Allegra is the co-founder of Imaginative Storm Writing Workshops, as well as an author of five books. She has taught creative writing for over 20 years, in private workshops and at universities including the University of Oklahoma and the National University of Ireland, Galway. Previously a publisher, she worked with three Booker Prize winners, two Nobel Prize winners, and Jane Goodall.

As the founder of Sweetpea Lifestyle, Ashley has spent the last 17 years sharing her love of dinner parties, simple recipes, and the kind of gatherings that fill your heart as much as your plate. Her TEDxAsheville talk will be a heartfelt invitation to see hospitality as hope in action. Ashley believes community starts right where you are—with a warm welcome and something delicious to share. Because at the end of the day, hospitality isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

David is a writer, photographer, and leadership strategist. He is also the founder of the George Masa Foundation, which empowers young people to take an active role in conservation through photography and storytelling. Through his consulting practice, Corporate Craft, David helps leaders and teams navigate uncertainty, build alignment, and move forward with confidence and clarity. His talk begins in the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene and explores what happens when the systems we depend on suddenly collapse. 

A freshman at UNC Asheville, George has given over 264 speeches across the country on varying advocacy topics and is excited to bring his voice to the TEDx stage. Through his TEDxAsheville talk "The Power of 60 Seconds, and What Trans Voices Can Do for the World", he invites the audience to challenge any preconceived notions of the trans community and be willing to choose kindness over headlines, creating spaces where every adult is a trusted one.

Jay is a software engineering leader interested in how people and systems shape one another. He builds software for a living and community for connection — organizing PechaKucha Night Asheville, local tech meetups, and justice-forward civic projects that bridge gaps and make things work a little better. An outspoken advocate for the introverted, he’s a student of human behavior who takes systems seriously but not always himself. Jay lives in Asheville with his family and a collection of half-finished projects.

Jenn is a designer, creative director, brand strategist, and storyteller. She spent 15 years at the human-centered design firm, IDEO, before co-founding the consultancy Harmonic 55. She has worked with clients that include Nike, Microsoft, Marriott, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Genentech Roche, and more. Jenn is happiest when creating stories and ideas that bypass the brain's radar and go straight to the heart. She recently co-founded a new company called Knitted that explores putting friendship at the center of everything we do.

Jennifer is a visionary connector and founder, serving as Executive Director Emeritus of LEAF Global Arts in Asheville–Black Mountain, NC. Now celebrating 30 years, LEAF is a nonprofit that connects cultures through music, arts education, and experiences… inspiring curiosity, preserving traditions, and fostering global understanding. Under her leadership, LEAF has produced 80+ events, presented 30,000 artists from 110 nations, and touched 89,000+ youth through LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International in 10 countries. 

Justin is the founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful., a workplace learning and development company helping professionals and leaders do work that truly matters. A 6x book award–winning author, Justin blends humor, heart, and hard truths to inspire change. A dual citizen of Ghana and the US, he brings a global perspective to building bridges and meaningful workplaces. Through the Work Meaningful Foundation, he’s helping build schools and tech labs in Ghana, while also supporting education in under-resourced US communities.

Lisa is the Executive Director of RiverLink, a 40-year conservation organization dedicated to the environmental and economic vitality of Western North Carolina’s French Broad River and its watershed for all. A geologist and hydrologist by training, she also brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, public relations, and fundraising. Her career bridges science and storytelling, uniting communities around shared goals of environmental stewardship, flood resilience, and economic sustainability, particularly in our post-Helene world.

Maiysha is an integrative physician, consultant, coach, and trainer, and founder of The Mind Re-Mapping Company. Specializing in psychological safety and trauma-informed communication, she helps organizations create environments where leaders and employees feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. When she is not transforming organizations she loves being on the yoga mat, practicing kung fu, tending to her veggie garden, cooking up a delicious meal, and telling ‘dad’ jokes with her preteen son.

Meghan is a coach, author, and speaker who helps people lead and live with authenticity, purpose, and a deep sense of peace. A former psychotherapist with advanced training in somatics, applied neuroscience, and Human Design, she bridges science and spirituality. Whether on stage, in coaching sessions, or through her writing, Meghan brings warmth, truth, and a touch of wonder-filled alchemy to the messy and beautiful art of being human.

Sekou is a non profit leader, organizer, and creative producer who helps communities turn complexity into progress. In Asheville, he partners with the Southside United Neighborhood Association and helps convene the Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition, aligning residents, public agencies, and philanthropy around anti-displacement, neighborhood storytelling, and community-led planning.