Ten speakers affiliated with the University of California, Santa Cruz join the TEDxSantaCruz lineup on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Crocker Theater, on the Cabrillo College campus. With a compelling theme of Rising Together, this full-day event echoes the ethos of collaboration, resilience, and innovation emblematic of the UC Santa Cruz community.
These talks, delivered in English with simultaneous Spanish translation, will delve into pressing issues facing both local and global spheres and promise to ignite dialogue and inspire action.
Drawing from the diverse tapestry of Santa Cruz County, the speakers hail from various walks of life.
Among the speaker lineup, the following are participants affiliated with UC Santa Cruz:
- César Rojas Bravo, a Ph.D. candidate in Astronomy at UC Santa Cruz, will illuminate the interconnectedness of humanity under the vast canopy of our shared night sky.
- Galina Hale, a distinguished Professor of Economics at UC Santa Cruz, will delve into funding strategies for climate solutions, leveraging her expertise to catalyze meaningful change.
- Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, will explore the synergy between traditional knowledge and ecotourism, offering insights into sustainable practices for a harmonious future.
- Jacob Martinez, an esteemed UC Santa Cruz graduate and external advisor to Chancellor Cynthia Larive, brings his wealth of experience to the forefront, advocating for scalable impact through social capital.
- Delve into the transformative power of nature with Antonella De La Tore Marcenaro, a UC Santa Cruz community studies alum.
- Reflect on community resilience with Daisy Nuñez, an economics alum of UC Santa Cruz, as she offers insights on rising above grief and adversity with collective support.
- Effron “Donnie” Veal, a sociology alum of UC Santa Cruz, shares the journey of transcending incarceration through education, embodying the transformative potential of learning.
- Juliano Calil, a UC Santa Cruz Ph.D. graduate in ocean sciences and coastal adaptation, pioneers immersive narratives to raise climate awareness, utilizing his expertise to communicate the urgency of environmental action.
- Nicole Beck, who earned a Ph.D. in geological and earth sciences from UC Santa Cruz, serves as CEO of 2NDNATURE, which builds software to help governments and businesses manage urban runoff effectively. Her mission focuses on applying technical expertise to inform land management decisions and safeguard water resources.
- Jorge Guillen (he/him), or Xinistra (she/her) in drag, holds a UC Santa Cruz modern literature degree. He emphasizes self-advocacy in his work supporting adults with developmental disabilities. A Pajaro Valley Pride board member, Xinistra, through drag, advocates for the LGBTQI+ community, empowering others and creating safe spaces for queer individuals.
