March_CollegeNews_25

8 | March | College News College of Fine Arts and Communication | 9 • Dr. Aitiana Sanchez-Garciaguirre is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas State University. Her research interests focus on resilience, mental health, and alcohol use, particularly among Hispanic college students. She is passionate about investigating the role of Mi- nority Stress Theory in understand- ing how marginalized students navigate psychological stress and adversity in higher education settings. Her work aims to design and evalu- ate interventions, such as 'Transforming Lives Through Resilience Education,' to bolster resilience and mental well-being in this population. Dr. Sanchez-Garciagu- irre’s primary population of interest is Hispanic college students, and her research seeks to examine resilience interventions for diverse populations impacted by stress, mental illness, and addiction. She is also involved in de- veloping tailored interventions for students experiencing mental illness or distress. Dr. Sanchez-Garciaguirre’s talk focused on how resilience can be cultivated, passed down, and strengthened across generations.  • Dr. Omar Lopez , a professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies, is a STEM Higher Education Reformer. A proud native of south Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, his passion lies in using transdisciplinary methodologies to solve some of the thorniest problems confronting society's most vulnera- ble populations. His recent research examines the nex- us between higher education preparation and STEM workforce readiness. Dr. Lopez’s talk highlighted how higher education can overcome inequalities in the STEM workforce by ensuring that students graduate with the essential competencies required to compete in the global labor market.  • Dr. Judy Oskam has served as director of the School of Journalism and Mass Com- munication at Texas State University since 2012. She is also an Honorary Professor of International Studies. Oskam was associate professor and as- sociate director for Round Rock Programs from 2006-2012. Ear- lier in her career, Oskam worked as a TV journalist, video producer and public relations professional. Her podcast, Stories of Change and Creativity , features content and interviews that inspire, educate and motivate. Through personal examples and examples from faculty and former students, Dr. Oskam discussed how experiences inside and outside of the classroom can provide us with tools and strategies to "figure it out along the way" when we stop limiting our beliefs and take action. View Dr. Judy Oskam's Tedx talk here. • Dr. Zach Thomas , a school improvement teacher and educator, completed his doctorate at Texas State Univer- sity in the School Improvement Program in 2023. His research focuses on creativity and imagination’s value in traditional school systems, and how divergent thinking can transform learning. Dr. Thomas’ talk focused on how using creativity and imagination in education allows stu- dents and teachers to cultivate learning environments and outcomes far beyond the confines of current standardized systems. The event also included audience activations, snacks during breaks, and entertainment by Texas State students and local artists. This year’s performers included:  • VocaLibre , an auditioned choral group directed by Craig Aamot , who prepared and performed songs related to our theme, including Stevie Wonder’s "Higher Ground" and "Pure Imagination" from the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory . • Young, Gifted, and Black , a group of talented young black artists in the Musical Theatre Department at Texas State University showcased powerful musical numbers and dance pieces. • Doral Drama Club , a gifted group of children from the Doral Academy Charter School’s drama club performed a comedy scene about a magical candy jar. • DJ Dion and In2itive , former Texas State students and all around good guys spent time spinning records during the event’s registration and intermission. • The Trips , a rock band comprised of triplets, Sammy, Marshall, and McKenna Wells out of San Marcos, rocked the house with three original songs off of their debut album. • TXST FSA Umigi , an open-level dance team and part of Texas State University Filipino Student Association danced various styles of hip-hop, embodying the essence of growth and improvement. Emcees for the event were: Gabe Cortez  is an alumnus and current graduate student in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State. He has been performing stand-up since 2017 with the Texas State Comedy Association. He created a monthly showcase at the Fallout Theater and has hosted the Laughing Dead Comedy Open Mic at Wake the Dead Coffee House for the last two years. Tyson Taylor  is a senior at Texas State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Media Innovation. For the past two years, Tyson has been a member of KTSW-FM 89.9, Texas State’s student-run radio station, where he has broadcast, reported, and produced various collegiate sporting events. In addition to his work at KTSW, Tyson serves as a marketing intern with Texas State’s Division of Marketing and Communications. He is expected to graduate in May. The TEDx Leadership Team: Dr. Alan Grant - Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Communication Studies, serves as Event Co- Lead and Director of Speaker Experience. Mark Paz - Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Depart- ment of Communication Studies serves as Event Co-Lead and Creative Director. Hannah Collazo - Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Communication Studies serves as the Director of Speaker Experience. Dr. Kristen Farris - Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies serves as the TEDx License Holder. Dr. Prisca Ngondo - Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication serves as the Commu- nications Director. Caroline Williams - Graduate Instructional Assistant in the Department of Communication Studies serves as Logistics Lead and Graduate Intern. Jordan Garner - Graduate Instructional Assistant in the Department of Communication Studies serves on the Com- munications Team and as Graduate Intern. Felicity Guajardo , Salia Munoz , and Bianca Perschbach serve as undergraduate social media and marketing interns. Felicity Guajardo also served as a photographer for the event. Speaker Coaches • Dr. Ann Burnette - Professor in the Department of Communication Studies • Mark Paz - Assistant Professor of Instruction in the De- partment of Communication Studies • Dr. Alan Grant – Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Communication Studies • Rita Gomez - Lecturer in the Department of Communi- cation Studies • Hannah Collazo - Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Communication Studies Student Interns + Volunteers • Josh Trevino , an undergraduate student, served as the show caller and helped supervise and support the stage managers ( KayCi Wolf and Marwa Habibi ). The show would not run without the awesome students. • Azariah Reese , graduate student in the School of Music, served as a photographer for the event.  • We also had approximately 15 other graduate and un- dergraduate students who served as volunteers for dress rehearsal and the day-of the event. The event's success would not be possible without these students. We also could NOT have a successful event without the amazing help of the operations staff!  Operations Staff • Candice Mongellow - Operations Manager of the Per- forming Arts Center • Robert Styres - Box Office Manager • Eaton Saylor - Lighting Supervisor + Audio Engineer of the Performing Arts Center • Angelica Medellin Vasquez – Undergraduate Music Major and Operations Support for the Performing Arts Center Finally, the TEDx Team would like to thank the LBJ Museum of San Marcos for setting up a table during registration and the break to display a “traveling trunk” of historical items from President Lyndon B. Johnson . The museum was also the site of the Speaker and VIP afterparty. We would also like to thank the Department of Communication Studies and the College of Fine Arts and Communication for all the support they provide for this event.