TEDx at Western Iowa Tech

Thursday, April 10, 2025
11am - 1pm, Rocklin Conference Center
Open to all students, employees, and Lifelong Learning members
Bring your Western Iowa Tech ID / Lifelong Learning members RSVP with Sue Owens
No charge, free admission

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

Invisible Signatures

Our lives are a record of our experiences and choices, but the influence of others may have more impact than we realize. Join us to hear five impactful speeches focusing on those who co-sign our lives in ways we often overlook.

Speakers

Monica Good Dawn
"Seven Generations"

Monica Good Dawn is a storyteller, educator, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of the HoChunk people. Raised in Sioux City, IA (24 minutes from the Winnebago Reservation), she grew up immersed in the oral histories, ceremonies, and values that have been passed down for generations.

As an Indigenous Advocate, she has made it her mission to challenge stereotypes, reclaim narratives, and ensure that Indigenous stories are told by Indigenous voices. Her work has been featured in the Indigified Podcast and Iowa Public Radio.

At TEDxWITCC 2025, Monica will take the audience on a journey through the power of storytelling, demonstrating how the past can guide us toward a more connected and understanding future.

Kevin Erickson
"The Cost of Moving Forward: What We Leave Behind"

Kevin Erickson is the owner of A & K Consulting, an adjunct instructor, and an Iowa Law Enforcement Instructor at the Regional Academy at Western Iowa Tech Community College. With over 16 years of combined experience in law enforcement and military service, Kevin now focuses on providing expert consultation, training, and support to businesses and first responder agencies. His mission is to raise awareness about mental health, resiliency, and safety in the workplace, helping organizations create healthier, more supportive environments.

Kevin’s journey began in 2005 when he joined the United States Army’s Military Police Corps. During his military career, he took on high-responsibility roles, including impaired driving enforcement, executive protection, and team leadership. After serving as a Team Leader in Afghanistan, Kevin transitioned into executive protection, where he led numerous missions worldwide. This foundation set the stage for his move into civilian law enforcement, where he honed his skills in traffic accident reconstruction, peer support, mental health instruction, and hostage/crisis negotiation.

Today, Kevin applies his extensive experience to help individuals and organizations navigate complex, high-pressure situations. His program, A Guide to Survive for First Responders™, has reached first responders and their families across the nation, focusing on mental health, trauma recovery, and resilience. With a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, Kevin brings both academic expertise and real-world experience to his work.

As a consultant and instructor, Kevin has developed and implemented impactful training programs across military, civilian, and academic sectors. His peer support training initiatives have equipped organizations to create supportive environments tailored to their unique needs. Kevin’s strong leadership, communication skills, and commitment to mental wellness continue to inspire others, helping them overcome challenges and thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

Jennifer McCune
"The Transformative Power of Empathy"

Jennifer McCune is a CPA and college accounting instructor who brings real-world experience and innovative approaches to the classroom, empowering diverse learners to succeed. She is also the architect of Comet CLASS, an innovative leadership initiative designed to align with the college’s mission of fostering inclusive and transformative education. The program has become a cornerstone for student engagement and success, creating belonging, advocacy, and personal growth for countless students.

As the spouse of a first responder and mother of four, Jennifer draws inspiration from her family’s values of service, resilience, and connection, which guide her work as an educator and mentor. Her advocacy includes championing Count the Kicks, a program dedicated to empowering expectant mothers with tools to monitor their babies’ health and prevent stillbirths. She is inspired by how the program transforms loss and pain into purpose, raising awareness and saving lives.

An award-winning educator, Jennifer believes in the power of connection, advocacy, and education to transform lives and build a better world, one meaningful relationship at a time.

Merhawi Andy
"The Journey That Made Me"

Merhawi Andy is an accounting student at Western Iowa Tech Community College, where he is actively involved in leadership and business initiatives. As the president of the Accounting and Business Club and a member of Comet CLASS-a leadership program dedicated to amplifying student voices-he is committed to personal and professional growth.

Originally from a small village in Eritrea, Merhawi’s passion for leadership and entrepreneurship is deeply influenced by his father, Tukue, and his older brother, Tesfai. After completing his studies at WIT, he plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska Omaha to pursue his goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. With a strong drive for success, he aspires to use his accounting expertise to one day start and grow his own business.

Naimah Saadiq
"Don't Miss Out on Becoming Who You Really Are"

Naimah Saadiq is an Instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. She received her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies/Criminology from Iowa State University and her Masters of Public Safety Leadership Administration from Arizona State University. Before joining ILEA she was a Senior EEO Consultant/Civil Rights Investigator for the Office of Equity and Inclusion at Arizona State University (ASU). She was also the Police Personnel Recruiter for the ASU Police Department. Prior to relocating to Arizona, she served as a Police Officer for the Ames Police Department, where she was also a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team as well as a crisis/hostage negotiator for the Emergency Response Team.

 

This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.