
It’s given me the chance to connect with incredible professionals and learn from some of the most inspiring leaders in Atlanta. Being part of this community has expanded my perspective and helped me grow both creatively and professionally.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
Because it’s a front-row seat to the best of humanity. You’ll be part of something bigger than yourself, surrounded by people who care deeply about ideas, impact, and community.
To learn more about Meggie, connect with her on LinkedIn.
Kafi is a dynamic leadership catalyst who curates engaging experiences that bring the art of leading with energy to life. As the author of Fired Up! Lead with Energy and Create Ripples of Impact, she champions positive energy as the key to drawing people in and creating meaningful impact—an antidote to burnout-driven leadership that pushes others away. Whenever she’s not busy with her practice, you’ll find Kafi in the community leading spirited indoor cycling classes, joyfully spinning on the salsa dance floor, or volunteering with local groups and associations.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
What first drew me to TEDx was how it sparks conversations and brings big ideas to life. I’ve always loved how TEDx gives people a platform to share stories and insights that can really change perspectives and inspire action. It’s such a unique mix of community, creativity, and impact—and that totally aligns with my passion for creating positive ripples through connection and energy. Being part of something that helps people think differently and connect in meaningful ways just felt like a perfect fit.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe. Andy is such an engaging storyteller, and he makes it so easy to see how a simple daily habit like mindfulness can make a big difference in our energy and focus. His approach feels approachable and doable, which is what I love about it!
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Exciting, energizing, and impactful.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
One of my favorite memories from working with TEDx was in 2024 when I joined the team as a Speaker Sherpa. It was such a cool experience to help speakers with all the behind-the-scenes logistics in the final weeks before the event and to be their go-to person on the big day. There was something so rewarding about being there to calm nerves, answer last-minute questions, and make sure everything ran smoothly so they could shine on stage. Seeing their hard work come to life and knowing I played a part in making it all come together was really special.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
One thing people might find surprising about TEDx is that it’s 100% volunteer-driven and planning starts months in advance. The energy and collaboration behind the scenes are incredible—every detail, from coordinating speakers to managing event-day logistics, is handled by people who are passionate about sharing ideas that matter. It’s not just about the Talks; it’s about creating an experience where those ideas can truly come to life for the audience
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
It has helped me grow in ways I didn’t see coming. In 2023, I joined the team as a Speaker Sherpa, which was all about supporting speakers and managing logistics. It sharpened my ability to stay calm under pressure and think on my feet. This year, in 2025, it’s been exciting to step into one of the Guest Emcee roles, which is stretching me in a whole new way. Along the way, I’ve met so many amazing people, and being surrounded by such inspiring energy has made the experience even more meaningful.
Overall, being part of TEDx has changed how I view teamwork and what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for the little details that make a big impact—whether it’s calming a speaker’s nerves or ensuring everything flows smoothly on event day. It’s also inspired me to stay curious and open to new ideas in my own life, which has been such a fun and unexpected bonus!
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
Volunteering with TEDx is such a rewarding experience because you get to be part of something truly inspiring. It’s not just about the talks—it’s about working with an incredible team of people, building skills in ways you didn’t expect, and knowing you’re helping bring ideas that matter to life. Whether you’re behind the scenes managing logistics or upfront engaging with speakers, there’s something special about being part of a community that’s all about making an impact.
To connect with Kafi, check out her LinkedIn or view her website.
Becky Spieth is a powerhouse of leadership development and business strategy, dedicated to helping high-impact leaders step up, stand out, and make an impact that actually lasts. As the CEO of Leaders Empowered, a Maxwell Leadership faculty member, and a TEDx Speaker Coach, she works with executives and multi-generational teams to elevate their influence, boost performance, and create leadership cultures that people actually want to be part of. She’s the secret weapon for turning complex leadership challenges into clear, actionable strategies—whether she’s coaching top executives, mentoring next-gen leaders, or helping thought leaders craft messages that hit home. When she’s not shaping high-performance teams, you’ll find her pouring into leaders worldwide, speaking on leadership strategy, and fueling mission-driven initiatives that spark transformation. Read on to learn more about Becky’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
TEDx is a launchpad for bold ideas and transformative leadership. There’s something incredible about seeing a speaker step onto that stage and deliver a message that doesn’t just land—it shifts perspectives, sparks
action, and reshapes industries. TEDx isn’t just about talking; it’s about leading, inspiring, and making a real impact, which aligns perfectly with my passion for developing high-performance leaders and multi- generational teams. Helping speakers craft messages that connect, inspire, and create lasting change? That’s exactly why I’m here!
