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.
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
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).
Janet Tyler
Executive Producer
Communications Director
Janet is the founder of True Depth Growth Accelerator – an executive coaching and management consulting firm working with business owners and senior leaders in the technology, manufacturing and professional services arenas. She helps leadership teams achieve their goals through executive coaching, strategic planning, recruiting and growth marketing.
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.
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
TEDxMakerspace Curator
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.
John Johnson
Education Director
John Johnson is the Director of Postsecondary & Alumni Affairs at University Prep Schools in Detroit. He is a 2020 Detroit New Leader Council Fellow and currently a 2021 San Diego State University Equity in College Counseling Fellow. In 2020, he was awarded the Influential Educator Award by the Michigan Chronicle, and most recently, was given the 2021 Fred Martin/Coleman A. Young Educator of the Year.
Julie Barnes Maurer
Volunteer 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.
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.
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
Advisor
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”.