Innovative Ideas at TEDxHarlem
June 20th 2026
Time: 2:00 - 5:00pm
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theater
233 West 125th Stree, New York, NY 10027
a state of mind June 20th, 2026
We believe in creating meaningful experiences that inspire and connect people with ideas.
TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
Ny Whitaker
Dr. Philippe Douyon
TEDxHarlem welcomes Ny Whitaker to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
A social impact entrepreneur, educator, and civic leader, Ny Whitaker has spent decades driving change across politics, culture, business, and community leadership. Her work is rooted in creating greater access, opportunity, and impact for all.
Join us at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
Dr. Philippe Douyon
Dr. Philippe Douyon
TEDxHarlem welcomes Dr. Philippe Douyon to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
A Board-Certified Neurologist, Brain & Mindset Coach, author, and speaker, Dr. Douyon helps individuals optimize brain health, sharpen focus, and unlock peak performance through science-backed strategies for success and fulfillment.
Join us live at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
Bethanie Nonami
TEDxHarlem welcomes Bethanie Nonami to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
An AI strategist, speaker, and advocate for human-centered innovation, Bethanie Nonami is helping audiences rethink leadership, creativity, and connection in the age of artificial intelligence. Her work explores how communities, shared learning, and collective imagination can help shape a more human future in a rapidly evolving world.
Join us live at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
Donald Ruff
TEDxHarlem welcomes Donald Ruff to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
Donald M. Ruff, Jr. is President and CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation, where he leads efforts to expand opportunity and transform outcomes for young men of color. Raised in Harlem, his path from under-resourced schools to national leadership fuels his commitment to educational equity and systems change.
Through The Eagle Institute and Eagles Soaring Beyond, he has helped advance college readiness, workforce development, and social emotional learning, impacting more than 40,000 young men across 65 cities.
Join us live at Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theatre on June 20, 2026.
Mari Moss
TED×Harlem welcomes The Honorable Mari Moss, MPA to the stage for TED×Harlem: A State of Mind
An economic developer, advocate, and community strategist, Mari Moss is dedicated to advancing economic justice, cultural preservation, and equitable growth. As CEO of Midas Touch Consulting, she has helped drive more than $1 billion in development initiatives and support the creation of over 5,000 jobs.
A Lenape descendant with deep Harlem roots, Mari brings a powerful perspective on Indigenous wisdom, ethical development, and community restoration, challenging us to imagine progress that strengthens communities rather than displaces them.
Join us live at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
Enoch Naklen
TEDxHarlem welcomes Enoch Naklen to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
A published multimedia journalist and digital strategist, Enoch Naklen works at the intersection of archival history and modern community storytelling. His work has appeared in publications including The Nation, the New York Amsterdam News, and Our Time Press.
Through his pioneering approach to “Intimate Journalism,” Enoch blends archival narratives, culture, and digital media to preserve authenticity while reimagining how stories are told in the digital age.
Join us live at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
Tren’ness Woods-Black
TEDxHarlem welcomes Tren’ness Woods-Black to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
Known as “The Queen of Hospitality,” Tren’ness Woods-Black is a visionary hospitality executive, cultural strategist, and experiential architect whose work sits at the intersection of business, culture, tourism, and community engagement.
As President and Chief Strategist of Tren’ness Woods-Black LLC and a longtime leader behind the global legacy of Sylvia’s Restaurant, she has helped shape some of the most influential cultural experiences and partnerships in the country. Through hospitality, storytelling, and community building, she continues to demonstrate how culture can create connection, preserve legacy, and drive economic impact.
Join us live at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
Harriette Cole
TEDxHarlem welcomes Harriette Cole to the stage for TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
A celebrated author, coach, media executive, and founder of Harriette Cole Media, Inc., Harriette Cole has sent more than three decades helping people discover, shape, and share their stories. From serving as the first female Editor-in-Chief of Ebony magazine to becoming the nation’s first nationally syndicated advice columnist with Sense & Sensitivity, her work has inspired millions.
As the founder of Dreamleapers and host of the Dreamleapers with Harriette Cole podcast and radio show, she empowers people to pursue their purpose, overcome obstacles, and live their dreams.
Join us live at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on June 20, 2026.
About TEDxHarlem
TEDxHarlem is an independently organized TEDx event that brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders to share ideas that inspire action and community impact. Rooted in Harlem’s rich culture and influence, TEDxHarlem amplifies diverse voices, thought leadership, and conversations around innovation, leadership, equity, and the future.
Meet Our Former TEDxHarlem Speakers
Explore the Vibrant Photo Gallery of TEDxHarlem
About Our Visionary
Our Ideas Matter
Kenneth L. Johnson is an executive recruiter, media host, and community leader committed to advancing leadership, innovation, and opportunity. Since 2018, he has served as Organizer of TEDxHarlem, creating a platform that elevates bold ideas and diverse voices.
He is the President of East Coast Executives and host of The Kenneth L. Johnson Show Executive Leadership Series, featuring conversations with influential leaders across business, media, and culture. Kenneth’s work has included partnerships with organizations such as Google, Indeed, Digital Factory and the National Urban League.