Producers - TEDxDetroit

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 on Creativity, Marketing, & Innovation. Creative Director at Curve Detroit Design + Marketing.

Stand-up comedian. Bacon lover. Pickle hater. Husband. Dad. Entrepreneur. Challenger of the status quo. Force for good. 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 16th 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 coach, and a great guy to have on your team.

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).

Anu Gopalakrishnan

Executive Producer
TEDxLabs Curator

Anu Gopalakrishnan has years of experience building global business & tech communities. Anu is the Head of Partner Relations at the Developers Alliance. She founded MintDfuel, a global product management and digital marketing consulting firm in Michigan.

Anu also donates her time on the boards of Cleary University (Howell, MI) and Mai Family Services (South Asian DV agency). Anu broadcasts her show Rockin’ Raaga on WNZK 690/680AM in Metro Detroit. Anu is the Commissioner of Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs for the State of Michigan.

Stephanie Styron-Bean

Program & Planning
Director

As a professional cat herder, Stephanie’s main role is to set the project plan and make sure all the trains run on time. She is perfectly suited for this gig as it is the same job she does managing integrations for a global corporation.

When she’s not herding cats Stephanie is enjoying time with her three dogs and family on the lake.

Andrea Walker-Leidy

Media Relations Director

Andrea Walker-Leidy, founder of Walker Publicity and host of the “It’s Not Just A Tuesday” podcast, is a proud Suburban Detroiter with a Midwest vibe and work ethic. She founded Walker Publicity in 2015. Andrea’s journalism background as a writer and editor inspired her to partner with businesses and nonprofits creating strategic communication that captures both media and social media attention. She’s also author of “Authentic Branding: Mastering the Art of Storytelling to Cultivate Brand Loyalty.”

Ciondra Brown

Social Media Director

Ciondra Brown is an accomplished UX/UI designer and social media manager based in Detroit, MI. With a strong background in graphic design, she founded Ciondra Danae Designs in 2019, providing innovative and client-focused design solutions.

Ciondra holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Graphic Design from Wayne State University and has presented her research at the International Conference on Typography & Visual Communication. She is also certified by the Apple Developer Academy and holds professional certifications in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Yara Shadda

Outreach Director

Yara Shadda is a first-generation American and pre-law student from Wayne State University with a mission to build bridges among societal structures and agents, advocate for those in need, push boundaries, and keep the light in others bright.

Currently, Yara serves as Secretary at the Michigan Immigrant and Refugee Council and Executive Board Member at United Community Family Services/Chaldean American Ladies of Charity. In her professional life, Yara is employed at Butzel in Detroit, MI. Her diverse roles reflect her commitment to making a positive impact across various spheres of society.

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.

Shannon Tucker

Stage Manager

Multimedia Developer at Wayne State University.

Christopher Johnson

Program Manager

Born and raised in Detroit. Virtual Event Producer for Meetings, Trainings, and Conferences at Calm Clear Communications, Fill-in Public Radio Host at Michigan Radio, and Audiobook Narrator.

Curiosity and tenacity are my defining characteristics. I enjoy swimming, biking, and running when not behind the mic or producing virtual events.

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.