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TEDxWilmette 2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wilmette Recreation Center Auditorium
3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette, IL

On September 26, 2026, TEDxWilmette will bring together six brilliant minds to share their groundbreaking ideas centered around the theme: Especially Now

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Featured Speakers:

  • Allison McEntee - Founder, Kenilworth Cookbook Club

  • Arit Nsemo - Founder, Arit Nsemo Works; Bookseller

  • Karen S. Wells - COO, Make-A-Wish America

  • Mary McLaughlin - Co-Founder, Trees That Feed Foundation

  • Michelle Buck - Professor, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University

  • Dr. Pat E. Perkins - Certified Leadership Strategist and AI Consultant

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These six speakers will share ideas that explore what it means to innovate, inspire, and create meaningful change—Especially Now.

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Allison McEntee

Mind The Community Gaps

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Arit Nsemo

What We Lose When Everything Is Optimized

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Karen S. Wells

Grief Is Breaking Your Brain.  Grit Rewires It

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Mary McLaughlin

The Giving Tree: Planting Hope, Growing Dignity

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Michelle Buck

The Dance of Disagreement: Why Great Leaders Invite Pushback

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Dr. Pat E. Perkins

From Invisible to Indispensable: The Secret to Career Advancement

Discover more about these remarkable women by visiting our Speakers Page.

​Join Us!  There are many ways you can get involved ​
Watch the talks
  • Youtube

Inspired minds await — watch the newest TEDxWilmette talk or explore the full collection.

Want to learn more about how TEDxWilmette partners with our community? 

Watch our latest partner video featuring one of our generous sponsors.

©2026 by TEDxWilmette

This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.  Get more information about TEDx program.

 

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxWilmette, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxWilmette event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

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