2025
On October 25, 2025, TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa lit up Cedar Falls with a powerful day of ideas, inspiration, and connection. As a locally organized, independently run version of the world-renowned TED conference, this event brought together bold thinkers, compelling storytellers, and curious minds for an unforgettable celebration of “ideas worth spreading.”
Under the theme Creating Tomorrow, we explored how innovation, vision, and collaboration can shape a brighter future—starting now. Attendees were immersed in thought-provoking talks that challenged perspectives and ignited new possibilities.
The stage featured inspiring voices from across Iowa and beyond—including California, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, Japan. The musical sensation The B2Wins, Brazilian twin brothers known for their electric performances and uplifting message, brought the house down. With longtime KWWL TV anchor Ron Steele as emcee, the event was expertly guided from start to finish.
From dynamic presentations to meaningful conversations, TEDxUNI wasn’t just a conference—it was a catalyst. Attendees left energized, inspired, and ready to help create tomorrow.
The connection between dementia and anxiety
This TEDx Talk was selected as an Editor's Pick by the parent organization TEDx. Congratulations to Elaine Eshbaugh for this acknowledgement of her meaningful work.
Kizuki: The Japanese Aha Moment That Changes Life
Schools Without Darkness
How great leaders make their courage contagious
Why “What’s Your Dream?” Is the Wrong Question
The power of forest therapy
Turning hardship into a daring adventure
The myth of being self-made
Flow for Good
How to call out the elephant in the room
Music Education is Stuck in the Past—Let's Fix It
How AI and policy will shape our future
Social Enterprise as a Tool for Youth Development
How ownership can make work better for everyone
Bridging Divides, Building Futures
Diamond Roundtree
Diamond Roundtree is a spoken word poet and published author who began performing at 15. Known for weaving faith, resilience, and womanhood into her art, she has graced museums and community stages. At TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa, she shares her original piece, "Dreaming of My Tomorrow."
Vince Gotera
Vince Gotera has been the Poet Laureate of Iowa since 2024. He is a retired Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa, where he taught for almost 30 years. He served as Editor of the North American Review (2000-2016) and Star*Line, the print journal of the international Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association (2017-2020). He was previously an English professor at Humboldt State University and has also taught at Grinnell College, Wartburg College, and Indiana University, where he earned his PhD in English and his MFA in Poetry Writing.
Gotera was born and raised in San Francisco and also spent some childhood years in the Philippines. He blogs at The Man with the Blue Guitar. His favorite color is blue, in all its dynamic shades and flavors: cobalt, electric, royal, robin's-egg, navy, cerulean, teal, indigo, sky.
Mariachi Panteras
"Mariachi Panteras" is an ensemble located at the University of Northern Iowa, which performs traditional Mexican folk music and serves to celebrate Latinx heritage. The group, co-founded by Stephanie Ramos, is part of the UNI School of Music and has been featured in local news outlets, including the Northern Iowan.
Meet the Emcee
The emcee for TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa 2025 was legendary KWWL news anchor Ron Steele. Ron is a Hall of Fame broadcaster who for 49 years reported on global events like the Persian Gulf War, the Iran hostage crisis, and 9/11; interviewed US presidents, including George H.W. Bush aboard Air Force One; and as anchor of KWWL News and The Steele Report, interviewed hundreds of notable figures from politicians to Nobel laureates. His award-winning Iowa’s Child series helped over 200 children find homes. A dedicated community leader, he has continued to support numerous charities and fundraising efforts since his retirement in February of 2025. A lifelong athlete and heart surgery survivor, Ron continues to inspire through public speaking and service.
2025 Event Sponsors
