Golden Ratio

Ben Ewy

Not only is Ben the VP of Global Product Design for Carhartt, he’s also an alum of both U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the Parsons School of Design. His experience has helped give him a diverse and rich perspective on the art of design. With work from New Era Cap Company to Nautica and teachings on sneaker culture, he has a rich background in shaping industry trends.

Daniel Högsta

Daniel Högsta is an advocate for global disarmament and a University of Michigan Political Science alum. Daniel's leadership in a Nobel Peace Prize-Winning campaign to abolish nuclear weapons is a narrative of hope, advocating for a world where balance and peace prevail over conflict and destruction. 

Robert Mankoff

Robert Mankoff, is the former New Yorker Cartoon Editor and a pioneer in comedic arts. Robert has an exceptional knack for capturing life's complexities with wit and wisdom.  His exploration of AI in comedy is a testament to the evolving nature of humor and creativity, mirroring the Golden Ratio's balance between order and chaos. With a career spanning several decades, Robert has a treasure trove of insights into how humor has transformed and what the future might hold as technology becomes an integral part of our lives. 

Celia Kennan-Bolger

Celia Kennan-Bolger is a Tony Award-winning actress celebrated for her stunning portrayal of Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird" on Broadway. Additionally, she is recognized for her heartfelt performance as Eponine in "Les Misérables." As an esteemed SMTD alum, Celia brings a wealth of theatrical experience and emotional insight to the TEDxUofM stage. Her talk will explore the transformative power of meditating on one's mortality, not as a somber obsession but as a pathway to living a life filled with meaning and fulfillment.

Claire Coates

Claire Coates is an athletic trainer in the University of Michigan's Athletic Department and a School of Kinesiology alum. Claire's talk will be a deep dive into the world of sports medicine, where every recovery story is a testament to human tenacity and the body's amazing capacity to heal and thrive. Claire will share heartfelt stories from the front lines of athletic training, showing the arduous path athletes traverse from injury back to peak performance. 

Noha Beydoun

Noha Beydoun is a lecturer and English instructor at the University of Michigan whose passion for fostering understanding and inclusivity is at the heart of her academic work. Noha's approach to teaching and research is a reflection of the Golden Ratio's principles, striving for balance and beauty through diversity and empathy. 

Richard Lui

Richard Lui is a distinguished MSNBC / NBC News Anchor, filmmaker, and author. As a Ross alum, Richard brings a unique perspective shaped by his multifaceted career and academic journey. His talk will delve into the theme of selflessness in the post-Covid era and the importance of caring for others. Richard's insights stem from his extensive experience in the field of journalism and storytelling, offering a deep understanding of global empathy and community.