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

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).

TEDxDetroit Producer Anu Gopalakrishnan

Anu Gopalakrishnan

TEDxLabs Curator

Anu is excited to serve on the board of TEDxDetroit as she brings years of experience in managing and marketing digital products around Connected Mobility and Fintech.

Jennyfer Crawford

Jennyfer Crawford

TEDxMarketplace Curator

Jennyfer Crawford founded her branding and event firm – Ask Jennyfer – in 2014, earning notoriety for her small business showcase All Things Detroit. She curates events in Detroit, New York and Chicago. Jennyfer has launched a podcast, a web series, developed a ticketing site and business directory – all meant to share the stories of small business owners. A Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under 40 honoree, she spends her free time volunteering, reading and traveling.

Erica Owens

Erica Owens

Social Media Director

Erica is a collaborator, storyteller, speaker, and photographer. She is the founder and CEO of Frugal on the Fly, a nonprofit that creates access to free and affordable experiences for Metro Detroit families.

Ebony Walls

Ebony Walls

Sponsorship Director

Is a Drum Major for Service, Eastern Michigan Univeristy Alumni Association President-Elect, Certified Nonprofit Leader (CNP), Sports Philanthropist with the PGA TOUR, International Social Worker, bilingual aficionado and Professional “Friend-raiser.” Inspiring others to achieve beyond mediocrity is Ebony’s personal mission and she fulfills this daily through the vehicles of sports, civic engagement, education and mentorship.

Sarah Feldman

Volunteer Director

Educator. Painter & photographer. Bocce Ball competitor and referee. Eastside Detroit. Can most likely be found in Lowes or on Belle Isle.

Jenna Wittbrodt

Volunteer Director

Creative. Pragmatic. Explorer. Puppy Lover. TEDx Enthusiast. Designer at California Closets.

Christopher Johnson

Program Manager

A virtual event producer with Calm Clear Communications, and an audiobook narrator with VoicedByCGJohnson. Enjoys swimming, music, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Shannon Tucker

Stage Manager

Multimedia Developer at Wayne State University.

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.

Jason Hall

Jason Hall

TEDxLabs Arts Curator

Jason Hall is the Co Founder of Slow Roll Detroit and Founder of his newest venture RiDetroit. Slow Roll is one of the largest weekly bicycle rides in the world. Slow Roll brings 6,000 people a week together to enjoy Detroit. RiDetroit works with smaller more intimate groups to connect with the city on a deeper level. RiDetroit has been named the Official tour guide of Murals in the Markets walking and biking tours. Jason is currently partnered up with Trek Bikes and has been featured in the 2019 eBike campaign and is also partnered up with American Cycle and Fitness opening the first eBike only store in the US called “Electric Ave Bikes Detroit”.