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown is one of my all-time favorites because it gets to the heart of real leadership—trust, connection, and authenticity. High-performance teams don’t thrive on strategy alone. The real difference-maker is when leaders create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to bring their best. Brené nails it: leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to shine and building a team where people actually want to give their all.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring, transformative, and energizing.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Coaching speakers through those pivotal moments when they realize the power of their message and step into their confidence is an absolute thrill. It’s exhilarating when everything clicks—the nerves turn into energy, the message lands, and the audience is captivated. Watching that transformation unfold and knowing their message will create a ripple effect far beyond that moment is something I’ll never get tired of. There’s nothing like it!
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Most people don’t realize how much work goes into crafting a TEDx talk—it’s not just about having a great idea. There’s a deep process of refining, rehearsing, and structuring to make it unforgettable. It’s about creating an experience that changes the way people think, lead, and innovate. Behind the scenes, a passionate team of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure every detail is aligned to deliver an experience that challenges perspectives, ignites leadership, and drives innovation. The real reward? Seeing someone bring their bold idea to life and watching it create transformation. I love being part of a community that champions the speaker, their passion, and the life-changing impact their message can have.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
TEDx has challenged me to think even deeper about how leaders communicate and given me insights into helping my clients simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. On a personal level, it’s been incredible to be part of a community of changemakers who are just as passionate about leadership development as I am. Being surrounded by people committed to elevating ideas that matter has been both inspiring and energizing. TEDx has been a great reminder that communication isn’t just a skill—it’s
a superpower! The right message, delivered with confidence and clarity, builds trust, sparks action, and creates the kind of impact that lasts. Working with TEDx has made me even more fired up about helping leaders harness their voice, inspire across generations, and shape cultures where people thrive.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
TEDx is so much more than an event—it’s a movement. If you love being part of something bigger than yourself, working with inspiring people, and seeing ideas come to life in real time, then you’ll love being part of this community. Whether you’re coaching speakers, running logistics, or connecting with the audience, you’re playing a role in shaping conversations that can change the world and beyond.
To connect with Becky, check out her LinkedIn.
Atembe Giles is a communications professional with 15 years of experience crafting brand messages and communications strategies for various organizations and industries around the world, including education, healthcare, fashion, travel & tourism, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). A former educator in the US, France, and South Korea, she loves learning and teaching about multicultural experiences and storytelling in all forms, from history to dance to television. She is passionate about using the power of words and expression to help people become better connected with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Read more to learn about Atembe’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
I’ve always been a fan of TED Talks and TEDx experiences. I experienced my first TEDx event as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my most recent TEDx experience was a few years ago in Seoul, South Korea. I really appreciated that no matter where in the world you are, you can find a place with other people who are also interested in sharing ideas, self-improvement, and learning more about the world and making it a better place. I’m new to Atlanta, so I wanted to find a space where I could meet new people and connect with others, but also learn more about what’s brewing in Atlanta and play a role in giving back to the community.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. She verbalized so many of my lived experiences and feelings about myself that I never knew how to express, and made me feel more comfortable and empowered about who I am.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Welcoming, educational, and collaborative.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Besides finally working my first TEDx conference, I’d say it was my first time meeting the team in person. It was at a storage facility to move all the TEDxAtlanta props and decorations to another location. It may seem like an insignificant experience, but it was my first exposure to seeing how these different personalities got along, worked together, considered each other and other people, and really cared about what we’re doing with TEDx. We met at another volunteer’s house after to have dinner and some social time, and I enjoyed the genuine conversations we had about our cultures, life experiences, and plans for the future. It made me excited about continuing to work with everyone on future TEDxAtlanta events.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Absolutely everything that you see is due to the work of volunteers: months of planning, dedicating weekend and evening hours outside your regular 9-5, scheduling meetings virtually and in-person, fundraising and sponsorships…it’s a lot of work. But everyone’s time is respected and appreciated, whether you can dedicate 10 hours a week or one hour. It’s cool to see how passionate people are about their work with TEDx.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
