TEDxStCloud

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day

conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman. The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self- organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

05/11/2026

Big ideas. Great people. A lot of unforgettable moments.

Take a look back at TEDxStCloud 2025 🎥
How many local faces do you recognize?

https://youtu.be/A754CHu1eVM?si=xDuT-2SevBnw8rbz

Paramount Center for the Arts

Check out a quick overview of TEDxStCloud's October 9, 2025 event!

04/29/2026

Excited to celebrate one of our own!

Eunice Adjei, a member of the TEDxStCloud planning committee, was recently featured for her work leading with purpose and driving meaningful change in her community, through her position as Director of Multicultural Services at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union.

Her focus on empowerment, leadership, and impact reflects the same spirit behind TEDxStCloud, ideas that inspire action and move communities forward.

Take a moment to learn more about her work and the difference she’s making: https://theciotimes.com/eunice-adjei-leading-with-purpose-empowering-communities-and-driving-real-change/

Among those shaping this new definition is Eunice Adjei, Director of Multicultural Services at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, Read more

04/19/2026

At TEDxStCloud 2023, Patty Wetterling took to the stage to share her powerful journey of grief, resilience, and advocacy, honoring the story of her son, Jacob Wetterling. Her talk reminded us all of the strength it takes to turn unimaginable loss into meaningful change.

Now, director Chris Newberry brings this story to the screen, revisiting the 1989 abduction and the decades-long search for answers.

💛 We encourage our community to learn more about Jacob’s story and the legacy that continues to inspire safer communities for children everywhere.

👉 Read more: https://eu.sctimes.com/story/news/2026/04/16/jacob-wetterling-documentary-premieres/89612299007/

Director Chris Newberry's documentary on Jacob Wetterling's 1989 abduction and the search for answers premieres.

03/31/2026

For more than a decade Ma Elena Gutierrez has supported the community through her non-profit Fe y Justicia MN. She was recently recognized with the 2026 Good Neighbor award by the Initiative Foundation recognizing the work she has done!

Ma Elena was a speaker at the 2024 TEDxStCloud event, watch her speech at tedxstcloud.com

Read more about her award at https://www.stcloudlive.com/news/local/community-organizer-ma-elena-gutierrez-honored-by-the-initiative-foundation?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

Gutierrez was named a 2026 Good Neighbor for more than a decade of work advancing justice and leadership in Central Minnesota. She's the founder and executive director of Fe y Justicia MN.

03/25/2026

Congratulations to BuzzCare on their recent Trailblazer Challenge win, another step towards ending pharmacy deserts in rural areas.

https://www.stcloudlive.com/business/biz-buzz-trailblazer-challenge-celebrates-entrepreneurial-spirit?

Stephen Rider joined us for TEDxStCloud last fall to share more about the challenges many are facing when it comes to maintaining access to critical medication. Learn more at tedxstcloud.com.

Buzzcare, co-founded by Stephen Rider and Levi Bosshart, won $2,250 and a place in the MN Cup semifinals after placing first in the Trailblazer Challenge.

03/05/2026

What songs would you select to describe someone for whom the short-form TEDx talk might not be a great fit? George Maurer and Jeff Engholm perform strong contenders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g2d2Km88AQ

George Maurer is a Minneapolis-based pianist, arranger, and jazz composer whose work has taken him around the world—from concert halls to long-distance bicycle journeys. He has performed with artists like Eric Clapton and Bruno Mars, created arrangements for major orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra and Boston Pops, and earned multiple honors such as two McKnight Composer Fellowships. In recent years, George has blended music, travel, and storytelling through bike-powered expeditions that inspire new compositions, a podcast (Tales from a Bicycle Seat), and projects exploring community, place, and climate. Whether at the piano or on the road, his work is rooted in curiosity, connection, and the belief that music lives in shared human stories.

Jeff Engholm is a versatile musician whose career spans performance, songwriting, production, and teaching. A longtime jazz and rock bassist, he has played for over two decades with the George Maurer Jazz Group while also fronting and performing in acclaimed tribute shows honoring artists like the Eagles, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, and more. Jeff is also a recording engineer and consultant at Rockhouse Studios in St. Joseph, where he has produced projects across nearly every genre, including his own original releases. Whether on stage or in the studio, he brings deep musical range, craftsmanship, and a collaborative spirit to everything he does.

