TEDxBaylor University “Innovation in Deeds” Videos Now Streaming
Playlist of dynamic voices from around campus and the Waco community available on Baylor University’s YouTube channel
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Baylor University has released a YouTube playlist featuring talks from its inaugural TEDxBaylor University event, which brought together a dynamic lineup of speakers from across the Baylor campus and the Waco community sharing innovative ideas, groundbreaking research and inspiring personal stories.
Organized independently under a license from TED and hosted Nov. 8, 2025, on campus, TEDxBaylor University “Innovation in Deeds” showcased the power of bold, innovative ideas in action, embodying the Baylor in Deeds strategic plan through interdisciplinary collaboration, creative ingenuity and shared learning. Each TEDx speaker captured the theme of how courageous thinking, when turned into action, can ignite transformative change across the world.
Speakers included faculty researcher Erik Carter, Ph.D., who explained how the inclusion of people with disabilities leads to greater flourishing for all; Spencer Yim, junior University Scholar and Student Regent, who spoke about the power of discomfort of thinking and being outside the box; and Waco community leader and Cha Community co-owner, Jaja Chen, LCSW-S, who described in her talk how “one golden moment” changed everything for her.
“Our first TEDxBaylor University was a remarkable opportunity to showcase the wide range of thought leadership found both within Baylor and among our extended Waco community,” said Krista Brinser, senior director of External Affairs and lead TEDx organizer at Baylor. “The range of speakers – from scientists and students to entrepreneurs and storytellers – made this an exciting day for all, and we are thrilled that a wider audience will be able to be inspired by these talks.”
The TEDxBaylor University playlist is available on Baylor University’s YouTube page, with individual talks linked below. Additional talks will be added as they are published.
Erik Carter, Ph.D., The Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities, School of Education, and executive director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. | |
Jaja Chen, LCSW-S, Cha Community co-owner and private practice therapist. | |
Mito Diaz-Espinoza, Ph.D., president and CEO, Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. | |
Jordy Dickey, director of student activities, Division of Student Life, Baylor University. | |
K. Leigh Greathouse, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., R.D., associate professor of nutrition sciences, associate professor of biology (Joint Appointment), Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences and College of Arts & Sciences. | |
Leslie Hahner, Ph.D., professor of communication, College of Arts & Sciences. | |
Felecia Mulkey, head coach, Acrobatics and Tumbling, Baylor Athletics. | |
Devan Stahl, Ph.D., associate professor of bioethics and religion, College of Arts & Sciences. | |
Makayla C. Williams, master’s student in communication, Trailblazer Scholar, Baylor University. | |
Spencer Yim, junior University Scholar, political science and economics major, Student Regent, Baylor University. |
ABOUT TEDx, x = INDEPENDENTLY ORGANIZED EVENT
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
ABOUT TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge – without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.