STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — What does the future look like, and how soon will it arrive?
That’s the question driving TEDxElmPark 2025, returning for its third year on Friday, Oct. 3, at Wagner College’s Horrmann Library.
Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the independently organized TEDx event will feature a mix of local leaders, professionals and creatives sharing talks under this year’s theme: “The Future: Now or When?”
Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, representing the 49th District on the North Shore, will open the program as the keynote speaker.
This year’s lineup of speakers spans a range of backgrounds: Anthony Passalacqua, who uses basketball to build bridges through the Unity Games and NYPD; empowerment coach Caren Cooper, who helps women overcome self-doubt; Cindy Miller, an executive coach, speaker and certified behavioral specialist; business strategist Deana Jean; journalist and strategist Janie Ho; Melissa Mendoza, associate director of International Student Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University; Nadine Akinyemi, nonprofit founder of Bridging Access to Care Inc.; author and resilience speaker Nika Stewart; and Ranti Ogunleye, a public safety and youth development leader.
The event will explore topics in education, mental health, innovations, business and life. Organizers describe it as an opportunity to network with professionals and community members while experiencing thought-provoking presentations.