Dozens of attendees packed the Madison Theatre at Molloy University in Rockville Centre for the campus’ first-ever TEDx event, where speakers explored the theme “Resilience, Empowerment, and Human Connection in an Era of Transformation” and tackled ideas that resonate in today’s rapidly changing world.
The program explored how individuals and organizations can adapt, innovate, and thrive amid sweeping technological, social, and cultural shifts. Speakers highlighted empathy, creativity, and leadership while addressing challenges ranging from AI-driven disruption to public health crises and evolving societal expectations.
The four-hour program on Feb. 28 featured 10 speakers, including professors, students, and professionals: Alex Chan and Maureen Mackenzie-Ruppel, School of Business; Jenny LaMonica, Art Department; Dr. Sherone Smith-Sánchez, School of Education and Human Services; Tom Rizzuto, music; Ethel Ulrich, advanced nursing; students Eduardo Leon Lotero and Karina Tiniganay; Ana Ludemann, vice president at Janney Montgomery Scott; and Mary Kate Muller, P.S. 119 teacher and coach.
Joseph Porter Jr., dean of the School of Business, opened the show.
“Today we have an incredible lineup of speakers who will share thought-provoking, innovative ideas,” he said. “Perhaps this will inspire you to think creatively and optimistically about our theme.”
Porter then introduced Molloy President James Lentini, who reflected on the pace of technological change and its impact on higher education.
“The theme of today’s gathering is both timely and timeless,” Lentini said. “In this era of transformation, what becomes of the traditional university?”
Smith-Sánchez kicked off the talks with “The Warrior’s Blueprint: Real Resilience Through Self-Care,” emphasizing the power of recovery alongside endurance. Mackenzie-Ruppel followed with “The Fearless Speaker,” sharing her journey from admiring actors on screen to conquering a fear of public speaking.
Other talks included “The Heart Revolution: Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Health,” “Culture Before Content: Keeping Education Human in the Age of AI,” and “From War to Wall Street: Why Resilience and Discipline Will Be the Wealth of 2030.”
The talks were filmed and will undergo TED’s vetting process, which can take up to two months.
TEDx is a community-based program inspired by TED’s mission to share “ideas worth spreading,” bringing local research and insights to audiences worldwide.
For more information, visit TED.com.
