Introducing the Speaker Lineup for TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures

Jon Alexander is a strategist, storyteller and author of CITIZENS: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us. His work centers on building a “Citizen Future,” grounded in the belief that collective intelligence can reshape systems and society. A former advertising creative, he now focuses on democratic renewal through writing, advising and convening. He is also a visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation.

With over 10 years of experience, Davis previously worked as a media relations manager at Visit Philadelphia, and in strategic marketing and communications management roles at Comcast and En Route Marketing. Career highlights include leading two Xfinity Olympic marketing campaigns celebrating the African American community, earning media placements in The New York Times and AdWeek, and helping launch the first-ever Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square.

Davis holds a degree in communications from La Salle University, lives in West Philadelphia and travels often.

Terrill “Terry” Bouricius is a political theorist and former elected official known for his work on sortition, the use of random selection to create representative democratic bodies. A self-described “recovering politician,” he served in local and state government before focusing on electoral reform and democratic innovation.

His research and writing explore new models for more participatory and representative governance.

Aria Florant is the cofounder and CEO of Liberation Ventures, a field catalyst accelerating the reparations movement and building a culture of repair in the United States. A writer, organizational development consultant and educator, she teaches adaptive leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Her work bridges grassroots organizing and institutional strategy, with a focus on racial equity and systems change.

Previously, she was an engagement manager at McKinsey & Company, where she helped develop early research on racial equity and inclusive growth.

Jen Golbeck is a computer scientist, journalist and professor at the University of Maryland who studies artificial intelligence, surveillance, social media and their impact on society.

Her work explores how technology and human behavior intersect in digital environments.

She has authored five books, more than 200 scientific papers and numerous articles for outlets including Psychology Today and Esquire.

Xochitl Gonzalez is a bestselling novelist and Pulitzer Prize finalist whose work explores social class, culture and economic mobility in America. Writing across journalism, fiction and commentary, she examines the lived experience of navigating systems shaped by inequality.

Drawing on her own journey from working-class roots to business ownership and literary acclaim, her work offers insight into the cultural divides shaping American life.

Shamichael Hallman is a civic innovator, author and public speaker focused on how shared spaces like libraries strengthen democracy and community life.

As senior director of civic health and economic opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council, he advances libraries as essential civic infrastructure.

His work explores how public institutions can foster connection, trust and belonging.

A frequent guest on CNN and MSNBC — and, once upon a time, Fox News — Sally’s first book The Opposite of Hate was published in April 2018.  She is on the Board of Contributors for USA Today and a contributing editor to Afar magazine. Sally is also a TED Curator and her three hit TED Talks have been viewed more than 6 million times.

She is also a popular keynote speaker at business conferences and on college campuses talking about how to end political division and save democracy by cultivating connection and belonging.

And Sally consults as a top public speaking coach and media trainer, working with C-suite executives, nonprofit leaders, celebrities, and everyone in between on speechwriting, prep and public appearances.

Jeffrey Maurer is an entrepreneur whose work spans defense, technology, transportation and nonprofit innovation. He has led and co-founded ventures in cleantech and virtual reality, with a focus on building systems that adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Based in Indiana, his work is driven by a commitment to preparing future generations to think independently and thrive in a more peaceful, resilient society.

Katie Paris is the founder of Red Wine & Blue, a national network mobilizing suburban women to take action on issues shaping their communities. What began as a small, home-based effort has grown into a movement spanning all 50 states.

Through friend-to-friend organizing, her work has helped increase civic participation, influence local elections and push back on policies like book bans. Paris previously spent two decades in national politics and advocacy.

Janelle A.N. Persaud is a Guyanese writer, communications strategist and civic thinker focused on democracy, development and governance in postcolonial societies.

She writes the column From Where I Stand, examining how political and economic systems shape everyday life in the Global South.

She is the founder of Cacique Consulting, a firm working at the intersection of public engagement and development, and also leads the Cacique Hope Foundation, supporting education and literacy initiatives.

Tami Pyfer works to strengthen democracy by transforming how people communicate across differences.

After a career in public service, she co-created the Dignity Index, a framework for understanding how language shapes conflict and connection.

She teaches individuals and organizations how to replace contempt with dignity, helping reduce division and build more constructive civic dialogue.

Scott Reich is a writer, speaker and nonprofit founder who explores how individuals and communities respond to adversity.

After his son was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, he founded Believe in a Cure to advance research and build community for affected families.

Through his writing, podcast and public work, Reich focuses on how resilience can transform hardship into connection and purpose.

Laura Smythe is a strategic communications expert and former journalist exploring how people understand truth in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Her work examines the intersection of legacy journalism, social media, AI platforms and the creator economy, and how these systems shape public trust.

She advises organizations and leaders on navigating complex information environments and communicating with clarity and credibility.

Thomas Devaney is a writer whose work captures the stories of Philadelphia through community-centered narratives.

A Pew Fellow in the Arts, he has written books, essays and a documentary exploring the city’s history, culture and neighborhoods.

His work bridges literature, urbanism and civic engagement, highlighting how local stories shape collective identity.

Anuj Gupta is the president of The Welcoming Center, where he works to help immigrants realize their economic aspirations and position Philadelphia as a global gateway city.

His career spans government, nonprofit leadership, and civic innovation, all rooted in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities.

Previously, he served as general manager of Reading Terminal Market, where he launched initiatives like Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers to bring people together across differences. Gupta also held senior roles in the administration of Mayor Michael Nutter, helping shape Philadelphia’s civic and economic development.

Louis J. King II is the president and CEO of OIC of America, where he leads a national network advancing workforce development and economic mobility.

With more than 30 years of experience in education, youth empowerment and career training, he works to expand opportunity through skills-based pathways.

Under his leadership, OIC has strengthened partnerships and launched initiatives aimed at addressing workforce gaps and supporting underserved communities.

Paul J. Mrstik is an applied linguist, educator and curriculum designer reimagining how people learn languages in a digital world.

As the founder of PolyGlottal Stop, he develops accessible, human-centered learning systems that integrate technology, media and pedagogy.

His work explores how language learning shapes identity, agency and belonging, with a focus on inclusive and adaptive educational design.

Danielle Roberts is a workplace wellness advocate, keynote speaker and certified coach who challenges conventional ideas of success and helps people and organizations move beyond hustle culture.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience in career development, she explores how work impacts well-being and how more sustainable, purpose-driven systems can be built.

Known as the “Anti-Career Coach,” she has built a large digital following and is an emerging voice on redefining work and success.

Jasmine E. Sessoms is a civic strategist and systems builder focused on how power operates in modern democracy.

She is the founder of Center 1968, where she equips Black women to lead in politics, policy and civic life, and the founder of Firm 1968, a consulting practice supporting leaders and organizations in building influence and impact.

Her work sits at the intersection of capital, community and strategy, helping translate ideas into action and scale movements for change.