Join us for an illuminating journey into the dynamic world of storytelling and discovery at TEDxClinton Central School: Beyond the Lens. This event explored how our views of the world—shaped by the lenses we use, both literal and metaphorical—define our experiences, challenge our assumptions, and open doors to new possibilities.

From the clarity of a camera lens to the personal lens of lived experience, our speakers will dive into the power of seeing beyond the surface. Speakers uncovered how stepping outside our frames of reference can inspire creativity, build connection, and reveal truths we might otherwise miss.

Discover how shifting focus, changing angles, and embracing unseen narratives can bridge divides, foster understanding, and empower us to envision a brighter future. Through thought-provoking talks and engaging ideas, our speakers will challenge you to examine not just what you see, but how you see it.

Whether you’re a creator, a thinker, or someone searching for a fresh perspective, TEDx: Beyond the Lens offers an extraordinary opportunity to reframe your understanding of the world. Join us as we celebrate the stories, perspectives, and possibilities that emerge when we dare to look beyond the lens.

Megan Barnes

Megan Barnes never expected to go viral when she started cleaning headstones in Central New York’s cemeteries, but her passion for preservation has now introduced millions of people to the forgotten histories of surrounding tiny towns. An Earth Science teacher at Madison Central School, Megan began documenting her work—restoring graves and uncovering the stories behind them—on TikTok. What started as a small project quickly gained traction, with her most-watched video surpassing 20 million views.

Using meticulous research and careful restoration techniques, Megan has revitalized nearly 100 headstones, ensuring that the early settlers and everyday people who shaped her community are not lost to time. Her work not only honors the past but also sparks conversations about history, memory, and the way we care for those who came before us.

At TEDxClinton Central School, Megan will share why preserving these sites matters and bring to life the story of someone from the 1800s with deep ties to the Clinton area.

Christopher D. Connors

Christopher D. Connors is a keynote speaker, executive coach and bestselling author of three books on leadership and personal development: The Champion Leader, Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader and The Value of You. He is the creator of the LinkedIn Learning course, Leading with Emotional Intelligence, one of the top leadership courses on the site. Christopher helps leaders, managers, professionals and students increase their emotional intelligence, prioritize results and build thriving organizations. He works with Fortune 500 companies such as Northrop Grumman, McKesson and Apple, and he’s worked with schools such as: St. Paul's School, Porter-Gaud, Bullis, Cannon School and Hargrave Military Academy. His writing has appeared in World Economic Forum, CNBC, Thrive Global and many educational publications.

Book Authority ranks Christopher’s book, Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader, #1 on its list of "The Best Emotional Intelligence Books of All Time." Christopher holds a bachelor's degree from Hobart College and a master's degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife are the proud parents of three rambunctious, sports-loving boys. He lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Visit him at: chrisdconnors.com.

Blake Pflanz

Blake Pflanz is a 12-year-old student at Clinton Middle School who loves football, track, and cross-country. When he isn’t helping out or having fun, he can be found having fun with his brother or trying to help out around the house.

Blake was inspired to give a TEDx Talk because he wants to help others feel seen.

Angelo Gaetano

Angelo Gaetano is a 13-year-old student at Clinton Middle School who loves chess, nature, animals, art, and being funny. When he isn't outside, he can be found reading or playing chess.

Angelo was inspired to give a TED Talk because he believes that comics are important to education. His talk, titled “Comics Made Me a Reader (and I’m Not Sorry)”, explores the importance of reading and discovering comics for what they are.

Beatrice Kelly

Beatrice Kelly is a 13-year-old student at Clinton Middle School who enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music. When she isn’t reading, she can be found writing and listening to music.

Beatrice was inspired to give a TED Talk because she thinks banning books is wrong. As it tells others that their stories aren’t important, she believes her story and ideas can help others. Her talk, titled “When They Erase Books, They Erase People Too”, explores how book banning is wrong because it tells others that their stories do not deserve to be heard.

Maria Maier

Maria Maier embodies resilience and determination. Born in Russia, she learned the value of hard work from her parents during challenging times. Starting her career in city government, Maria led housing initiatives that helped families afford homes. After immigrating to the U.S., she spent over a decade in education before founding her company, Step Up & Thrive.

Now a dynamic coach and trainer, Maria equips leaders, teams, and organizations to grow and succeed. She has trained with world-renowned experts like leadership guru John Maxwell, business coach Paul Martinelli, and influence pioneer Dr. Robert Cialdini. Maria’s passion lies in helping people believe in themselves, set bold goals, and take action.

As President of the CNY BizTalkers Club and a leader in the Mohawk Valley Businesswomen Network, Maria champions the idea that leadership is a mindset, not a title. She empowers audiences to build confidence, communicate effectively, and lead with purpose to create lasting change.

Living in Central New York with her husband, four children, and dog, Liza, Maria inspires students and parents alike to turn challenges into opportunities.

Brynn McKeone

Brynn is the founder/owner of Source Sound Healing and a native to Central N.Y., currently located in the New Hartford and Clinton area. Her interests as she grew into adulthood always include wellness. Balance of the mind, body, and spirit were often what drove her passions and hobbies. She discovered the healing powers of sound through her own healing journey years ago. Personally transformed by the application and use of healing frequencies, she started on a path to further study the science and knowledge behind what sound healing truly is. She received her sound healing training through The School of Sound under the mentorship of Simone Vitale, while also gaining her certification in Crystal Singing Bowl Healing through Life Changing Energy under the instruction of Vickie Gould. A sudden shift in life allowed her to take a leap of faith and pursue her passion of helping others heal from past trauma and simply life itself. She truly believes that in order to heal the world we must first heal ourselves.

Susanna Noh

Susanna Noh is a 13-year-old student from Clinton Middle School who enjoys reading, doing sports, arts, and listening to music. As she grows older, she wishes to be a judge who will do great things and protect the law and people. She takes her education seriously and always tries her best to accomplish her goals. She has always been fond of science fairs and sports, seeing what people can come up with or informing other people about relevant knowledge or seeing people do incredible athletic moves.

Brandon Williamson

Brandon Williamson is a Storyteller, Creativity Consultant, Innovation Specialist, and founder of the internationally recognized Pure Ink Poetry organization in Buffalo, NY. With experience serving as a school administrator, college admissions counselor, high school teacher, college advisor, minister, poet, actor, musician, author, athlete, producer, community activist, professional wrestler, and innovator, Brandon has a great understanding of the complexities of perspective in the world of business. He is passionate about the study of creativity and its necessity for businesses and educational institutions to sustain and thrive in the constantly changing world we live in. He is the recipient of an Excellence in Education nomination as a School Administrator, and he is a recipient of the Buffalo Business First’s 40 under 40 award. If you’re ready for a great time of storytelling, performance, and play with a purpose, then come and join the poetry experience that is Brandon Williamson.