TEDXSeattle

Why one likes the eight Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) isn’t necessarily a conversation starter. But for Hans Rosling, it is. Of these eight international development targets set forth by the United Nations, there’s a reason why Rosling likes them: each is measured! That’s what makes the difference between political talking and this work, he says. His happiness for the many countries in Asia, the Middle East and  Latin America, among others, who are reducing these rates, is infectious. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s 7am. With coffee and pastries in hand, a crowd of about 700 registered guests are gathering at the University of Washington’s Kane Hall to hear opening remarks at the largest TEDxChange host site in the world.  Melinda Gates. MCDM faculty, Hanson Hosain and Anita Verna Crofts. Bill Gates, Senior. These regional leaders and advocates for social change through emerging media and technology delivered opening remarks that summed up why we’re all gathered: innovation, community, entrepreneurship, transformation. Read the rest of this entry »

Can something as simple as a bar of chocolate make a tangible difference in the world? Theo founder Joe Whinney, along with Vice President of Sales and Marketing Debra Music, channeled his long-standing love of chocolate to launch the county’s only organic, fair-trade chocolate factory in 2006. The two discussed what it takes to build a successful, ethical brand. And they passed out chocolate– to which the audience broke out in applause.

Healthy planet and thriving farmers + delicious chocolate + happy chocolate lovers = Theo

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What defines a journalist in this period of enormous technological and economic transition? Newspapers may be dying, but despite the institutional change, the need and desire for strong non-fiction storytelling remain. Sarah Stuteville and Morgan Dusatko, both journalists, present America in 5, an innovative way to deliver the stories America wants to hear. Meet the folks who do engagement with a Capital E: multimedia storytellers, Sarah Stuteville and Mogan Dusatko. Read the rest of this entry »