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2024 SPEAKERS
The official speaker line-up of TEDxCavalier 2024: Small Towns, Big Ideas
Eva Robinson
Eva Robinson is currently the only competitive sled dog musher in the state of North Dakota. When she was 5 years old, Eva decided she wanted to run the Jr Iditarod, a 150-mile race through the wilderness of Alaska.
To make her dream a reality, Eva started her own dog treat business in 2014 when she was 8 years old. At the age of 15, Eva completed her goal of running the Jr Iditarod, however the race was modified due to warm weather and was not considered an official qualifying race. Determined not to quit on her dream, in 2024 Eva returned to Alaska and completed the race in 19th place and officially conquered her childhood dream.
She currently has 24 sled dogs and plans to run the full Iditarod in the future.
To make her dream a reality, Eva started her own dog treat business in 2014 when she was 8 years old. At the age of 15, Eva completed her goal of running the Jr Iditarod, however the race was modified due to warm weather and was not considered an official qualifying race. Determined not to quit on her dream, in 2024 Eva returned to Alaska and completed the race in 19th place and officially conquered her childhood dream.
She currently has 24 sled dogs and plans to run the full Iditarod in the future.
How To Be Sled Dog Strong | Eva Robinson | TEDxCavalier
In this compelling TEDx talk, 17-year-old musher Eva Robinson shares profound insights on leadership and teamwork. Drawing from personal experiences with dog sledding, she explores how every pack, whether human or canine, has its weaknesses and opportunities. The key to success lies in how we navigate these challenges.
Discover the importance of giving people chances, recognizing their weaknesses, and rewarding their strengths. Learn how building a team on trust can help achieve ultimate goals. This talk is a must-watch for anyone interested in leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
Eva Robinson is currently the only competitive sled dog musher in the state of North Dakota. When she was 5 years old, Eva decided she wanted to run the Jr Iditarod, a 150 mile race through the wilderness of Alaska.
To make her dream a reality, Eva started her own dog treat business in 2014 when she was 8 years old. At the age of 15, Eva completed her goal of running the Jr Iditarod, however the race was modified due to warm weather and was not considered an official qualifying race.
Determined not to quit on her dream, in 2024 Eva returned to Alaska and completed the race in 19th place and officially conquered her childhood dream. She currently has 24 sled dogs and plans to run the full Iditarod in the future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Discover the importance of giving people chances, recognizing their weaknesses, and rewarding their strengths. Learn how building a team on trust can help achieve ultimate goals. This talk is a must-watch for anyone interested in leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
Eva Robinson is currently the only competitive sled dog musher in the state of North Dakota. When she was 5 years old, Eva decided she wanted to run the Jr Iditarod, a 150 mile race through the wilderness of Alaska.
To make her dream a reality, Eva started her own dog treat business in 2014 when she was 8 years old. At the age of 15, Eva completed her goal of running the Jr Iditarod, however the race was modified due to warm weather and was not considered an official qualifying race.
Determined not to quit on her dream, in 2024 Eva returned to Alaska and completed the race in 19th place and officially conquered her childhood dream. She currently has 24 sled dogs and plans to run the full Iditarod in the future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Rebecca Undem
Rebecca Undem has always been passionate about two things: people and talking to people. As
an inspirational speaker, community advocate, and host of the podcast “The Growing Small
Towns Show,” she’s put her gift of gab to good use.
As Founder and Executive Director of Growing Small Towns, a regional non-profit organization,
Rebecca helps the communities in southeast North Dakota be places people love to call home
through programs that grow their human, social, and cultural capital.
Not one to let people down, Rebecca still lives up to her childhood label of drama queen. She
binges on Netflix shows, coffee, and anything that makes her feel verklempt—her self-declared
favorite feeling.
Rebecca went against her youthful declarations and married a farmer, Jeremiah,
and together, they have three amazing kids: Andrew, Carter, and Brynlee. They love their small town and the crazy-good life they get to live there.
an inspirational speaker, community advocate, and host of the podcast “The Growing Small
Towns Show,” she’s put her gift of gab to good use.
