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

💬 A life without vision drifts aimlessly, but a life led by purpose transforms both the person and the world around them. 🎯 Don’t be a wandering generality, live with intention. 💡 I believe every one of us was created for a purpose, something bigger than ourselves. 🌱 Without purpose, life loses direction, and hopelessness can creep in. 🤝 One of the most powerful ways I found my own purpose was by surrounding myself with people who had one, people who were thriving, passionate, and on mission. ⚙️ The Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) 🔥 When you’re around people with vision, their energy ignites yours. 💬 Purpose doesn’t just give you motivation, it gives you meaning. 🚀 And when you’re intentional about your vision, you start living life on purpose, not by accident. What about you?

Waiting is not a pause in purpose but a place of preparation. It teaches trust, patience, and quiet strength. In the stillness, faith grows roots deep enough to hold us through uncertainty. When we wait together, we share hope, and that hope draws hearts closer. The wait becomes a bridge, reminding us that growth often happens unseen. Every silent moment shapes us for what is to come. Faith in the wait is believing that what is meant for us is already moving toward us, even when we cannot yet see it.

TEDxThirdWard Speaker Selection Update Hey! I wanted to take a minute to share where we are in the selection process and what I’m seeing so far... And, I wanted to try out the "Live" feature here on the Skool platform. We’ve had an incredible mix of ideas this year. People from everywhere with stories that genuinely make you pause and think. I’m proud of every single person who took the step to apply. As I’ve gone through the talks, I keep seeing three main groups emerge: Group 1: You’re ready for the stage. Your idea is clear, unique, and well-communicated. There’s nothing else quite like it. Group 2: You’re almost there — your idea is strong, but maybe others are touching similar topics, or you’re one “aha” away from full clarity. With a bit more refining and practice, you’re going to shine. Group 3: You’re still in the early part of the journey. That’s not a bad thing — it just means there’s more space to grow. Some folks here need more structure, clarity, or help bringing the message to life. You’ve already done the hardest part: starting. There will be 25 speakers total, divided into five groups throughout the day — 9 AM, 10:30, 1, 2:30, and 4. Once we finalize the list, we’ll start sending confirmations and callbacks. We’re also planning Media Day on 11/15 in Houston so finalists can capture rollouts and promo content for their announcements the following week. And as for this Skool community — it’s here to stay. Feel free to invite others. We’re building out this free community in a more intentional way. If you check the calendar, you’ll see we’re hosting a virtual Speaker Lounge every Thursday at 7 PM CT — a relaxed space to connect, share ideas, and talk about what it really takes to get stage-ready. Some weeks we’ll break down great TEDx talks, other weeks we’ll do live feedback sessions or invite past speakers to share how they shaped their big idea. We’re also developing a paid coaching circle for those who want weekly accountability and deeper skill-building. And even if you don’t make it to the January stage, there’s another opportunity — TEDxThirdWard Salon is coming in April 2026 — so stay engaged, keep refining, and use this community to get sharper every week.