Behind the X

Meet the production team that brings TEDxDetroit to life each year

A city made strong by the people who love it. It’s easy to see that passion in every speaker, performer, and exhibitor you’ll meet at TEDxDetroit. What you may not notice are the faces working tirelessly behind the scenes to produce the event.

The large team of volunteers working on the day of the event are led by our board of directors who plan the event each year. Each member of the board volunteers months of their time and expertise to make this annual event spring to life.

Our production team personifies the exact idea that TEDxDetroit represents: a group of people coming together to cultivate creativity, inspiration, and innovation for the benefit of the community.

Next time you see them around town or online, give them a high-five, fist bump, or gold star.

Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker Charlie Wollborg

Charlie Wollborg

Executive Producer
Curator

Chief Troublemaker. Keynote Speaker. Entrepreneur. Creative Director at Curve Detroit Marketing and author of the Moka Boka Adventure Stories, a series of books nurturing creativity in young kids. Lover of shiny objects, bacon & Pure Michigan. On a mission to rekindle the fire in your belly.

Nick DeNardis

Executive Producer
Technical Director

Minimalist. UX crafter. Library Scientist. Speaker. Educator. Realist. Director of Digital Communications at Wayne State University. Detroit Laravel and Refresh Detroit organizer.

Terry Bean TEDx

Terry Bean

Executive Producer
Community Director

Terry Bean is honored to be in his 13th year with the event. His role on the TxD board is similar to the work he does with Trybean: leveraging his knowledge and network to move things forward.

Terry Bean is a sought after presenter, business growth catalyst and great guy to have on your team.

Shawn Lee Photographer

Shawn Lee

Executive Producer
Photography Director

Photographer. Influencer. Speaker. Founder of Shawn Lee Studios, Rock That Photography Conference, and the Multicultural Association of Professional Photographers.  Shawn is also a photography instructor at Schoolcraft College and the diversity lead for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Anu Gopalakrishnan

Anu Gopalakrishnan

Executive Producer
TEDxLabs Curator

Anu Gopalakrishnan has years of experience building global business & tech communities. Anu is the Head of Partner Relations at the Developers Alliance. She founded MintDfuel, a global product management and digital marketing consulting firm in Michigan.

Anu also donates her time on the boards of Cleary University (Howell, MI) and Mai Family Services (South Asian DV agency). Anu broadcasts her show Rockin’ Raaga on WNZK 690/680AM in Metro Detroit. Anu is the Commissioner of Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs for the State of Michigan.

Jason Hall

Michael Scamardella

Executive Producer
Sponsorships

Fearlessly inspired entrepreneur, commercial real estate executive, father of three wildly curious boys and a lover of creation, connecting people and ideas to make special things happen. A first-generation Italian American with a deep passion for his Detroit & Italian roots. Fiercely devoted to the powerful impact of TEDx Detroit. Equal parts thinker and doer; a team player and team builder.

Antonice Strickland TEDx

Antonice J. Strickland

Media Relations Director

Antonice J. Strickland is an award-winning public relations and strategic communications professional with an immense passion for community service, education, and DEI advocacy. She’s the Senior Director—Business Development at 98Forward and actively supports PRSA, DEFY and many charities. Antonice is a frequent guest speaker and mentor at several universities.

A proud MSU grad with a master’s from Georgetown, Antonice spends her spare time relaxing by the water, practicing yoga, and attending concerts and sporting events.

Julie Barnes Maurer

Julie Barnes Maurer

Volunteer Co-Director

Born in Detroit and raised all over the northern suburbs, Julie Barnes Maurer is the Trampoline and Tumbling Team head coach at fLipSpot Gymnastics. She is a perpetual volunteer and community enthusiast. On any given day you will find her running with one or all of the Detroit running groups or helping out at Detroit running events.

Yara Shadda

Yara Shadda

Volunteer Co-Director

First-generation American. Lifelong learner. Advocate. Recent graduate from Wayne State University. In pursuit of legal education.

Yara Shadda is a forced migrant from Iraq with a mission to build bridges amongst communities, advocate for those in need, push boundaries, and keep the light in others bright. She serves on the Advisory Board of United Community Family Services (aka Chaldean American Ladies of Charity) and donates her time to increase civic engagement among youth and first-generation communities.

Shannon Tucker

Stage Manager

Multimedia Developer at Wayne State University.

Christopher Johnson

Program Manager

Born and raised in Detroit. Virtual Event Producer for Meetings, Trainings, and Conferences at Calm Clear Communications, Fill-in Public Radio Host at Michigan Radio, and Audiobook Narrator.

Curiosity and tenacity are my defining characteristics. I enjoy swimming, biking, and running when not behind the mic or producing virtual events.

Tramaine Seay

Photography Manager

Public school educator gone rouge turned photographer. Mom to 4 amazing rascals. Frequently vacations in extra-large chai tea lattes. Founder of Photography by Tramaine Seay.