Alexander J. Williams, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and associate teaching professor in the University of Kansas Department of Psychology. He also directs the Psychological Services Clinic at the KU Edwards Campus. His research examines the credibility and evidence base of psychological treatments, and his writing has appeared in Scientific American and Aeon. His work has also been featured by TIME, Wired, Inc., and NPR. A previous TEDx speaker, Dr. Williams also provides financial literacy education and moonlights as a professional wrestling play-by-play commentator.

Respect the Frame: What Wrestling Commentary Taught Me About Human Connection

Before We Choose Our Words: The Relational Space That Shapes Every Conversation

Communication is often measured by what we say, but its greatest impact may come from something we rarely notice. Every interaction creates a relational space that influences whether people feel safe enough to trust, contribute, disagree, or connect. This talk challenges the traditional view of communication, not as the exchange of information, but as the intentional creation of the conditions where meaningful conversations can happen. When we change the space, we change what becomes possible within it.

Charlotte Aldrich is a relational communication scholar, leadership strategist, and creator of the Spaces Model, an original framework for understanding how relational space shapes communication, trust, and human connection. Inspired by years of community mediation and leadership development, her work bridges communication theory and real-world practice, translating research into practical tools that help leaders foster stronger relationships, healthier cultures, and greater belonging. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication and lives in Olympia, Washington, where she continues to develop the Spaces Model through research, leadership development, and organizational practice.

Sara Taliaferro is a Midwesterner, an artist, a creative agent of change and a community-centered engagement specialist who runs CSC Engagement Services, LLC, and teaches civic engagement through the University of Kansas Public Management Center. Sara weaves years of community service alongside advocates for social justice, equity, and earth care with her passion for collaborative governance, policy, and innovation change. Ms. Taliaferro holds a Masters of Public Administration with certification in public policy, particularly housing and environmental sustainability, through the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration. Sara trained and continues to learn through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), Mid America Regional Council, Kansas Leadership Center, the Pepperdine School of Public Policy/Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, and the Facilitating Change organization.  

Civil and Engaged: Reimagining Participatory Democracy and Civic Life

In this year 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we have an opportunity and a challenge to reclaim a participatory democracy centered on the diverse values and strengths of people in our communities. Our longstanding public participation infrastructure traditions show up in legal, governmental, and civic spaces in ways that do not fit our lives today, whether we operate in the public service arena or within community. The most essential and untapped component of this civic equation is we, the people. Our country already has rich resources in researchers, public administrators, social scientists and civic engagement experts who are working to advance strong and positive democratic practices. Yet who better to envision our public role in democracy than us? We can reimagine ourselves as a community collaborative of expertise and wisdom capable of unleashing our problem-solving and civility capacities. Together, starting with you and all the people you are connected to, we can define processes and outcomes for participation that uphold the public good. We have the power to create a participatory democracy that makes space for dialogue and community-based decision-making while believing in values that honor both the public and our local governments.

Someone Changed Your Odds

Most of us underestimate the power of a single interaction.

We assume the moments that change lives are dramatic—a graduation speech, a major decision, or a life-changing opportunity. But research and lived experience suggest something different: lives are often redirected by ordinary moments with extraordinary people.

In this talk, educator Justin Pickens shares the stories of teachers, coaches, parents, and mentors whose seemingly small actions transformed the course of his life after a childhood marked by adversity. Through these stories, he reveals why the most meaningful influence rarely comes from grand gestures, but from intentional moments of belief, encouragement, and connection.

Audiences will leave with a new perspective on the hidden ripple effect each of us creates—and a challenge to recognize that the next conversation, compliment, or act of kindness may become someone else's turning point.

Justin Pickens is an elementary physical education teacher, keynote speaker, and founder of Breaking Cycles, Building Futures. Growing up in a home marked by adversity, Justin experienced firsthand how one caring adult can alter the trajectory of a life. Today, he helps educators, coaches, and leaders recognize the extraordinary influence they have through everyday interactions.

Drawing from his experiences in education, leadership, and youth development, Justin's work centers on a simple but powerful belief: intentional relationships create ripple effects that extend far beyond what we can see. His message has inspired educators, school leaders, and organizations across the country to rethink success—not as a collection of achievements, but as the lives we influence along the way.

Justin lives in the Kansas City area with his wife and three children, where he continues his mission of helping others break cycles and build futures.

Grace Cho is a sophomore majoring in psychology at the University of Kansas. She is driven by her curiosity about what motivates people and why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. Her desire to better understand human behavior led her to advocate for greater mental health awareness, and she currently serves as a board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) student organization at KU.

The Psychology Behind Gambling

When people hear the word gambling, they often think of casinos, card games, lottery tickets, and, most importantly, the risks. Yet millions of people continue to gamble despite knowing the odds. Why? This talk expands the audience's perspective on gambling by exploring the psychological factors that shape how we perceive risk, reward, and uncertainty. As gambling continues to evolve beyond traditional casinos, understanding these psychological influences has become more relevant than ever. 

Beyond the Binary: How True Collaboration Unlocks Language for Deaf Children

The traditional relationship between professionals and families in special education is often built on an unacknowledged “us versus them” dynamic, where hearing professionals assume a standard checklist fits every child. It is time to reframe that mindset to an “us working together” approach. This presentation explores how embracing disruptions and dismantling educational silos can empower families to take ownership of their child’s unique story. In just ten minutes, we will look at how to shape collaborative teams based on a child’s unique needs, when and how to delegate to specialized Deaf education colleagues when needs extend beyond our own expertise. By fostering a growth mindset, delegating expertise, and deepening cultural understanding, we can build a bridge to true linguistic internalization. Join us to discover how a unified village unlocks the full language potential of every Deaf child.

Twila Latini, MA, is a Sound Start Specialist (ages 0 - 3) and a Language Assessment Program Deaf/Hard of Hearing (LAP-DHH) for Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) since 2017. She is currently the President for the Kansas Division for Early Childhood (KDEC) and recognized as a Nationally Certified ASL Assessor and Trainer. Outside of her day job, Twila combines her various expertise as the creator of TwilaSIGNS, a business designed to help professionals and families through a variety of workshops, training, and more. Twila’s life is a delicate balance of professional excellence and service, ensuring her clients are as happy as she is when she finds herself on the road or outdoors, appreciating the beauty of nature.