It’s another outlet of creativity for me. I get to do work that I don’t normally get to do in my job, and it’s nice to activate those other parts of my brain throughout the week, which helps with mental health and feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s given me an outlet to fine-tune skills I don’t use everyday in my current job, but are still valuable skills to have, such as photography, social media content creation, and sales. I’ve learned how effective partnerships work between organizations and between people. I’m seeing, through our speakers, how opportunities are limitless when it comes to using your passion and knowledge as a force to bring about positive change. And I’m growing more confident in sharing my ideas and opinions, especially when it comes to trying to make something better.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
It’s a great way to be an active part of your community, gain exposure to new perspectives, and improve or learn new skills. Everyone’s contribution is significant, no matter the task, and it all goes towards a mission that’s about helping people and communities grow. The likely and unlikely connections you’ll make is definitely one of the best parts of volunteering with TEDx.
To connect with Atembe, you can find her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Elaine Powell is known as The Thought Disruptor™️, a keynote speaker, and a TEDx speaker. She supports organizations in elevating their teams’ and employees’ performances into transformative results, helping them realize their full potential through her renowned T.H.I.N.K. Methodology, a five-principle framework that can transform organizational performance, productivity, and profits. Elaine has spoken at over 250 global events training 35,000+ people, including senior leaders and thought leaders, in the art of transformational thinking and effective communication. With a passion for mental growth, she helps people turn challenges into opportunities. Read on to learn more about Elaine’s experience as a Coach for TEDxAtlanta.
In 2012, while participating in a personal development course in London, I was tasked with creating leadership within my community over a three-month period. At the time, the UK was reeling from its worst riots in recent history, and I kept hearing young people express a common frustration: Their voices weren’t being heard. With my background in working with young people and public speaking, I decided to take action by organizing a TEDxYouth event. My goal was to create a platform where they could share their ideas and stories with the world. I assembled a dedicated team of 14 volunteers, including eight skilled Toastmasters speaker coaches, and together, we brought the vision to life. Over the course of three inspiring years, we ran TEDxYouth events that amplified the voices of young people, empowering them to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown. It’s a powerful Talk because it encourages authenticity and openness, which I think are essential for building meaningful connections. Her insights on embracing imperfection resonate deeply with me and remind me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Transformative, collaborative, inspiring
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Whether curating a TEDx event, serving as a speaker coach for TEDxLadbroke Grove, or now coaching for TEDxAtlanta, my favorite memory always centers around working with speakers to uncover, craft, and articulate their ideas in a way that deeply resonates with the audience. Seeing their ideas come to life and knowing they have the potential to ignite change and inspire action is truly unforgettable.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Many people don’t realize the sheer amount of effort that goes on behind the scenes. From coaching speakers to curating talks, TEDx is a labor of love powered by volunteers who are passionate about creating a platform for change. It’s not just about the Talks—it’s about building a community around meaningful ideas.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
Professionally, my time with TEDx honed my skills in curating powerful ideas and helping others communicate their vision effectively. Personally, it deepened my understanding of the human experience and the importance of empathy in connecting with others. It’s been a cornerstone in my journey as a speaker and coach. Being part of TEDx has profoundly shaped my perspective on the power of storytelling. It’s heightened my appreciation for ideas and how they can drive innovation and transformation. It also reinforced the importance of clarity, authenticity, and purpose, which now influence how I approach my work and relationships every day.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
Volunteering with TEDx is a unique opportunity to be part of something much bigger than yourself. You get to contribute to spreading ideas that matter, while building lifelong connections with an incredible community of changemakers. It’s a chance to grow, give back, and experience the power of ideas in action.
