PROVIDENCE – TEDxProvidence has unveiled some of the speakers for its fifth annual event, to be held April 9 at the Columbus Theatre, and they include the founder of puppet performance group Big Nazo and the CEO of the Lady Project.
The theme of this year’s TEDx event is “Create, Innovate and Play.”
TEDxProvidence is an independently organized event affiliated with TED Talks, a nonprofit that began in 1984 as a conference for speakers about Technology, Entertainment and Design.
The TEDx initiative was begun by the organization to provide “TED-type” experiences on a local level.
Tickets are $50 for regular admission and $25 for students. Online sales will end April 8, unless the event fails to sell out. Then, tickets will be available at the door. TEDxProvidence will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here is information about the speakers:
- Erminio Pinque founded Big Nazo on the streets of Italy in the late 1980s. His team of collaborating artists, larger-than-life-sized aliens, robots and animal hybrid characters have performed in thousands of parades, shows and festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, according to information from TEDxProvidence. Pinque also teaches “creature creation” at the Rhode Island School of Design.
- Kevin Robinson, a professional BMX bicyclist, is a 10-time X Games medalist and world record holder, who, through his K-Rob Foundation, spreads a message about kindness and perseverance. He also visits schools to teach students the importance of following their dreams.
- Sierra Barter is the CEO and co-founder of the Lady Project, a nonprofit organization that connects, inspires and showcases women through events, membership and community engagement. Founded in 2011, the Lady Project has grown to 15 chapters nationwide and more than 1,200 members.
Barter also serves on Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza’s Millennial Task Force, the board of directors for Girls on the Run RI and is an adviser to the Millennial Professional Group of RI. - Richard Culatta is the chief innovation officer for the state of Rhode Island, working with government and the private sector to share innovations from Rhode Island with the rest of the country. Previously, he served as director of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education.
- Janice O’Donnell served as executive director at the Providence Children’s Museum from 1987 through 2014. She now directs Providence PlayCorps for the Providence Parks and Recreation Department, is a founding member and spokesperson for Recess for Rhode Island, and consults for several child-centered organizations. As a Rhode Island Foundation Leadership Fellow, Janice studied playwork, the art of supporting children’s free play without directing it, and applies these techniques in her work in inner-city parks.
