TEDx Syracuse University Event to Explore What’s Next
Two Syracuse University students are bringing TEDx back to campus Thursday with a question they want the entire community to wrestle with: What matters next?
, a community-organized offshoot of the popular series, will challenge and inspire attendees to think beyond the present about the research, innovation and technology that will shape our collective futures.
The lineup spans journalism, education, generative AI, mental health and digital storytelling, with speakers tackling everything from what urban classrooms can teach us to the power of true stories and the burdens we carry in silence.
“The tools are in our hands. We are the architects of tomorrow. We are the ones who are going to determine what matters next by what we give our attention to,” says Ryan Nkongnyu ’25, G’26.
Eight speakers, including University students, faculty and alumni, will share their insights into how research, innovation, technology and a creative mindset will shape the future and, hopefully, inspire attendees to “explore the things that matter as we shape our tomorrow,” says Nkongnyu, who earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and rhetorical studies from the and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in television, radio and film from the .
Nkongnyu and Sonia Issa ’24, G’25 are the event co-organizers and emcees who lined up the speakers.
“People are searching for direction, clarity and purpose,” says Issa, who earned an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the . “This is a moment to learn from one another and leave with new ideas that help guide the next chapter of our collective journey.”
This year’s is Thursday, April 16, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building. The free event is open to students, faculty, alumni and members of the community and is co-sponsored by and the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation.
Nkongnyu and Issa sat down with SU Today to preview the event and share what attendees can expect.
Sonia Issa: The community that will be cultivated in this space. There is something special about bringing people together around ideas, around curiosity and around a shared willingness to think about what matters next. This event creates a moment for thought leadership, but also for connection, reflection and imagination.
Ryan Nkongnyu: I’m looking forward to our eight speakers and the topics they’ll be covering connecting to our theme of what matters next. They will give their insights and perspectives about what matters next for all of us.
Nkongnyu: To allow people to take the stage and share their story and find a way to connect with other people. In a time when the decisions that are being made can make us feel isolated, the best way to fight that is through storytelling. In our stories, we find all the ways that we are more alike than we are different.
Issa: To create a meaningful platform for the individuals who share their voices and ideas with us and to give them the visibility they deserve. We want to celebrate their work, amplify their perspectives and create an environment where their stories can resonate with a wide audience.
Issa: An experience that feels energizing, thoughtful and deeply engaging. What I hope attendees take away is a sense of possibility. I want them to leave feeling inspired to ask bigger questions, to think differently about their role in shaping the future and to carry at least one idea with them that stays in their mind long after the event ends.
Nkongnyu: A lot of action and advocacy. The topics should lead to plenty of conversation and should help people cultivate and find their communities. We want them to take action on these topics and not let the conversation end with this event.