As Founder and Executive Director of Growing Small Towns, a regional non-profit organization,
Rebecca helps the communities in southeast North Dakota be places people love to call home
through programs that grow their human, social, and cultural capital.
Not one to let people down, Rebecca still lives up to her childhood label of drama queen. She
binges on Netflix shows, coffee, and anything that makes her feel verklempt—her self-declared
favorite feeling.
Rebecca went against her youthful declarations and married a farmer, Jeremiah,
and together, they have three amazing kids: Andrew, Carter, and Brynlee. They love their small town and the crazy-good life they get to live there.
Everything is Personal: Better Communities One Relationship at a Time | Rebecca Undem | TEDxCavalier
Blending personal storytelling and the science of "mattering", this talk shares the value of prioritizing relationships and extending invitations in communities as it relates to growing their small businesses, funding community projects, and increasing visitorship, even for communities that don't feel they can support traditional tourism. Rebecca Undem has always been passionate about two things: people and talking to people. As an inspirational speaker, community advocate, and host of the podcast “The Growing Small Towns Show,” she’s put her gift of gab to good use.
As Founder and Executive Director of Growing Small Towns, a regional non-profit organization, Rebecca helps the communities in southeast North Dakota be places people love to call home through programs that grow their human, social, and cultural capital.
Not one to let people down, Rebecca still lives up to her childhood label of drama queen. She binges on Netflix shows, coffee, and anything that makes her feel verklempt—her self-declared favorite feeling.
Rebecca went against her youthful declarations and married a farmer, Jeremiah, and together, they have three amazing kids: Andrew, Carter, and Brynlee. They love their small town and the crazy-good life they get to live there. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
As Founder and Executive Director of Growing Small Towns, a regional non-profit organization, Rebecca helps the communities in southeast North Dakota be places people love to call home through programs that grow their human, social, and cultural capital.
Not one to let people down, Rebecca still lives up to her childhood label of drama queen. She binges on Netflix shows, coffee, and anything that makes her feel verklempt—her self-declared favorite feeling.
Rebecca went against her youthful declarations and married a farmer, Jeremiah, and together, they have three amazing kids: Andrew, Carter, and Brynlee. They love their small town and the crazy-good life they get to live there. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Frank White
Frank White recently retired after a forty year teaching career filled with numerous awards, international teaching and a host of regional and national speaking presentations. He spent the last thirty-four years as a sociology professor at the University of North Dakota and before that was an instructor at Lake Region Community College in Devils Lake.
Frank taught a variety of sociology classes that included sociology of sport, drugs and society, social problems and introduction to sociology. Frank continues to share his critical insights at various high schools, colleges and community organizations on topics that deal with current drugs of concern, community leadership, self-growth and athletics and academics.
Frank has been named the University of North Dakota’s “Professor of the Year” on two separate occasions. He has also earned numerous academic and service awards including the Academic Advisor of the Year, Faculty Service-Learning Award, Bush Teaching Scholar and the North Dakota Spirit Achievement Award.
Recently the UND Foundation established the Professor Frank White Endowed Scholarship for his long-term commitment to his students, the University and North Dakota. His leadership and community service efforts help create endowed academic scholarships at Mayville State University, Lake Region Community College, the University of North Dakota and the American College of Norway.
Frank taught a variety of sociology classes that included sociology of sport, drugs and society, social problems and introduction to sociology. Frank continues to share his critical insights at various high schools, colleges and community organizations on topics that deal with current drugs of concern, community leadership, self-growth and athletics and academics.
Frank has been named the University of North Dakota’s “Professor of the Year” on two separate occasions. He has also earned numerous academic and service awards including the Academic Advisor of the Year, Faculty Service-Learning Award, Bush Teaching Scholar and the North Dakota Spirit Achievement Award.
