Meet The
2026 Speakers
Bringing diverse perspectives to one stage, united by a shared commitment to ideas that inspire, challenge, and create meaningful impact.
prof. darelle van Greunen
Innovation for Humanity: When Technology Serves People
Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, but true innovation is not measured by what technology can do—it is measured by how it improves people's lives. In this inspiring TEDx talk, Professor Darelle van Greunen explores how human-centered innovation can transform healthcare, education, and communities by placing people at the heart of every technological solution. Drawing from decades of research and real-world implementation, she challenges us to rethink the purpose of innovation, showing that the most powerful breakthroughs are those that create access, solve meaningful problems, and leave no one behind. When technology serves humanity, innovation becomes more than progress—it becomes a catalyst for lasting social impact.
Mr. Selwyn Willis
From Charity to Change: Rethinking How We Give
We see the need. We respond. We give. But are we truly changing lives—or simply sustaining survival?
Selwyn Willis challenges the way we think about giving, urging a shift from short-term relief to long-term impact. Drawing from decades of leadership in the nonprofit sector, he explores how more intentional, strategic approaches can create sustainable change in communities.
This talk is a call to move beyond charity—and toward transformation.
Bishop Juanita W. Morris
Still Becoming: Innovation Has No Age Limit
In a world changing faster than ever through technology and artificial intelligence, many people feel like they are being left behind—especially older generations. But Bishop Juanita W. Morris believes innovation is not about age. It is about willingness.
Bishop Morris shares her journey of witnessing the world evolve from handwritten letters and rotary phones to smartphones and AI. Through wisdom, faith, leadership, and life experience, she reminds us that growth never stops and purpose does not expire with age.
This inspiring TEDx talk encourages people of every generation to continue learning, adapting, and embracing change while holding on to humanity, compassion, and connection.
Because no matter your age… you are still becoming.
Gerald Pietersen
The Innovation Mindset: How Young People Can Build Opportunity Where None Exists
In a world where many young people face limited resources and opportunities, Gerald Pietersen explores how innovation begins with mindset, not circumstance. Through leadership, creativity, and resilience, he challenges youth to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.
This inspiring TEDx talk highlights how problem-solving, vision, and community impact can transform challenges into possibilities, proving that innovation is not defined by where you come from—but by how you choose to think and respond.
Ezethu sivuku
The Future of Learning is Local: Using Culture to Power Global Education Innovation
Education is most powerful when it reflects people’s language, culture, and lived experiences.
Ezethu Sivuku explores how culturally-driven, localized innovation can transform inclusive education and improve student outcomes. Drawing from her work in AI-powered, gamified learning, she shows how solutions rooted in community can scale globally.
This talk is a call to rethink education—not as one-size-fits-all, but as a powerful tool shaped by the people it serves.
Neal Prinsloo
Motivation Is Overrated: Becoming Before You Are Ready
In this powerful and deeply personal TEDx talk, Neal Prinsloo challenges the idea that people must feel motivated before taking action. Through his journey of resilience, recovery, and transformation, Neal shares how growth often begins in uncomfortable moments—long before confidence or certainty arrives.
This inspiring talk explores the power of discipline, mindset, and perseverance, reminding audiences that becoming the person you are meant to be starts with moving forward, even when you don’t feel ready.
Debbi Dimaggio
In this inspiring TEDx talk, Debbi DiMaggio explores how success, growth, and purpose are built through endurance, consistency, and resilience—not quick wins. Drawing from her experiences as an entrepreneur, author, and leader, she shares how adopting a “marathon mindset” can help people navigate challenges, embrace change, and stay committed to long-term vision.
This talk is a powerful reminder that lasting impact is not created overnight—it is built step by step, with persistence, passion, and purpose.
The Marathon Mindset
Dr TerrEnce Elliott
Healthy Enough To Survive?
Survival Starts Before and After Diagnosis!What if the greatest threat to our health isn't disease, but how long we ignore the warning signs? Drawing from his personal journey as a prostate cancer survivor, this talk explores the importance of prevention, early detection, and proactive healthcare. It also highlights the emotional, mental, and spiritual resilience needed to navigate life's unexpected challenges.
Key Takeaway: Survival starts long before diagnosis—and continues long after it. Your body has been speaking to you. Are you listening?
Chantal Harris
What If There Was Never Anything Wrong With You?
The Freedom of Understanding Yourself
For years, Chantal Harris believed the question that haunted her was, "What is wrong with me?" Sobriety saved her life, but it didn't silence that question. It wasn't until decades later that an unexpected moment led her to see herself—and her life—through an entirely different lens.
In this deeply honest and surprisingly humorous talk, Chantal explores the hidden cost of living behind masks, the freedom that comes from genuine self-understanding, and why so many people spend their lives trying to fix themselves before they've ever taken the time to understand themselves.
