TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures

Tami Pyfer works to strengthen democracy by transforming how people communicate across differences.

After a career in public service, she co-created the Dignity Index, a framework for understanding how language shapes conflict and connection.

She teaches individuals and organizations how to replace contempt with dignity, helping reduce division and build more constructive civic dialogue... Read More →

Terrill “Terry” Bouricius is a political theorist and former elected official known for his work on sortition, the use of random selection to create representative democratic bodies. A self-described “recovering politician,” he served in local and state government before focusing... Read More →

Xochitl Gonzalez is a bestselling novelist and Pulitzer Prize finalist whose work explores social class, culture and economic mobility in America. Writing across journalism, fiction and commentary, she examines the lived experience of navigating systems shaped by inequality.

Drawing on her own journey from working-class roots to business ownership and literary acclaim, her work offers insight into the cultural divides shaping American life... Read More →

Shamichael Hallman is a civic innovator, author and public speaker focused on how shared spaces like libraries strengthen democracy and community life.

As senior director of civic health and economic opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council, he advances libraries as essential... Read More →

Jeffrey Maurer is an entrepreneur whose work spans defense, technology, transportation and nonprofit innovation. He has led and co-founded ventures in cleantech and virtual reality, with a focus on building systems that adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Based in Indiana, his work is driven by a commitment to preparing future generations to think independently and thrive in a more peaceful, resilient society... Read More →

Paul J. Mrstik is an applied linguist, educator and curriculum designer reimagining how people learn languages in a digital world.

As the founder of PolyGlottal Stop, he develops accessible, human-centered learning systems that integrate technology, media and pedagogy.

His work explores how language learning shapes identity, agency and belonging, with a focus on inclusive and adaptive educational design... Read More →

Katie Paris is the founder of Red Wine & Blue, a national network mobilizing suburban women to take action on issues shaping their communities. What began as a small, home-based effort has grown into a movement spanning all 50 states.

Through friend-to-friend organizing, her work has helped increase civic participation, influence local elections and push back on policies like book bans. Paris previously spent two decades in national politics and advocacy... Read More →

Danielle Roberts is a workplace wellness advocate, keynote speaker and certified coach who challenges conventional ideas of success and helps people and organizations move beyond hustle culture.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience in career development, she explores how... Read More →