Recently the UND Foundation established the Professor Frank White Endowed Scholarship for his long-term commitment to his students, the University and North Dakota. His leadership and community service efforts help create endowed academic scholarships at Mayville State University, Lake Region Community College, the University of North Dakota and the American College of Norway.
The art of caring leadership | Frank White | TEDxCavalier
Leadership is not about position or status, it’s about action and unlocking the potential in others! In this talk Frank takes you through his experience and what it takes to be an effective leader. Frank White recently retired after a forty year teaching career filled with numerous awards, international teaching and a host of regional and national speaking presentations. He spent the last thirty-four years as a sociology professor at the University of North Dakota and before that was an instructor at Lake Region Community College in Devils Lake. Frank taught a variety of sociology classes that included sociology of sport, drugs and society, social problems and introduction to sociology. Frank continues to share his critical insights at various high schools, colleges and community organizations on topics that deal with current drugs of concern, community leadership, self-growth and athletics and academics. Frank has been named the University of North Dakota’s “Professor of the Year” on two separate occasions. He has also earned numerous academic and service awards. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Chelsey Wald
Chelsey is a small town farm girl turned entrepreneur. From leaving her job in the beauty industry to becoming her husband’s right hand on the farm while keeping the things that brought her JOY alive!
A journey of building both a business and a brand simultaneously. Join her at TEDxCavalier as she dives into the crucial role of branding in today's world, from the unique intersection of an animal lover and entrepreneurship.
A journey of building both a business and a brand simultaneously. Join her at TEDxCavalier as she dives into the crucial role of branding in today's world, from the unique intersection of an animal lover and entrepreneurship.
Why Branding is Important in Today’s World | Chelsey Wald | TEDxCavalier
Who are you? What are you known for? Chelsey talks about why she believes creating an authentic brand is so important in today's world. She also delves into the steps of developing your identity. Chelsey is a small town farm girl turned entrepreneur. From leaving her job in the beauty industry to becoming her husband’s right hand on the farm while keeping the things that brought her JOY alive! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Ginny Priem
With over two decades of leadership experience in the corporate world, Ginny Priem is not only a dynamic and captivating motivational speaker and a #1 bestselling author, but also hosts the popular Drinking With Gin podcast, and holds a certification in life coaching at the mastery level. In her #1 best selling book, You’re My Favorite, she shares the true story of her own personal traumatic end of a romantic relationship with a shocking twist -- the man she thought was living in her house turned out to not be the man she thought he was at all. This harrowing experience sent her on her own path of healing and growing.
In discovering her own path forward, she created GINpath, which is the path that she developed, tested and implemented and shares in her most recent book, I'm My Favorite: A Guided Journal for Your Path Forward, to help others in growing through adversity. We all face tough times and have that one story, one that we may not think is big enough to share or manage through, but it's what we do with these stories that really matters. Ginny's keynotes leave audiences inspired to take the next step on their own path and overcome obstacles that come their way.
In discovering her own path forward, she created GINpath, which is the path that she developed, tested and implemented and shares in her most recent book, I'm My Favorite: A Guided Journal for Your Path Forward, to help others in growing through adversity. We all face tough times and have that one story, one that we may not think is big enough to share or manage through, but it's what we do with these stories that really matters. Ginny's keynotes leave audiences inspired to take the next step on their own path and overcome obstacles that come their way.
How to Come Through Big Breaks Stronger, Not Smaller | Ginny Priem | TEDxCavalier
When facing a traumatic event and the subsequent transformative shift, there is a tendency to downplay the experience and its effects. Ginny's new viewpoint encourages us to embrace this significant change instead of avoiding it. She advocates viewing difficult life moments as opportunities to evolve into our authentic selves. It's a reminder to grow through change, emerge stronger, not diminished, and fully embrace the full spectrum of our human experiences. With over two decades of leadership experience in the corporate world, Ginny Priem is not only a dynamic and captivating motivational speaker and a #1 bestselling author, but also hosts the popular Drinking With Gin podcast, and holds a certification in life coaching at the mastery level. In her #1 best selling book, You’re My Favorite, she shares the true story of her own personal traumatic end of a romantic relationship with a shocking twist -- the man she thought was living in her house turned out to not be the man she thought he was at all. This harrowing experience sent her on her own path of healing and growing.