To keep in touch with Elaine, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
Emma is an Atlanta-based creative pursuing a career in filmmaking. With her passion for visual storytelling, she aims to bring people together and effect change through art. Emma is a travel enthusiast, a comedy lover, and an extremely family-oriented individual, with her roots in a small town near Charlotte, North Carolina.
EH: While attending the University of Georgia, Emma worked as a student volunteer for the TEDxUGA conferences offering her presentation-skills to peer and professional speakers preparing to take the main stage with their ideas. After graduating in 2022, Emma prepared to move from her hometown to Atlanta by immersing herself in the Atlanta community, one way being through TEDxAtlanta.
Péralte Paul lives in the world of words, working to tell people’s stories as a communications professional at a prestigious university following a nearly 3-decade career as a print journalist.
As someone who enjoys experiencing new perspectives, meeting new people, trying new foods, Péralte enjoys traveling overseas by biking and hiking. He’s visited 25 countries, biked across 10 of them, and hiked the equivalent of 990 miles in one year — roughly the length of New Zealand’s North and South islands combined.
Péralte Paul: I knew about TEDx and saw some of the videos of different talks and was drawn to the concept of getting to hear from people from all walks of life encouraging us to think about something new or challenge our own paradigms about the what we accept to be true or how things ought to be. I went to a then-TEDxPeachtree event in the 2010s, but I had the serendipitous chance of working with Jacqui Chew (TEDxAtlanta Licensee and Curator)a few years ago. I was fortunate to have a front row seat into what makes it a unique experience and the philosophy behind the “ideas worth spreading” maxim.
PP: It’s hard to limit it to just one, but for me, as a person whose career is in telling stories and bringing new concepts to the forefront, I think working with the speakers and giving feedback as they refine their talks is what I enjoy the most because it’s an opportunity to not only learn something new and see things in a different way. Maybe even more impactful is that these talks stay with me long after the speaker has left the stage. They affect me to think and act. One other thing I would say is a favorite memory is opportunity to interact with volunteers who come from all walks of life an experiences, but all of course come together in a unified desire to share great ideas and findings with broad audiences.
PP: Committed would be first because, you have to be committed not just to your part in the process that leads to events throughout the year and the main conference, you have to commit to being fully engaged to ensure those depending on your contributions can succeed with their contributions. The second word is opportunity. I have met some of the most interesting people as fellow volunteers — some of whom I’m not sure I would have had the opportunity to meet had it not been for TEDx and our shared interest in exploring ideas that challenge and inspire us. Lastly, I would say fulfilling. It’s a lot of work and planning that go into TEDx events, but it is rewarding to see how one person’s talk can spark conversations and further exploration into what could be possible. For me it’s rewarding to see the speakers engaged in discussions with conference attendees who really connected with the talk and leaves me wondering how many will leave inspired to act and effect change in their corners of the world.
PP: We really are all volunteers. I think to see such a professional event be put together on such a large scale and the caliber of the talks presented, most would assume there’s a big-budget production entity behind it all. But it’s team of committed volunteers.
PP: “See How the Rest of the World Lives, Organized by Income,” by Anna Rosling Rönnlund. This talk is a fascinating exploration of what we consider home and normalcy through race, class, and economics via the visuals of housing, everyday activities, and cultural norms. It’s a critically moving presentation of the disparities from country to country and how economic class shapes the day of what we consider ‘standard.’
PP: From the different talks I’ve watched, I am often reminded of the things I’ve learned and an underlying realization that big, bold ideas, and new ways of thinking can be garnered anywhere and everywhere in the most unexpected of places. Joining TEDx has made me become more open to hearing perspectives that I might not necessarily agree with. I still might not agree, but I am more open to understanding the “how” and “why” behind their views.
PP: Without a doubt. The biggest thing is collaboration. In hey both teach me how to be a better leader to my own team [and] a better communicator. So, it does teach me a lot. Not only how to lead a team but also how to find the leaders within the team and help them grow and keep that loop going. We’re all helping each other. Building each other up to our full potential. That’s something that I’ve learned over the years and especially through TEDx.
