TEDxUStreetSalon presents The Peoples Choice Talent Showcase

Join us on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at UDC Heritage Hall for the TEDxUStreetSalon People’s Choice Talent Showcase. This dynamic program is part of our pre-conference activities leading into the annual TEDxUStreetWomen main event.

At this showcase, contestants will deliver bold, three-minute pitches of their ideas worth spreading. The audience will vote to determine the top five contestants with the most votes, who will then advance to compete against the top five winners from our August showcase.

In February 2026, all ten contestants will go head-to-head for a chance to win the ultimate prize: a guaranteed spot as the next TEDxUStreetWomen speaker at our 2026 main event.

We are honored to welcome Kelsye Adams, a visionary leader at the intersection of culture, activism, and democracy. Kelsye is the Director of DC Vote, co-founder of Free DC, and Executive Director of Long Live GoGo, where she has mobilized communities through music, advocacy, and cultural organizing. Named to the DMV 35 Under 35 list and a Black Justice Fellow, she has shaped civic power in DC through grassroots movements, artistic expression, and political education.

Kelsye will open the event with a discussion on our theme: “Remember. Reclaim. Rise. – Strength is in Community,” sharing insights from her own work at the crossroads of culture and social change.

· Live contestant pitches (3 minutes each)

· Audience voting to select the top five contestants who advance to the February finals

· Guest speaker Kelsye Adams opening the event with an inspiring conversation on community and resilience

· Networking with speakers, partners, and changemakers

· A behind-the-scenes look at the TEDx curation process and what it takes to craft an idea worth spreading

· Friends, family, and supporters of the contestants

· Community members passionate about bold ideas and change-making

· Entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and advocates who want to see ideas in action

· Anyone curious about the TEDx process and eager to help shape the next TEDxUStreetWomen speaker

University of the District of Columbia (UDC) – Heritage Hall
4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(Conveniently accessible by Metro and rideshare options.)

All in-person attendees will participate in the live People’s Choice vote using a secure process. Each attendee receives one vote, and the results will be certified on site before the top five contestants are announced.

Seating is limited, and advance registration is strongly recommended.

Date: November 1, 2025
Location:The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Heritage Hall - 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008

Time: 2:00pm - 6:00pm (Registration opens at 2:00pm)

Food & Networking Begins: 3:00pm

Accessibility

UDC Heritage Hall is fully accessible.

TEDxUStreetWomen is an independently organized TEDx program based in Washington, DC, dedicated to amplifying bold ideas that spark dialogue, empower communities, and inspire meaningful change.

This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.

See you there!

Info: Registration opens.

Info: Networking! Networking! Networking! Speakers will convince the audience that they deserve to be the next TEDxUStreetWomen speaker.

Info: Special Guest Kelsye Adams

Info: Listen to the speaker's pitch.

Info: Curation team will tally the votes and announce the top five winner.

Info: TEDxUStreetSalon welcomes attendees and speakers to the Talent Showcase.

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Host or Publisher Kim Webster