In discovering her own path forward, she created GINpath, which is the path that she developed, tested and implemented and shares in her most recent book, I'm My Favorite: A Guided Journal for Your Path Forward, to help others in growing through adversity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
In discovering her own path forward, she created GINpath, which is the path that she developed, tested and implemented and shares in her most recent book, I'm My Favorite: A Guided Journal for Your Path Forward, to help others in growing through adversity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Tara Emerson
Tara Emerson is a dynamic individual whose eclectic life experience has shaped her into a career that is deeply rooted in the rich soil of agricultural tradition. With nearly two decades of experience as a farm wife, devoted mother, and farm business manager, Tara exemplifies the essence of resilience, dedication, and passion that defines the farming community.
As a proud mother of four and an integral part of her family's farming operation for almost 20 years, Tara's journey into agriculture began when she was three years old, riding in the tractor with her grandfather. She and her husband proudly carry on the legacy of being fifth-generation farmers. Their dedication to upholding traditional values while embracing innovation reflects Tara's belief in the importance of learning from the past while looking towards the future, while embracing the challenges and rewards of farm life with unwavering commitment and a boundless love for the land.
In her role as farm business manager, Tara's expertise and leadership are instrumental in steering the family farm towards success. From financial management to strategic planning and sustainable practices, Tara's hands-on approach ensures the farm operates efficiently while preserving its heritage for future generations.
In every aspect of her life, Tara embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and stewardship that have been passed down through generations of farmers. With her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Tara is not only shaping the future of her family farm but also contributing to the prosperity of the human needs of agriculture as a whole.
As a proud mother of four and an integral part of her family's farming operation for almost 20 years, Tara's journey into agriculture began when she was three years old, riding in the tractor with her grandfather. She and her husband proudly carry on the legacy of being fifth-generation farmers. Their dedication to upholding traditional values while embracing innovation reflects Tara's belief in the importance of learning from the past while looking towards the future, while embracing the challenges and rewards of farm life with unwavering commitment and a boundless love for the land.
In her role as farm business manager, Tara's expertise and leadership are instrumental in steering the family farm towards success. From financial management to strategic planning and sustainable practices, Tara's hands-on approach ensures the farm operates efficiently while preserving its heritage for future generations.
In every aspect of her life, Tara embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and stewardship that have been passed down through generations of farmers. With her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Tara is not only shaping the future of her family farm but also contributing to the prosperity of the human needs of agriculture as a whole.
Why farm wives are a farm's greatest asset | Tara Emerson | TEDxCavalier
Tara recognizes the mindset shift into the power that farm wives embody that values their expertise, resilience and community contributions. Tara Emerson is a dynamic individual whose eclectic life experience has shaped her into a career that is deeply rooted in the rich soil of agricultural tradition. With nearly two decades of experience as a farm wife, devoted mother, and farm business manager, Tara exemplifies the essence of resilience, dedication, and passion that defines the farming community.
As a proud mother of four and an integral part of her family's farming operation for almost 20 years, Tara's journey into agriculture began when she was three years old, riding in the tractor with her grandfather. She and her husband proudly carry on the legacy of being fifth-generation farmers. Their dedication to upholding traditional values while embracing innovation reflects Tara's belief in the importance of learning from the past while looking towards the future, while embracing the challenges and rewards of farm life with unwavering commitment and a boundless love for the land. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
As a proud mother of four and an integral part of her family's farming operation for almost 20 years, Tara's journey into agriculture began when she was three years old, riding in the tractor with her grandfather. She and her husband proudly carry on the legacy of being fifth-generation farmers. Their dedication to upholding traditional values while embracing innovation reflects Tara's belief in the importance of learning from the past while looking towards the future, while embracing the challenges and rewards of farm life with unwavering commitment and a boundless love for the land. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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