CSU Announces Speakers for TEDxClevelandStateUniversity 

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Cleveland State University (CSU) today announced the 12 speakers selected for TEDxClevelandStateUniversity, which returns this fall with the theme, “Untangling Wonder.” 

The speakers represent a range of industries and perspectives, with talks designed to invite attendees to step into the unknown with curiosity, courage and imagination. 

“The response to our call for speakers was overwhelming, and selecting only 12 voices was no easy task,” said Colette Hart, senior director of the Centers for Outreach and Engagement in the CSU Monte Ahuja College of Business and one of the lead organizers of the TEDx event. “This group of speakers represents a wide range of perspectives, from researchers and entrepreneurs to artists, educators, students and community leaders.” 

The 2026 TEDxClevelandStateUniversity lineup includes: 

  • Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Ph.D.: Cleveland State University, professor of Counselor Education
  • Richard Austin, Ph.D.: Saint Ignatius High School, director of Ignatian Community and Belonging
  • Camilo Ferro: RAWS Americas, president
  • Jessica Gallagher-Steuver, Ph.D.: Windsong Cleveland, artistic director
  • Mandi Goodsett: Cleveland State University, Performing Arts and Humanities librarian
  • Sabine Kretzschmar: Cleveland Museum of Art, director of Art Education Collection
  • Christa Laser, J.D.: Cleveland State University, associate professor of Law
  • Samantha Martin: Cleveland Water Alliance, director of communications and engagement
  • Claudio Milstein, Ph.D.: Cleveland Clinic, speech-language pathology scientist
  • Charlie Mosbrook: Charlie Mosbrook Music, singer-songwriter and Folk Alliance International, vice president
  • Lidiia Reviakina: Cleveland State University, student
  • Sharon Sobol Jordan: United Way Cleveland, president and CEO 

The event, organized by CSU and licensed by TED, will take place Friday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Waetjen Auditorium. Doors will open at 2 p.m. 

“TEDxClevelandStateUniversity is an opportunity to bring together curious minds and bold thinkers whose ideas challenge us to see the world differently,” said CSU President Dr. Laura Bloomberg. “We’re proud to welcome these exceptional speakers to our campus and provide a platform for ideas that inspire innovation and meaningful dialogue.” 

More information about the event, including speaker biographies and ticket options, is available at csuohio.edu/tedxclevelandstateuniversity.