Blending storytelling, comedy, and profound vulnerability, Chantal challenges us to replace shame with curiosity and asks one simple but transformative question:
What if there was never anything wrong with you?
dalton koregay PhD
Manhood Was Never Meant to Be Learned Alone: Behind Every Strong Man Is Someone Who Stayed
In a world that often celebrates the "self-made man," this talk challenges the myth that strength is built in isolation. Drawing from the power of mentorship, brotherhood, and community, this speaker explores how the men who guide, support, and stay present in our lives help shape who we become. Through personal insight and practical wisdom, audiences will discover why meaningful connections are essential to developing strong men, healthy families, and thriving communities.
Lendy Spires (IKS)
Beyond The Labels
Becoming Living Heritage: Reclaiming Khoekhoesan Identity in South Africa
What happens when you discover that the identity you have carried your entire life is only part of your story?
In this powerful and thought-provoking talk, Dr. Lendy Spires explores the journey of reclaiming KhoeKhoeSan identity in South Africa and the impact of labels that have shaped generations. Through personal reflection, cultural insight, and historical perspective, she challenges audiences to look beyond the categories society assigns and reconnect with the deeper stories that define who they are.
More than a conversation about heritage, this talk is an invitation to rediscover belonging, honor ancestral legacy, and embrace the transformative power of knowing where you come from.
R.Andrew Howard, Jr.
Potential Is Not a Promise: Becoming More Than You Thought Possible
We often celebrate potential as if it guarantees success—but what if it doesn’t? In this compelling talk, the speaker challenges the common belief that talent and ability alone determine our future. Instead, he reveals that potential is only a starting point, not a promise.
Through powerful insights and relatable reflections, the talk explores how passion gives direction, action drives growth, and meaningful progress begins when we choose to move forward—even without certainty. Audiences will be encouraged to rethink how they view their own abilities and inspired to take ownership of their journey.
This talk offers a fresh perspective on what it truly takes to grow, evolve, and become more than we ever imagined possible.
Minister Thonya Ryan
Who Told You Who You Are?
From the moment we're born, we're given labels—by our families, our experiences, society, and even ourselves. Over time, those labels can become so deeply ingrained that we mistake them for our identity. But what if the story you've been living isn't the story you were meant to tell?
In Who Told You Who You Are?, Thonya Ryan shares her deeply personal journey of breaking free from the limiting beliefs and expectations that shaped her life. Through powerful storytelling and honest reflection, she challenges audiences to question the voices they've allowed to define them and discover the freedom that comes from reclaiming their authentic identity.
This thought-provoking talk is an invitation to stop living by inherited narratives, rewrite the stories that no longer serve you, and embrace the person you were always meant to become.
Christopher Luke-Peers
The Second Stroke Nobody Talks About
Surviving a stroke is only the beginning.
After waking from a 14-day coma and beginning the long journey of learning to walk and speak again, Christopher-Luke Peers discovered another battle—one no doctor had prepared him for. While he was fighting for his life, the financial system never stopped. Bills accumulated, payments were missed, and the consequences of medical trauma continued long after the hospital stay had ended.
In this thought-provoking talk, Christopher-Luke challenges us to rethink how our financial systems respond to human crisis. Drawing from his own experience as a stroke survivor and financial architect, he explores why recovery shouldn't come with financial devastation and asks a powerful question: What if our financial infrastructure were designed to protect people when they are most vulnerable?
The Second Stroke Nobody Talks About is an invitation to imagine a future where innovation isn't measured only by technology or efficiency, but by the compassion built into the systems that shape our lives.
Special AI Tribute
archbishop grady l morris, sr.
Celebrating the Life, Honoring the Voice, and Preserving the Legacy!
May your voice echo beyond this moment, your message endure through time, and your wisdom live on.
August 11, 1954 - March 31, 2026
Archbishop Grady L. Morris, Sr. was a man of unwavering faith, leadership, and service whose life was dedicated to uplifting others and building strong communities. A former athlete, military serviceman, law enforcement professional, and ultimately a respected spiritual leader, his journey reflected a life of discipline, purpose, and continual evolution. As Archbishop of New Covenant Family Church, he led with wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals to walk boldly in their calling.
Archbishop Morris was selected as the first speaker for TEDxSummerstrand, a reflection of the power and relevance of his voice. Although he passed before having the opportunity to deliver his talk on stage, his message lives on. His talk was recorded, submitted, and officially approved prior to his passing.
In honor of his life and legacy, TEDxSummerstrand proudly shares his message on this international stage—ensuring that his voice, his wisdom, and his impact continue to inspire audiences around the world.