PP: You get to have fun and work with volunteers and make great friends.
From watching talks with her family to joining her college’s chapter, TED and TEDx are an integral part of Sophie Désert’s life and have been since she was a child.
In a recent interview with TEDxAtlanta’s Storytelling Team, she shared what it’s like being part of a TEDx team — and provide insight into the past year working within the TEDxAtlanta team.
Sophie Désert: My parents! We would always watch TED and TEDx videos. [As for how I got involved], it was really random. The first time I went to a TEDx meeting was because one of my friends invited me to go with him. I’ve stayed involved ever since! It’s just a really nice community to be a part of. You get to meet lots of cool people whether it’s on the [volunteer] team, the speakers, partners. Everyone’s always really helpful, and it’s always a good time.
SD: When I was involved in TEDxSurreyUniversity, it was the first time I was leading such a big organization.
I remember it being a very stressful year, managing a whole team…Then, when the event ended, you could feel the pressure kind of releasing. We were on stage with all of the volunteers taking pictures at the end, and some of the volunteers left and came back with a bouquet of flowers for me. I had no idea they were going to do that, and it felt amazing! It was really tough, and sometimes I felt like I wasn’t doing as well as I thought I would. But, the fact that they really appreciated what I did and got me that surprise gift at the end of the event really meant a lot.
With TEDxAtlanta, one of the highlights so far was my first speaker mixer. Before the event, we have a little party with drinks and a buffet. It’s a time when the volunteers get to meet the speakers and the coaches. It was all the people working on the event, from different sides that had never met each other, coming together, and it was a really fun night that I’m actually looking forward to again this year.
SD: I would say ‘pressure’ as the first word because it is a bit stressful. Sometimes, there’s a lot going on and a reputation to uphold.
But it’s also, I would say, ‘engaging.’ It’s difficult to be half-in and half-out. When you’re in, you’re in, and you want to do the best you can. And if you can’t, that’s okay. You can just join another time when you have more time to commit. And then ‘rewarding’ because of that feeling at the end of the event once everything happened and we can just relax and celebrate.
SD: People are surprised that it’s all volunteers because it’s so big. People are doing this for free; it’s 100% volunteer powered. It’s actually really easy to join.
Someone recently joined the team and was like, ‘I’ve always been interested in TED, but I never knew it was this easy to join a TEDx.’ All you have to do is show a bit of commitment and skills that could be used in event planning and production.
SD: Jill Bolte Taylor’s, “My Stroke of Insight.” It’s one of the most famous ones. It’s about a neuroscientist who describes herself having a stroke. She was doing all of this research on having a stroke and then she actually had one, so she was kind of studying herself. That’s the most impactful one.
SD: My favorite one I usually go back to is about teaching girls bravery rather than perfection — especially in the STEM industry. I think it’s just really powerful, and it’s a new perspective. It’s about having more women in the science and engineering fields, making sure we’re not putting too much pressure on people, and making it accessible for everyone.
SD: I think it’s being able to catch those out-of-the-ordinary things that jump out and say, ‘Oh, there’s a story behind that. There’s something to share.’
Everywhere I go, I’m like ‘How could I include this in TED or in TEDx?’ Or, anytime I meet someone and they have an interesting story, I’m like ‘This could be a nice TED talk or TEDx talk!’
SD: Definitely both! Especially professionally because I have a similar relationship with Jacqui, my TEDxAtlanta ‘manager,’ as I do with my manager at work.
They both teach me how to be a better leader to my own team [and] a better communicator. So, it does teach me a lot. Not only how to lead a team but also how to find the leaders within the team and help them grow and keep that loop going. We’re all helping each other. Building each other up to our full potential. That’s something that I’ve learned over the years and especially through TEDx.
SD: Being part of a great team and having loads of volunteer socials!
It’s not all just work, work, work…I’ve made really good friends on the team that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. So, join for the people. Join for that rewarding feeling at the end of each event and seeing happy audience members. It’s just a feel-good moment.