TEDx Sonoma County

TODAY IS THE BIG DAY! Now that we’ve shared about the inspiring speakers and presenters, and the organizers behind the scenes, let us introduce our brilliant emcee, Anisya Fritz 👏🏽 A fellow organizing committee volunteer, Anisya will weave together today’s talks and bring our community together in a triumphantly thought-provoking way.

“At this particular moment in time, I think we are all trying to make sense of the events in our country and around the world,” said Anisya Fritz, the event’s emcee and a proprietor at Lynmar Estate. “This event is a jolt of optimism because we remind people about resilience, survival, connectedness and how through the ages the human spirit has triumphed over every adversity.” (Press Democrat)

Thank you, Anisya, for all you do to bring the very best of TEDx to Sonoma County. We are so excited for today!

Nathan Cottam Speaks at TEDx, March 8th - https://mailchi.mp/mannakindance/nathan-cottam-speaks-at-tedx-march-8th

As the newest member of the committee, Asma Stewart supports the team in any way she can, bringing her expertise in digital marketing, storytelling, and strategy. She especially loves event day, where she gets to be in the green room, connecting with the speakers and seeing ideas come to life. Asma is excited to contribute to an event that sparks curiosity, innovation, and community. Be sure to say hello when you see her tomorrow!

Elizabeth Gleadall is the glue of our TEDxSonomaCounty organizing committee. As a founding partner of our local TEDx, Elizabeth is committee chair, holding us all together, moving us forward, and excelling at countless activities behind the scenes to make TEDx what it is today. Each year, our main event is hosted at Sonoma Country Day School’s Jackson Theater. Having joined the Sonoma Country Day School community in 2001, Elizabeth is the Director of Development. We are grateful for all of Elizabeth’s hard work and the ongoing support of Sonoma Country Day School. We’ll see you there this Saturday!

www.TEDxSonomaCounty.com

Sara Soergel is a talented designer and marketing expert with a passion for creativity and innovation. A Sonoma County native, she has built a career in design and digital strategy, using her skills to create impactful and visually engaging experiences through her company, Tonic Marketing. Sara is also a proud member of the TEDxSonomaCounty committee, where she volunteers her time and expertise to help bring the event to life each year. Originally from Sebastopol, Sara is deeply committed to giving back and contributing to the local culture of innovation and inspiration. ⁠
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Tickets are selling out fast. Get yours now and join us this Saturday, in person or virtually from afar!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tedxsonomacounty-bridging-together-past-present-future-march-8-2025-tickets-1108825790789?aff=oddtdtcreator

TEDxSonomaCounty returns to North Bay offering ‘head, heart and humor’ Now in its 13th year, TEDxSonomaCounty will return to the North Bay, bringing together a diverse group of speakers.

Linda Streb is part of the outbound marketing team for . She has 35 years of sales and marketing experience in the publishing and tech sectors. Her journey has been a blend of leadership and a deep-seated belief in the power of "we.” Linda believes true success is shared success, and consistently sought to build bridges, not just climb ladders. Linda is committed to leveraging her experience to empower others and contribute to a more interconnected and thriving world. These beliefs are what led her to the community.

Andrea Alcaro joined the TEDxSonomaCounty committee in 2022 after returning from "Big " in Vancouver, BC where she was inspired by 100 talks over the course of a week. The experience compelled her to get involved, hoping to share that same energy and innovative spirit with her local community. As a member of the organizing committee, Andrea focuses on social media communications and contributes ideas and planning assistance. In her full-time role as Hospitality Manager for Lynmar Estate, she also helps with the annual TEDx Speaker & Sponsor Dinner hosted the night before the main event, which provides a special opportunity for community and connection before the big day!

Catherine Barnett joined the committee at the invitation of its two organizers, women she had met through a mentoring group for girls. Catherine, a fourth generation Sonoma County resident, was drawn to TEDx because it examines big ideas in a local context. She was the longtime editor of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and led coverage of the historic wildfires that earned its newsroom the Pulitzer Prize. Catherine brings a deep understanding of Sonoma County to the group responsible for the annual event, an inspiring afternoon full of intriguing ideas that can shape our community.

Now that we've shared the incredible lineup of presenters for , let us introduce the passionate and dedicated group that help bring this magical day to life! We kick off with Executive Producer Marilyn Nagel!⁠
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Since joining us as a volunteer, Marilyn has been an integral part of our team and took on the role of producer and lead speaker curator in 2018. With an impressive 30 years in the corporate world, including her tenure as CEO of Watermark, where she launched the notable California Conference for Women and organized over 50 events annually, Marilyn brings unparalleled expertise to our event. Her continued recognition as a global thought leader in culture and talent development speaks volumes about her capabilities. Despite numerous accolades and invitations to present at prestigious forums worldwide, we are fortunate that she dedicates her efforts to curating our TEDx program. Her commitment ensures that we consistently deliver an outstanding experience for both speakers and attendees. Marilyn’s leadership has been pivotal in elevating our platform, making Sonoma TEDx a world-class event that resonates with audiences far and wide.

Bridging Together: Past, Present & Future will explore pathways to promote understanding – learning from our past, refining our present, and fostering a sense of community that transcends boundaries. Our carefully curated lineup of presenters will challenge us to see the world through different lenses, drawing from the past, leveraging the best of what is available today, and encouraging us to create a brighter future.⁠
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Reserve your spot today and be a vital part of the bridge that connects us all.⁠
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tedxsonomacounty.com

Some people are told to slow down. To take their time. To breathe. But what if speed isn’t the enemy? What if it’s a powerful ally?⁠
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Meet Maria Fernandez Guajardo, a technology executive, entrepreneur, and author who has built a dynamic career by embracing velocity—moving across countries, industries, and challenges with curiosity and determination. From seizing new opportunities to navigating high-stakes decisions, Maria has learned that progress often comes from adapting quickly rather than following a set script.⁠
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At , Maria will share an unexpected lesson from a surprising place—one that reveals how letting go of the need for perfection, embracing momentum, and trusting in uncertainty can unlock new possibilities in work and life.⁠
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Join us on March 8th either in person or virtually to discover how you can rethink your approach to challenges, decisions, and the ever-evolving journey ahead.⁠

www.tedxsonomacounty.com