North Park held its first TEDx event, Shifting Paradigms. Inspired by a lecture in a Principles of Management & Leadership course, Paul Clines, a senior business and economics major, presented the idea of hosting a TEDx to his professor. “I’ll show you the steps in getting the TEDx license and you gather the students together,” encouraged Professor Hubbard in mentoring Clines.
Seventy student volunteers formed the group. Likened to a start-up company, the leadership structure consisted of complete transparency, cross collaboration, and a deconstructed organizational design omitting conventional vertical lines of direct reports.
Passionate about bringing people and ideas together, Clines says TEDx is about making a positive impact. “TEDx provides a partial escapism while forming friendships, bonds, and connections,” expresses Clines.
The event featured talks from students, faculty, and professionals. Speakers included:
- Soong-Chan Rah, seminary professor
- Hardik Soni, fitness guru
- Dominique Jordan Turner, nonprofit CEO
- Robby Celestin, singer-songwriter
- Nestor Gomez, storyteller