Theme: The Butterfly Effect

Join us for the TEDxDeerfield 2024-2025 event at Deerfield Academy on Sunday, February 23rd, from 11 AM to 5 PM in the Hess Concert Hall. This year, we are bringing together an inspiring lineup of speakers, innovators, and thought leaders to spark conversations and ignite ideas that can shape the future.

Whether you’re passionate about science, art, technology, social issues, or creativity, TEDxDeerfield offers something for everyone. Experience thought-provoking talks, creative performances, and interactive discussions that will challenge perspectives and inspire new ways of thinking.

Best of all, no tickets are needed—this event is completely free and open to the community! Bring your curiosity and your friends, and be part of an unforgettable day full of innovation, connection, and inspiration.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this incredible production!

Elizabeth Wachsmann Concert Hall
Deerfield Academy
Deerfield, Massachusetts, 01342
United States

Brigitte Cutshall

Health Advocate, Storyteller, Communications Leader

Brigitte Cutshall is a two-time breast cancer survivor and a rare primary brain tumor thriver. She's turned her experiences into a powerful platform for health advocacy, founding Gemini Media, published 5 books, and hosts the Real Things Living podcast. Her TEDx talk, "How Curiosity and Humor Could Redefine the Patient Experience," explores how these unexpected tools can empower patients. With 30 years in publishing and communications, Brigitte believes our most vulnerable stories hold the greatest power. She inspires others to actively pursue well-being, finding her own balance through writing, running, and time in nature with her family and dogs.

Chelsea Shen

Sophomore at Deerfield Academy and Matcha Enthusiast

Chelsea Shen lived two juxtaposed lives: the life of the shy and quiet kid and the life of a sociable friend. She used to chalk up her quiet disposition to a language barrier and adjusting to a new environment as a five year old, but as her character developed over the years, she realized that labels and the unspoken societal expectations created her perspective that personality is clear-cut black and white. Now, she ardently believes that tagging the personalities of people, especially from a young age catalyzes a set of expectations on that child whether they like it or not. As a sophomore at Deerfield Academy, Chelsea has experienced a gamut of environments throughout her 15 (almost 16!) years of life.

Kate Doerge

Philanthropist, Brand Strategist

Kate Doerge is a non-profit founder, philanthropist, speaker, and brand strategist. Kate is the co-founder and CEO of Penny's Flight Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for neurofibromatosis (NF). The Foundation was launched in honor of her daughter Penny. To date, Penny’s Flight has reached over 20 million people, launched and funded scientific research projects, and raised over $5 million dollars. There are almost 100 Penny’s Flight chapters at high schools and colleges across the country. Kate is the Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Hospital for Special Surgery, the country’s top ranked hospital for orthopedics and rheumatology. She sits on the Board of Trustees and the HSS Pediatric Council. For the past 16 years, Kate has Co-Chaired HSS’s largest and most successful fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavilion, raising more than $27 million to date.

Kathryn Sparrow

Realtor/Sales Associate & Agent Coach, Podcast Host & Coach

podcast host & coach and public speaker from New York City, based in North Central New Jersey. With a diverse background as a news-radio personality, public relations specialist, and experienced home buyer and seller, Kathryn brings a unique perspective to her coaching and speaking engagements. Her TEDx talk, "The Art of Strategic Quitting: Redefining Quitting as a Framework for Success," draws from both her personal and professional experiences to challenge conventional wisdom around quitting. Kat advocates for quitting as a strategic decision—a powerful tool for growth, success, and fulfillment. With her wealth of expertise and engaging communication style, Kat is passionate about inspiring audiences to view quitting not as failure, but as a purposeful step toward achieving greater success.

Myles Mzyece

Senior at Deerfield Academy

Myles Mzyece is a senior at Deerfield Academy and an international student with a unique global perspective. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, Myles’ educational journey has taken him across three countries and through nine schools, each with varying levels of funding and resources. His experiences as a migrant and his firsthand insight into the complexities of brain drain have shaped his understanding of how the issue is oversimplified by the media. When he’s not reflecting on global challenges, Myles can be found in the library or his dorm room, where he’s typically immersed in coding the computer game that, as usual, was due last week.

Reagan Warren

Sophomore at Deerfield Academy

Reagan Warren is a New York native and a sophomore at Deerfield Academy. Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a debilitating motor and sensory neuropathy, she chose to challenge herself by attending boarding school and subsequently realized how stigmatized disabilities were among those her age. She believes knowledge is power, which inspired her to speak out about the importance of communication and the strength that comes with fully understanding oneself. Her disability doesn’t define her, though, as Reagan is an avid music enthusiast, major motorsports fan, casual movie critic, and a self proclaimed connoisseur of the Fine Arts. This talk is dedicated to her father, Phil Warren.

Rowan Dias

Sophomore at Deerfield Academy

Rowan Dias is a student, athlete, musician, and advocate dedicated to making sports more inclusive. A member of Deerfield Academy’s Class of 2027, he grew up in Scarsdale, NY, with his parents, Vanessa and Christopher, and his siblings, Christian and Elle. Rowan has always balanced academics, athletics, and music, developing a strong work ethic and a commitment to service along the way. He has played guitar since he was five, appreciating music as a way to connect with others. In addition to his musical interests, he is a multi-sport athlete, competing in lacrosse, box lacrosse, and soccer. As co-founder of Able Athletics, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Rowan has worked to create inclusive sports opportunities for children with disabilities. The organization not only provides adapted athletic programs but also educates volunteers on how to engage with individuals of all abilities, fostering a more inclusive sports community.

Tene Ouedraogo

Senior at Deerfield Academy

Tene Ouedraogo is a senior at Deerfield Academy with a passion for advocacy, volunteering, and personal growth. Born and raised in the Big Apple she has explored many facets of life from different food to traditions she has immersed herself in the stories and experiences of others. On a road to self-discovery and healing Tene shares with TEDx Deerfield what prompted her journey and what she has learned thus far. This talk is inspired by her brother Ibrahim Ouedraogo and all those who opened her eyes to what she has limited herself to believe.