TEDxBinghamtonUniversity is an SA-chartered event
TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (ted.com). TEDx organizations are independent groups with TED licenses that create TEDx Talk events where speakers share their ideas worth spreading in their local community.
TEDxBinghamtonUniversity was established in 2010 and has since held 13 annual conferences, hosting about 5 to 7 speakers annually. TEDxBinghamtonUniversity is organized by a team of undergraduate student directors and staff advisors. They take pride in themselves for involving the Binghamton University community by having both alumni and student speakers. Additionally, they gather student volunteers and designers to work for the event. In 2020, TEDxBinghamtonUniversity hosted its first-ever hybrid virtual and in-person conference, UNEARTHED, which operated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent TEDxBinghamtonUniversity event in 2023 had the theme, Unleash Radiance, and had speakers from diverse fields including culinary arts and nursing.
2023-2024 Conference Directors
Jay Yong (She/her) is a junior pursuing a dual degree in accounting and psychology with a concentration in MIS. This is her second year as a director of TEDxBinghamtonUniversity, serving as the president as well as the Director of Content. On campus, she is involved in PwC Scholars, Transformational Leader’s Program (TLP), and President Stenger’s Road Map Intern. Some of her interests include Broadway, history, art, and personality tests. Her favorite TED talk is “Why Great Leaders Take Humor Seriously” by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. Upon graduation, Jay hopes to pursue a career as an auditor in an accounting firm.
Rachel Suh (she/her) is a junior majoring in linguistics with a concentration in law and a minor in Korean studies. This is her second year as a director for TEDxBinghamtonUniversity and she is currently the Vice President and Director of Experience. Rachel is planning on pursuing a career in international law in the future. As an active individual, she loves to play sports and dance with others to relieve stress. Her drive to share knowledge with others is mirrored in her involvement at the University Tutorial Services as a tutor in the English Language Institute. Outside of Tedx, she is also part of the Evolution Dance Company, the fencing club, and the rowing club. The TEDx talk “Think. Think? Think! | How positivity got me viral” given by J Lou provided her with a more positive mindset.
Aaron Cordero (he/him) is a sophomore majoring in statistics and minoring in computer science. This is his first year as a director of TEDxBinghamtonUniversity. He is currently the Director of Finance. His love for sports is exemplified by his membership in Data Analytics club, Tennis club, Bowling club and Spikeball club. During his off-time he likes to play sports such as baseball, basketball, and bowling. He also enjoys reading non-fiction books about science, climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, sports, politics and biographies. His favorite TED talk is “How AI Will Step off the Screen and into the Real World” by Daniela Rus. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a career in the data analytics department of a climate change organization.
Katherine Lai (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in accounting and minoring in history. This is her first year as a director for TEDxBinghamton and she is currently the director of sponsorship. She is passionate about wandering through nature, seeking glimpses of chipmunks and groundhogs. Katherine is planning to pursue a future career in accounting, with a focus in auditing. Bearing this goal in mind, she is on her way to become a CPA. In addition to TEDx, Katherine is a community assistant in Hinman College, an undergraduate tour guide, and a 2024 summer orientation advisor. The TED talk “How to green the world's deserts and reverse climate change” by Allan Savory is her favorite one.
