Archives for July 2013

In everything we do at TEDxMileHigh, our partners are hugely important and highly valuable. First of all, they make it possible for us to create a diverse program three times a year (including the free  event for 2000 area youth, TEDxYouth@MileHigh), they help us seek out innovators from around our communities, and they rally behind our mission to accelerate innovation and social impact in Colorado.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus came on last year because they have an aligned mission and vision, and they believe in the power of ideas to affect tremendous change. We chatted with Leanna Clark, Vice Chancellor of University Communications for the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, about their involvement with TEDxMileHigh.  Leanna has done a little of everything in her career – PR, marketing, and has even started a philanthropic travel division for an international non-profit. When she had the opportunity to join the team at the university,  she jumped on it because it was a cultural, personal, and professional fit.

How does CU Denver | Anschutz innovate in education – that is, how does the University stay ahead amidst all the changes happening in higher education?

Universities in general are centers of innovation – and our goal is to constantly be innovating in every aspect of what we do. An example is our bioengineering program, where students have opportunities to learn from engineers at our downtown Denver campus as well as doctors and researchers at our School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus. This program has already incubated six new startup companies in just three years.  We also  have the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities in our Business School.  It offers students and the industry innovative courses and research on commodity markets, sustainable development, regulations, investing and trading. No other university in the world combines these fields of study and industry practices into one focused curriculum.I nnovation is constant here – the work we do at Anschutz is saving lives today while developing cures for tomorrow.

What motivates CU Denver to actively participant in communities like TEDxMileHigh?

I just love TEDx personally – it’s all about innovation and ideas. And given our work at the university, it just fits aligns with our vision and our work. TEDxMileHigh challenges people to think critically about their own lives and actions, and we love being a part of that community.  As presenting sponsor of the youth event, we believe in bringing the BIG ideas to the youth and inspiring them to take action on their leadership potential.

How does CU Denver make the most of rapidly changing technology within its classrooms?

We have a number of task forces committed this question and are constantly seeking new technologies to bring to the classroom.  We can use new tech in so many ways – and love to bring positive disruption to shake up learning environments. For example, at Anschutz, we utilize a system called Remote Second Opinion, where our doctors are in a virtual clinic, which makes them accessible to any corner of the world.

If the university were an individual, what would its TED talk, or big idea, be?

Our university isn’t solely about the educating students, creating knowledge, and conferring degrees. We like to ask ourselves not “What are we good at?” but rather “What are we good for?”  We are here not just for the individual students, but also for the needs and demands of society.

What is CU Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus’ specific role in the larger Mile High region?

Our governors time and time again that there is no great city that exists without a great research univeristy – and that’s our role. We are a great research institution in the heart of downtown with our Denver campus, and we’re interwoven in the fabric of the city.  Our school is part of the vibrancy of Denver – you can’t see where we end and the businesses, restaurants, and cultural centers begin. With that, our students are more likely to stay in Colorado than any other school. We are creating new research, startups, and direct economic impact. In fact, the one square mile at the Anschutz campus creates greater economic impact that the entire Colorado ski industry.  Our role is similar to that of TEDxMileHigh – to create large and lasting change for our city and state.

How did you come on as CEO of Women’s Bean Project? 

My involvement began as a volunteer. I was, from the very beginning, fascinated by the business model of the organization. The better the business does, the more direct positive impact it has on the women who work at the business and in the community at-large. It truly is a win-win. I served six months on the marketing committee when the position opened up, and when it did I jumped on it!

Tell me about the schedule at the Women’s Bean Project? How is it different?

Well, the hours are pretty normal: 8-4:30p.m. Monday through Friday. But it differs between those hours. Each Monday, the woman all publicly share three goals: personal, work, and long-term.  That way, they are all committing to themselves and the crew their intentions for the week. Then, on Friday, everyone shares and back through their goals they set at the beginning of the week. It creates a lot of accountability  and because everyone has goals to work through, it’s an ideal scenario to get there.

Also, the women all spend 30% of their paid time doing program activities. This is non-revenue generating and when we fundraise,  we are essentially doing it for that 30% of the time when the women are learning other skills and participating in programs.

What makes a great leader?

I have to have  a vision everyday and need to enlist people in that vision. Once I embrace that job of “where are we going,” then what we do day-to-day becomes more clear. Also, my job is to help other people do their job. Thinking about the question: “Where this person shines best and under what conditions?” is my responsibility and what I think about a lot. To be a great leader, you have to be comfortable being the face of the organization, while remaining personally humble. It’s an interesting combination of confidence and being able to articulate that confidence in a way that truly represents the dignity, and power, of the organization.

 If you could have been born in another country, which would it be? 

That’s tough because I love the amount of support the US affords women…but I guess I would say some Latin American country. I feel like I am Latin at heart.

