TEDxThe College of the Florida Keys is currently seeking passionate individuals to present thought-provoking talks at the inaugural event on August 23, 2025 at The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) in the Tennessee Williams Theater on the Key West Campus.

The theme, "Paradise Within: Unlocking Human Potential," explores the power of internal paradise, emphasizing that individuals have the ability to transform the trajectory of their lives by cultivating confidence and happiness from within.

“We are looking for diverse voices with compelling stories and perspectives that align with our theme of ‘Paradise Within,’” said Dr. Monekka Munroe, CFK Vice President of Academic Affair and TEDxThe College of the Florida Keys Organizer. “Whether you are an expert in your field, a community leader, an innovator, or simply someone with a unique perspective to share, we encourage you to submit a speaker proposal.”

Prospective speakers have until March 1 to submit applications online at CFK.edu/TEDxCFK. All talks will be recorded in front of a live audience and shared online with the TEDx global community. Limited tickets to experience TEDxThe College of the Florida Keys live will be available for sale later this spring. Visit the website or the Facebook page at facebook.com/TEDxTheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys25 for more information about the event as it becomes available.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED

TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.

Follow TED on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.