Good morning, I was watching the local NY news last night and learned about the tornado in Houston. I wanted to check in on Durrel and all of the others who live in Houston. Is everyone okay? Praying you are all safe this Thanksgiving Eve. Please let us know that you are safe. Kind regards, Tracy

After a day of headshots and interviews we met over light bites, wine, and my mom’s spaghetti for a little mixer. What an amazing group of volunteer curators and future TEDxThirdWard speakers! I also took the stage at TEDxGreenhouseRoad to give a talk yesterday.

💬 “Facts inform the mind, but stories transform the heart.” —The Master Connector 📖 When you share a story, you’re not just speaking, you’re connecting. 💡 Logic explains, but emotion moves people to act. 🗣 I’ve learned that giving advice often makes people defensive, but sharing a story opens their heart. ❤️ It’s through storytelling that we truly show care, empathy, and understanding. 🔥 Facts make people think, but stories make them feel. 🎯 Whether you’re leading, selling, teaching, or inspiring, your story bridges the gap between what people know and what they believe. 💬 When you tell a real, vulnerable story, people see themselves in you. 🎙 I love speaking about this on stage, because the moment your story connects, transformation begins. 🌟 Never underestimate the power of storytelling, it’s how light gets through the cracks. 🎥 Join us LIVE Wednesday 11/12 at 1pm EST for The Master Connector Show with my co-host Rob Genovesi and our special guest Dr. Elayna Fernandez. 💬 We’ll be exploring “Shining the Light Through Storytelling.” 🖱️Click the link below 👇🏻 to register https://www.linkedin.com/events/shininglightthrustorytellingwit7355311061769560064

TEDxThirdWard Finalists! We’re thrilled to introduce the next class of changemakers, storytellers, and visionaries who will take the stage at TEDxThirdWard 2026 on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas. This year’s event will be a full day of ideas worth spreading, featuring five dynamic sections filled with talks that challenge, inspire, and ignite new ways of thinking. From personal transformation to social innovation, each speaker brings a powerful story and a unique perspective to the red dot. 🎟️ Tickets are now available! Don’t miss your chance to be in the room for one of Houston’s most inspiring events. ➡️ https://matchouston.org/events/2026/tedx-third-ward And if you’re already counting down to what’s next — mark your calendar! The next TEDxThirdWard Salon will take place in April 2026, continuing our mission to build a year-round platform for big ideas and bold voices. Please join me in congratulating this incredible new group of speakers who are ready to Dream. Dare. Do. #TEDxThirdWard #DreamDareDo #IdeasWorthSpreading #Houston

I’ve been applying to other TEDx stages. But this experience has been so different. I can’t wait hear what big ideas will be on the Third Ward stage. In applying to other stages, this is the first stage that actually allows applicants to see the optimism and power of dreamers and doers. I only got to interact with a few people. And I hope to see you around. Thank you @Durrel Douglas for this fascinating little trip. And a shout out to some of inspiration makers I got to interact with. I wish you all well. Hope the universe crosses our paths again: @Steve Spiro @Grace Millard @Ameer Abdul-Rahman @A.d. Jenkins @Dot Cannon @Evangeline F @Lesley Lane