Written by Staff Writer-Blog Events Now

The world is constantly changing, and we are evolving with it. We are forever in a state of flux, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of our lives. Georgetown University’s, TEDxGeorgetown event, titled “Seasons for Change,” conference 2023 celebrates this idea. Taking place on Sunday, April 23, 2023, this event offers attendees the opportunity to explore the four seasons and how they relate to change.

The speakers will take us through each season, starting with spring, when we will hear from Kia Afcari, an executive coach and consultant who specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion; Dr. Michael Marion, Jr., an educator and leader in higher education who advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion; and Paneez Oliai, a student studying history, psychology, and government who is involved in various activities at Georgetown University and is passionate about public access to justice.

In the summer, two Georgetown University students, Marissa Nissley, and Bilal Khan, produces a monthly podcast called Legally Blonde & Blind, advocating for disability justice, and adopting a positive philosophy towards blindness. Bilal Khan is a creative contractor with thirteen years of strategic fundraising and communication expertise. He reflects on the impact of the pandemic struggle that led him to briefly spend time with the community experiencing homelessness in DC and LA, prompting him to seek ways to help the community around him. Marissa and Bilal hope to unite communities in challenging times.

Moving into the fall, Zahab Kamal Khan, Umayr Shaikh,  and Anna Kutbay will take the stage to talk about how we are capable of more than we think. Zahab Kamal Khan is a professional squash player and coach who co-founded a non-profit organization to support athletes, especially females, in Pakistan. She has set two Guinness World Records, one for donating the most hair to charity and another for the most hair clips in her hair. Umayr Shaikh is a first-year medical student at Georgetown University School of Medicine who believes that humanities should be prioritized in pre-health education for aspiring physicians and healthcare professionals. Anna Kutbay is a law student at Georgetown University who was diagnosed with Autism later in life and advocates for women with Autism who often go undiagnosed.

Finally, Dr. Sofia Linsanity and  Anisa Nanavati will take us into winter with their talk on body positivity and emotional freedom. Dr. Sofia DinVanity, a medical doctor and anti-aging specialist, shares her unique perspective on healthcare, gained from her medical training in both Eastern and Western systems. With over 25 years of experience, she is an expert in aesthetic anti-aging and authored the book “Do We Need Botox”, which describes holistic approaches to anti-aging using FDA-cleared medications and machines. On the other hand, Anisa Nanavati, a freshman studying Business and Global Affairs, advocates crying and expressing emotions as a way to cope with life changes. She hopes to inspire others to find strength in vulnerability and challenge internal stigmas about expressing emotions.

Together, these speakers will offer a diverse range of perspectives on the theme of change. Each speaker will present their unique insights into how change affects us, and how we can embrace it. The audience will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, empowered to face the challenges of change head-on.

This year’s event will take place in Gaston Hall, on 04.23.2023 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It is a place where attendees can come together to learn and grow. Georgetown University is excited to host this event and provide a platform for these inspiring speakers to share their stories.

As we move through the seasons of life, we can look forward to embracing the beauty and uncertainty of change, knowing that we have the power to shape our destiny.

To learn more about the conference. Please click here for tickets.

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Here’s a recap from TEDxGeorgetown 2022 conference.

Rewriting the Wrongs of Racial Illusions | Olivia Henry | TEDxGeorgetown

How Did Being Tortured Save My Life? | Omar Alshogre | TEDxGeorgetown

Rooms in the First House | Anna Marie Tendler | TEDxGeorgetown

Tough Enough | Keely O’Keefe | TEDxGeorgetown

The Economics of Quitting | Trip Gorman | TEDxGeorgetown