In what ways has your work at the Women’s Bean Project changed you? 

That’s a big question. Initially it was shocking to experience all the prejudices and biases I entered with that I didn’t even know I had. I’ve met people that have completely altered my beliefs. Women make choices for a survival based on their situations, not an innate desire to commit crimes. I wouldn’t think we had so much in common. While we have differences in education and socio-economic levels differ, we have so much more in common than I thought.

 What’s your greatest moment? 

When I lived in Chicago, I was in a band called “Too Much Education.” In the band, you had to have a masters degree to play in the band. Needless to say, we weren’t very good, but it was a lot of fun.

You can watch Tamra’s talk from TEDxMileHigh, as well as all the others, here.

On June 15, 1,800+ people from across the front range (and beyond) attended TEDxMileHigh: Values + Instincts at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.  Attendees were inspired by the big ideas of 14 remarkable speakers and interacted with 30+ innovative Colorado-based exhibitors.

Dan Connors – Computer Vision
What would you do with infinite computing power? How much computing power should an individual have? In this powerful talk, computer visionary Dan Connors presents the evolution of computer vision in our lives and what is just beyond the horizon.

Ned Breslin – The Value of Impact
How do non-profits monitor tangible and beneficial outcomes? When is transparency useful? Ned Breslin pauses to discuss not just transparency, but the hard questions and monitoring that ultimately lead to real, lasting impact.

Easton LaChappelle – 3D Printing in Animatronics
How is 3D printing changing the future of prosthetic and animatronic limbs? Tinkering with this new technology, 17-year old inventor Easton LaChappelle is creating inexpensive robotic limbs with strength and dexterity beyond human, and will create new models for custom prosthetics in the not-so-distant future.

Jandel Allen Davis – The River of Health
Why is our healthcare system broken? What would it take to improve it? In this artistic talk, Jandel Allen-Davis makes a case for creating more connected communities to better our health and lower the cost of staying well.

Molina Speaks – Futurism and Hip-Hop
What does hip-hop mean to you? In this expansive talk, Denver artist Molina Speaks walks us through the history of futurism from the early 1900s and its role in creating hip hop in the 80’s and 90s — and the grassroots resurgence of the form. Today, we see hip-hop breaking its own rules and connecting communities in new ways.

Adam Brock –The Taste of Bioregional Cuisine

What would be for dinner if we ate bio-regional cuisine? Would you eat a cactus from Colorado? In this eye-opening talk, Adam Brock argues for a food system that works with, not against, Colorado’s high-plains climate.

Roxane White – Why Citizen Engagement
How are participation and good government linked in America? What can government do to create and preserve trust? Roxane White believes citizens are taking a few ideas simple ideas and changing the future of politics in Colorado for the better.

Molina Speaks – Build 2020
Building on his talk on futurism and hip-hop, Molina Speaks delivers a performance serving as a powerful demonstration of the values of the new hip-hop movement as it ties into a new vision of the future.

Eythor Bender – Bionic Impact
What is the future of active bionics? The technology has allowed athletes to return to sport, but at a high cost. In this talk, Eythor Bender discusses the past, present, and future of active bionics.

Shannon Galpin – Two-Wheeled Revolution
How can the bicycle be a vehicle for social justice? Humanitarian Shannon Galpin is using the bike to help raise women and girls’ voices in conflict zones. In this inspiring talk, Shannon shares her work in Afghanistan through the creation of the Afghan Women’s National Cycling Team.

Russel Muren – Freezing Grocery Store Energy Use
In the search for the solution to the world’s energy problems, are we too focused on finding a one-hit wonder? In this radical talk, thermal entrepreneur Russel Muren shows us how thinking small can create many solutions for the global energy crisis.

Michael Huemer – The Progress of Liberalism
Is the world becoming a better or worse place to live? Philosopher Michael Heumer looks back to history to understand the trend of humanity’s values – and what he finds may surprise you.

Tamra Ryan – Redefining “Unemployable”
Who is unemployable? In this thought-provoking talk, Tamra Ryan speaks to the instincts that make us hire who we hire, and how her experience working with women others might see as “unemployable” has helped change how she sees others and the values that keep them rooted in a complex world.

Alexandre O. Philippe – Why Pop Culture?
What is the role popular culture plays in expressing our values of community? Take a fresh look at the icons that our collective consciousness brings to the surface and the rituals that celebrate them with this entertaining documentary filmmaker.

Minor Disturbance – Movement 
In this powerful performance, Denver’s young slam poetry team Minor Disturbance channels the force of this electric form of artistic expression. Touching our felt memory of the social justice movement, dignity, hope and conflict, they represent the Mile High City at the highest levels of the slam scene.