🎉NEW EPISODE ALERT: In this episode of The Mane Health Show, host Stephanie Anderson sits down with Durrel Douglas Civic Innovator, TEDxThirdWard Organizer, and dynamic community leader, for a candid conversation about the power of civic engagement and representation. 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/vvg5Ycc-spo Durrel shares how his grassroots work has transformed communities across Texas, the lessons he’s learned organizing TEDxThirdWard, and why he believes innovation in civic spaces begins with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. If you’ve ever wondered how to use your voice, your vote, or your platform to spark real change this episode will light a fire under you. 🔥 💬 In this episode, we discuss: • The role of storytelling in social impact • Why local involvement matters more than ever • The link between civic innovation and community health • How TEDxThirdWard continues to inspire and empower others 🎧 Watch, listen, join the conversation, and comment on your favorite insight from this episode! https://youtu.be/vvg5Ycc-spo

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

Hey Folks, I wanted to share some updates and invite you to get more involved as we continue building this growing network of speakers, storytellers, and doers. Volunteer Opportunities We’ve opened the volunteer sign-up for those who want to play a hands-on role in what we’re building. There are opportunities to help with event production, speaker coordination, logistics, creative storytelling, communications, and on-site experience for our upcoming TEDx events. If you’d like to contribute your time and skills while getting a virtual/in-person behind-the-scenes view of things, sign up here: https://forms.gle/MGBPKxFfwZvooty6A Speaker Notifications All speaker emails have been sent. Please check your inbox and your spam folder to see whether you were selected for this round. Every speaker also received a personal call. Even if you weren’t selected for this cycle, stay close. We’re already planning the April event rollout and there will be more opportunities to take the stage in 2025. What’s Next While the speaker lineup for the January 10 TEDxThirdWard event in Houston is set, planning has already started for the April cycle. Next year, there will be four total TEDxThirdWard events: one full-scale event and three smaller Salon events built around specific themes. This community will continue to be our home base, not just for TEDxThirdWard but for the larger speaker ecosystem we’re building together. The Dream to Speaker Stage community is where you can learn, connect, and collaborate with others who share your passion for communication, storytelling, and impact. A Second, Curated Space In addition to this public-facing space, we’re developing a second, curated community for those who want to go deeper. It will include TEDx speakers, curators, and organizers from around the world. The goal is to strengthen your speaker muscle, sharpen your delivery, and connect you with opportunities to grow through collaboration and mentorship.

Congratulations to each of the TEDxThirdWard finalists! What an amazing milestone. Though I didn’t advance, I’m beyond grateful for the experience, every ‘no’ (and l have experienced many) still sharpens my ‘next.’ The process stretched me, refined me, and reminded me of my purpose. KUDOS to everyone! 🎉🎉🎉

Some people make it on their first try. Others apply five, six, ten--- dozens of times before they finally land the red dot. For those who’ve made it further, refined your idea, or feel closer than ever — what’s one piece of advice you’d give your former self? And for the first-timers, what’s something that’s surprised you most about the process so far? It’s often a numbers game — every “not yet” is shaping your next “yes.”