Dayton’s Victoria theatre hosted the recent TEDx Dayton was an event held on October 17 at that featured local self- organizations sharing their ideas and experiences with the audience in attendance. TED is a non-profit organization that was started in 1984 as a conference where topics such as global issues, science and entertainment were discussed, even in a hundred different languages.
TED is essentially a global community that welcomes everyone from all walks of life to share their ideas with those willing to listen and hopefully to be inspired by their positive stories.
One story told was that of Catalleya Storm, a survivor of human trafficking. Catalleya let the audience know that human trafficking does happen in places like Dayton, Ohio and went to tell of how she had been molested and trafficked at a young age and how she was able to escape that life and become a motivational speaker and writer.
“It was a five year goal for me to get my story out,” Storm said during her presentation.
Storm said she feels like she’s making a difference with her story, as long as it brings about change.
“When it comes to stopping human trafficking, please don’t just watch, do something,” Storm said.
Another Tedx speaker was Lisa Holmes, a member of the Clark County Literacy Coalition, who shared her story of being able to get by her adolescent years on a third grade education, but ironically, couldn’t keep a job because of her lack of literacy. After experiencing a personal tragedy, Holmes sought out help for her illiteracy, she went on to become a librarian and storyteller. Overall, she wanted the audience to never be ashamed to ask for help, as she once was.
Other speakers included Tony Ortiz, the secretary of Ohio Commission on Hispanic/ Latino Affairs and Associate Vice president of Latino Affair at Wright State University, and Alanna Wall, a 14-year- old entrepreneur that created Polished Girlz, an organization that brings nail parties to girls with special needs, who are frequently hospitalized. The parties teach girls the importance of washing their hands to reduce infection rates, and focus on empowering both clients and volunteers.
“We found the event informative,” said Kyle Brandon and Matt Kauflin, two attendees of the event. “I was truly impressed by Alanna’s story—A humble appreciation for creativity,” Brandon said.
Kauflin said the event was inspirational, while agreeing with Brandon.
“We all need to come together more as a community and share our ideas for everyone’s betterment,” Kauflin said.