What songs would you select to describe someone for whom the short-form TEDx talk might not be a great fit? George Maurer and Jeff Engholm perform strong con...

03/03/2026

What happens when ancient wisdom meets contemporary art? This conversation explores a rare collaboration between artist Mary Bruno and Benedictine sisters, bringing the Rule of St. Benedict to life through storytelling, creativity, and shared reflection. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring look at why values like community, hospitality, and stability still matter today.

Sister Michaela Hedican is a longtime member of Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota, with more than 60 years of Benedictine life shaping her work and perspective. She brings a rich background in religious education, monastic studies, teaching, spiritual direction, and leadership, having served as prioress of two monasteries and president of the Monastic Congregation of Saint Benedict. Today, she serves as assistant dean at Saint Scholastica Convent, the sisters’ health care facility in St. Cloud. She often jokes that while she’s been a Benedictine for decades, she may have been born one.

Mary C. Bruno is a letterpress printer, artist, and storyteller who brings history to life through traditional printmaking. Working on century-old presses, she creates hand-printed pieces that connect craft, community, and contemporary expression. In 2020, she was commissioned to create The Scroll of the Rule of St. Benedict, a 30-foot letterpress work featuring the Rule of St. Benedict, and illustrations depicting Benedictine sisters and the Central Minnesota landscape. Mary’s work at Bruno Press champions making art approachable, meaningful, and deeply rooted in shared human stories.

Creating the world’s first Scroll of the Rule of St. Benedict. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL-fNT7gQJE

Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict

What happens when ancient wisdom meets contemporary art? This conversation explores a rare collaboration between artist Mary Bruno and Benedictine sisters, b...

02/27/2026

Some of the biggest healthcare challenges aren’t happening in hospitals,
they’re happening in small towns quietly losing access.

Pharmacy Deserts: The Healthcare Divide No One Talks About
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjSxdMhYpMA

Serial entrepreneur, published author, and small-business advocate, Stephen Rider co-founded BuzzCare, a rural healthcare logistics startup delivering prescriptions to underserved communities by drone. A passionate champion of rural economic development, Stephen also serves as Small Business Coordinator at the Initiative Foundation where he consults entrepreneurs, tracks evolving regulations, and meets with communities across a 14-county region.

What happens when a simple coffee-shop conversation turns into a life-saving idea? In this eye-opening talk, Stephen Rider explores the hidden crisis of “pha...

02/23/2026

You don’t always control what happens —
but you do control what you tell yourself next.

🎥Watch Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ6ZHdGGOjs

Jill Blashack Strahan transformed 18 easy to prepare food products, packed on a pool table in a shed, into Tastefully Simple, a national brand built on the power of tasting parties. As Founder and CEO, she grew the company from rural Minnesota roots to over $143 million in sales. Her journey—shaped by bold vision, personal loss, and unshakable grit—inspires others to lead with courage, resilience, and a mindset of abundance.

How do you make clear decisions when life turns upside down? In this powerful and practical talk, Jill Blashack Strahan shares hard-earned lessons on control...

02/21/2026

The talent for TEDxStCloud extends way beyond the stage, demonstrated recently by the work of our amazing UTVS crew. Please help us in congratulating them on their recent award! 🏆

St. Cloud State University

A huge congratulations to our TEDx crew for taking home 2nd place in the Studio Or Remote category in the BEA Festival of Media Arts.

Speaker Cory Hepola gave his TEDx talk “What’s On Your Bulletin Board” to encourage people to challenge the negative narratives around small towns and asks a simple yet powerful question: what stories are you choosing to pin up for the world to see?

Cory Hepola is the Director, Writer, and Host of “My Town,” a documentary series which serves to break down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle showing the opportunities in our small towns. Through 2 Seasons, so far, “My Town” has explored 15 different rural communities across 6 states, premiered on the big screen at the Twin Cities Film Fest, and has been nominated for Emmys Awards.

Congratulations to all involved!!

TEDxStCloud St. Cloud State University Cory Hepola

Address

913 W Street Germain St
Saint Cloud, MN
56301

Website

http://tedxstcloud.com/

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