TEDxMidAtlantic returns to Washington DC on November 1, 2025.
CHANGE IS HERE. Our theme, FAST FORWARD acknowledges the disorientation we all feel as a result of rapid technological and cultural acceleration, while also embracing optimism for a better future — leapfrogging past current challenges. FAST FORWARD is a call to both explore the bewildering present — and to do something about it. Together, we can build a better future, and just possibly, sooner than we think.
TEDxMidAtlantic 2025 Speakers
More speakers to be announced!
Michael McFaul
Professor of Political Science, Director of Freeman Spogli Institute & Hoover Senior Fellow all at Stanford University. U.S. Ambassador to Russia, 2012-2014.
Yassamin Ansari
U.S. Representative for 3rd district of Arizona and the youngest female member of Congress.
Miles Taylor
National security expert, former DHS whistleblower, New York Times best-selling author, and democracy reform leader.
Tamara Cofman Wittes
President of the National Democratic Institute and previously led the Russia sanctions effort for the US State Department.
Deb Roy
Leads research at MIT in designing human-AI systems that foster dialogue, listening, and deliberation in ways that build civic muscle.
Tonantzin Carmona
Fellow at Brookings Metro who focuses on wealth and inequality, financial and emerging technologies, and state and local policy implementation.
Rosie Rios
Chair for America250, the US Semiquincentennial Commission to plan & orchestrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Kwame Alexander
Emmy Award-winning producer, and bestselling author of 44 books including Why Fathers Cry at Night, How Sweet The Sound, The Door of No Return.
Joe Trippi
Joe Trippi is a Democratic political strategist who worked on the presidential campaigns of Ted Kennedy, Walter Mondale, Gary Hart, Dick Gephardt, Jerry Brown, and John Edwards.
Meghan Puglia
Neuroscientist who uses brain imaging and data science to understand how babies grow, learn, and thrive.
Dimitrios Nikolopolous
Professor of Engineering at Virginia Tech and high performance computing researcher.
Rolf Mueller
Develops robots that can mimic the superior sensing abilities and mobility of bats that are able to hunt in dense natural environments.
Crys Matthews
An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics.
Zoë Jorgenson
Equally at home as band leader and side musician, Zoë brings a fresh perspective to sounds both classic and creative.
Florian Krampe
Internationally recognized expert and speaker on the complex interplay between climate, conflict, and peace.
Elizabeth Houston
Lawyer, social scientist, professor, standup comedienne, and political commentator who hails from Memphis, Tennessee.
Noochie
Rapper and executive producer known for the YouTube series Live From The Front Porch, which features intimate live performances and freestyles from his home.
Gin Dance Company
Contemporary ballet company featuring the work of Artistic Director Shu-Chen Cuff.