Keith Coleman believes America needs more middle ground. He shares how a bipartisan mindset can foster real progress: in politics, leadership, and everyday life. Keith Coleman is a highly sought-after leadership expert in North America. A retired Marine Corps officer, acclaimed basketball coach, college professor and administrator, published author, motivational speaker, business owner, and politician, he is often described as a "Gentleman of the 21st Century" and a Renaissance man. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Licensed professional counselor and therapy innovator Jessica Eiseman helps clients and clinicians alike navigate “the unknown.” She explores new frameworks for improving mental health in a fast-changing, burnout-prone world. Jessica Eiseman, MS, LPC-S, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas, Nationally Certified Counselor, and founder of Ajana Therapy & Clinical Services—an inclusive Houston-based practice named after the Bengali word for “the unknown.” With over 14 years of experience, she provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive care for women with ADHD, midlife transitions, maternal mental health, LGBTQ+ clients, and professionals facing burnout or identity shifts. She conducts forensic mental health evaluations for immigrants seeking asylum. Jessica’s work is rooted in Relational Cultural Theory and person-centered values, blending evidence-based approaches to support meaningful, sustainable growth. She’s also the creator of Mental Vitamins, a digital platform offering trainings and consulting for mental health professionals and the communities they serve. Outside work, Jessica is a mom, wife, pet lover, and bubble tea enthusiast who sees “the unknown” as a space for growth This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Ronnie Nespeca says we’re overlooking one of the simplest keys to health: water. He explains the science behind hydration and why water might just be your most powerful health tool. Ronnie Nespeca serves as Kinesiology Department Chair at Lone Star College-CyFair, where he has been a distinguished faculty member since the institution's founding in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional pedagogical versatility, teaching specialized Honors courses, Service-Learning classes that integrate community engagement with academic curriculum, and innovative Learning Community programs that foster interdisciplinary connections among students. He led international educational initiatives, teaching Study Abroad courses in the rainforests of Costa Rica and directing an immersive academic program across multiple regions of Italy, where students engaged with world-renowned cultural and historical sites while studying health sciences in a global context. He is the Co-Author of “Strength Training for Total Health and Wellness”. Prior to his academic career, he worked as an Exercise Physiologist for the United States Air Force at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Jessica Young is fighting back against book bans. She’ll share why protecting young readers’ access to diverse stories isn’t a political issue, it’s a fundamental act of love and learning. Jessica Young is a children’s book author and advocate for libraries, bookstores, and all things literacy. With roots in journalism and public service, she brings a storyteller’s heart and a communicator’s clarity to her work—whether writing for young readers or connecting communities to meaningful causes. She began her career as a journalist and editor at outlets including the Houston Chronicle, Texas Monthly, and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, and was part of a Chronicle team named a Pulitzer Prize finalist. She transitioned into public affairs, leading communications in local government and the nonprofit sector to champion education and equity. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Liberal Arts – Journalism from Harvard University. She lives in Houston with her husband, Matt, and daughter, Harper Lee. When not writing or reading, she’s usually drinking coffee or dreaming up new ways to share stories that spark a love of learning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Tim Mousel is reshaping the future of higher education. He shares how artificial intelligence can transform—not replace—human teaching, and what that means for students and institutions alike. Tim Mousel, a full-time faculty member in the Kinesiology department at LSC-Online and Department Chair of Chemistry, Kinesiology, and Physics, has taught in higher education since 1993. Currently on special assignment with the Lone Star College Chancellor’s Office in the Department of Strategic Innovation, he also co-chairs the college’s AI Task Force. A nationally recognized educator, Tim has received awards including the 2022 LSC-Online Faculty Excellence Award, the 2023 NISOD Excellence Award, and the 2023 and 2025 Master Presenter honors from the University of Texas. His work on generative AI in education has been published by Harvard and featured twice in Forbes. A frequent keynote speaker and educational consultant for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Tim has presented to the Department of Defense and Space Force, and developed two commercial AI tools before the release of ChatGPT. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Dr. Brandon Warren knows about inarceration, education, and virtue from firsthand experience. He explores why teaching virtue is essential to truly transforming prison education and rehabilitating lives. Brandon Warren began his academic journey while incarcerated, earning an Associate of Arts in Humanities from Lee College in 2004. After his release, he completed a Bachelor’s in Counseling, a Master of Divinity, a Master’s in Philosophy, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of St. Thomas in 2021. Since 2011, he has helped build and lead innovative prison education programs in Texas, including the first accredited seminary and college reentry services department within TDCJ. In 2024, he joined Adams State University as the Mellon Program Coordinator to launch a groundbreaking initiative hiring incarcerated graduate students as adjunct professors. Brandon has taught philosophy, ethics, theology, and critical thinking in various prison units for over a decade. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx