By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Staff Writer
What happens when 17 voices step onto one red carpet with powerful stories enough to change a room? That is what happened in Selby Auditorium on March 27.
Saint Leo University hosted its annual TED Talk event, transforming the space into a room of reflection, courage, and community.
The event started from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s theme was Transformation 2026, inviting speakers to focus on topics the audience could relate to or take with them after the day.
17 speakers took the stage throughout the morning, each offering an exciting topic. Many leaned into storytelling, transformation, or AI in the workplace.
The main purposes for hosting the TEDx event were twofold: to associate the Saint Leo name with TED, and to provide a platform for people who want to spread their “ideas worth sharing” that might not otherwise be able to do so,” said Dr. Drew Gold, Ph. D. associate professor of management and operations.
Topics were based on identity and resilience to connection, relationships, and the power of embracing change. What made this year special was the authenticity each speaker brought to every story; they felt different, yet all carried a message that resonated across the room.
The event was organized into three blocks, each featuring four speakers followed by a short break. These pauses gave the audience time to stretch, walk around, and process the stories before returning to the iconic red carpet for the next round of talks.
With Selby Auditorium seating roughly 80 people, the atmosphere remained intimate, close enough for every story to feel personal, yet vibrant enough to create a shared sense of community.
Preparation for the event began the day before. Speakers gathered for a rehearsal from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., during which they practiced their delivery, learned their placement in the program, and became comfortable with the lighting and stage setup.
Volunteers were also present, assisting with organizing, timing, and ensuring that every detail was ready for the big day. Their support helped create a smooth, welcoming experience for both speakers and attendees.
Many people from outside the university also bought tickets and brought their families to watch the speakers. Several guests said they connected with many of the stories, and some were even taking notes while listening because the messages felt meaningful to them.
This year’s TED Talk stood out not only for its theme but for the vulnerability and creativity each individual brought to the stage.
“Saint Leo put so much time and effort into making the event run smoothly and amazingly. Having the opportunity to share my story at such a young age, I am so thankful and so excited to see what will happen when it gets uploaded to social media,” said Angelique Cauterucci, a sophomore in the 3+1 MBA marketing program.
From heartfelt storytelling to reflections on connection and growth, the event highlighted the transformative power of sharing one’s journey. By the end of the morning, Selby Auditorium wasn’t just a venue; it became a space where transformation felt real, shared, and deeply human.
