Several of our TEDxThirdWard semifinalists are published authors — and not just self-published, we’re talking major releases, including a USA Today bestseller. I grabbed six of their books and did a quick rundown of each. These are stories that live beyond the stage and keep our theme Dream. Dare. Do. alive in print. @Laryssa Creswell @LaTasha S. @Steve Spiro @Emily Jamea @Obrian Kerr @Nicole Wilhelm

In this powerful talk, TEDxThirdWard speaker Gina L. Carroll uncovers why you must write your life stories and how to actually get them down — started and finished. Her talk has garnered the most views from our first cohort who took the stage in March of this year: 115,853 views as of today (Sept 30, 2025). She shares deep insights, inspiring stories, and surprising facts about why your voice is needed in the storytelling universe. Gina, an author, editor, and writing coach, believes every story has an audience and is an important thread in the fabric of history. Whether you’re just beginning or trying to finish a manuscript, her message is about urgency, focus, and motivation to finally tell your story. Poll Question: If you hadn't yet, what’s the biggest challenge keeping you from writing your own story?

I’m Durrel K. Douglas, Curator of TEDxThirdWard, and I’m thrilled you’re here. This community is for dreamers, doers, and everyday storytellers who believe ideas can spark change. Let’s kick things off — introduce yourself in the comments: - Your name - Where you’re from - What bold idea or passion keeps you up at night I'll go first in the comments.

You’ve made it to the semi-finalist round — congratulations again. This is a big step, and I know you may have questions about what comes next. Join me for a live Semi-Finalist Q&A Session where we’ll cover: - What to expect in the weeks ahead - How to make the most of our Skool community - Tips for polishing your submission - Open time for your questions This is your chance to get clarity, connect with fellow semi-finalists, and walk away feeling confident about the path forward. 📅 Date: Tuesday 9/30 or Thursday 10/2 ⏰ Time: 6-7:30 PM Come ready to ask, listen, and connect. We’re building something special here, and your journey is at the heart of it. RSVP in the Calendar tab so we know you’ll be there. https://www.skool.com/from-dream-to-speaker-stage-4093/calendar?eid=3dc2712c3025487d95cb7d7dea985c20