Beyond the Binary | HARI PRASAD RENGANATHAN, Sohan Sethi & Marcelle LeBrecht | TEDxBinghamton
Beyond the Binary explores the spaces in between the categories we often take for granted — rich and poor, rural and urban, health and illness, male and female, past and future. This event brings together voices from diverse backgrounds to challenge conventional boundaries and spark new ways of thinking. From personal journeys of resilience and survival to insights into government, community, and innovation, Beyond the Binary invites us to imagine possibilities that emerge when we move past either/or thinking. Hari Prasad Renganathan is a Data Scientist, entrepreneur, and educator passionate about helping people turn ideas into real products. He has built AI-driven solutions for sales, marketing, and finance teams, and co-founded startups that reached over 15,000 users. Hari is also the founder of MyRealProduct and JotterWolf, where he guides aspiring engineers and job seekers to build, launch, and showcase impactful projects. His content on AI, careers, and product-building has reached over 10 million people worldwide. Featured in Columbia Startups, Times Square, NBC, ABC, and AP News for his work in AI education & innovation, Hari combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking to inspire others to create value beyond the binary.Sohan Sethi is a Data Analytics Manager and serial entrepreneur, experienced in solving high impact business problems. Sihan co-founded two startups by the age of 20. He is proficient at implementing data science techniques to forecast business trends and providing business recommendations based on statistical data analysis.He has been featured on CNBC, Fox 21 News, Business Insider and Many More!Marcelle LaBrecque is a theatrical creative working and performing in NYC under their drag persona, “Marilyn Monhoe”, delivering emotion filled show-stopping theatrical performances inspired by their originally staged productions.Marilyn’s rise to fame and popularity came to fruition after seeing “Kinky Boots” in 2017. Beyond motivated and inspired, Marcelle began to actively train as an up and coming drag performer, donning the name “Marilyn Monhoe” (after their admiration for Megan Hilty’s portrayal in the NBC TV Show, SMASH!) taking tip spots, and guest performance slots to learn and experience what it was like working as a drag artist. After seeing their impact, and hearing the response as being one of the few biPOC drag queens who only performed musical theatre numbers, Marcelle began to shift their focus from being a musical theatre creative, to working full-time as Marilyn Monhoe; bringing the magic of authentic live theatrical performances to spaces where live theatre wasn’t a staple.Marilyn Monhoe has been a featured performer at Firefly Music Festival, alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Scarlett Envy, and Jasmine Kennedy; and even made a guest appearance as the drag “Karen Huger” on Watch What Happens LIVE! with Andy Cohen. Marilyn Monhoe is currently working on headlining their FOURTH regional production of “Kinky Boots”, after making their international theatrical debut in England in 2022.Today? Marcelle is a strong advocate for authentic representation within the theatrical arts, and beyond. Marilyn is working closely with Ramapo College (New Jersey) and Hampshire College (Massachusetts) as their spokeswoman, and educator for creating and maintaining queer safe-spaces. Marilyn is known for their collaborations with local theatrical businesses, and is currently the spokeswoman for Planet Pepper NYC (a drag queen hip-pad company) and for BraTenders NYC (an undergarment company for on and Off- Broadway and film/television). 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
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