TEDx enthusiasts are invited to Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) third annualTEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU event on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The public event and will be held in GSW’s Magnolia Manor Nursing Auditorium inside the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex.

The evening’s theme, “Small Town, Big Vision,” celebrates how small-town communities can ignite innovation, foster collaboration and inspire bold ideas that shape the future. Featuring talks on entrepreneurship, civil rights, community leadership, disability advocacy, music and dance from local changemakers, the event shows how bold vision and lasting impact often emerge from humble beginnings.

TEDxGeorgiaSouthwesternU is an independently produced event under license from TED and organized by GSW faculty and staff volunteers.  The event provides a platform for individuals to share their passions, ideas, and unique experiences with the community.

Featured speakers include:

Eshonda Blue ’98, ’99, GSW Alumna & CEO of Innovative Senior Solutions
Shares her entrepreneurial journey, illustrating how a small-town business can grow to create statewide and national impact while empowering others to pursue their own visionary paths

Kim Christmas, VP of Human Resources & CCO at PharmaCentra, Concentra Solutions and Cannabis BPO
Explores the “Power of Place,” discussing how strong community connections and appreciation for local culture can inspire growth and a shared vision for the future

Jennifer Hopkins, Lead Education Ranger at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Traces President Jimmy Carter’s journey from a humble farm in Plains, Georgia, to the White House, highlighting how small-town values shaped his leadership and lifelong commitment to service

Mark Laughlin, Dean of GSW’s College of Arts and Sciences
Examines the rich musical diversity that small towns cultivate and their impact across multiple generations

Sam Mahone, Co-Founder & Chair of the Americus-Sumter County Movement Remembered Committee
Highlights the work of the Americus Civil Rights Center and Museum, showing how preserving and celebrating local history empowers communities to envision a brighter, more inclusive future

Hannah Pitts, Owner of Fabulous Feet Dance Studio
Shares her journey of growing a dance studio from a small local program into a nationally recognized studio that has invests in the community and the lives of nearly 200 dancers

King Randall, I, Founder of The X for Boys & The Life Preparatory School for Boys
Recounts his journey in Albany, sharing how local pride and dedication to civic restoration can unlock a small town’s untapped potential, emphasizing that visionary change begins with believing in the community that raised you

John Schroeder, Host of The Americus Podcast & Lead Pastor at The Well Church
Draws from projects such as Next Level Neighbor and The Americus Podcast to highlight how small-town initiatives can foster connection, innovation and community pride

Rene Smith, President and CEO of Sumter EMC
Details how One Sumter is transforming Sumter County through initiatives in workforce development, public safety, broadband expansion and cultural projects, demonstrating how strategic vision can create lasting, community-wide improvements

Macy Taylor, GSW Student & Miss Thomasville 2024
Discusses her work in pageantry, philanthropy and advocacy through Just Say Hi, showing how empathy, courage and small acts of kindness can create meaningful, widespread change

Luke Hanson, a junior exercise science major from Las Vegas, N.V., will serve as the event emcee. 

Tickets:

Tickets are on sale now at gsw.edu/TEDx. VIP admission is $100 and includes premium seating, access to the VIP Lounge access with open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and a commemorative TEDx t-shirt. General admission tickets are $50, and GSW student tickets are $20. Tickets are limited - secure yours today. Additional TEDx shirts are available for $20. 

More Information:

For full event details, speaker profiles, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.gsw.edu/TEDx or email [email protected].

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