Who's ready to engineer a world that works for all?
Talk given at TEDxChicago 2024
Chicago, September 27th, 2024
Vanessa Harris, PE
Art Engineer
About the Talk
What would the world be like if the disability community designed it?" With this provocative question, Vanessa Harris opens a groundbreaking exploration of universal access. Drawing from her unique perspective as both a licensed engineer and former asylum patient, Harris unveils how businesses are missing out on the world's largest minority market. Through her work producing the Accessible Chicago series, she showcases how thoughtful design and simple accommodations can transform both profits and lives. Harris presents a compelling case for disability-led innovation, demonstrating that true inclusion isn't just about compliance—it's about unleashing untapped potential.
Source: TEDxChicago
“A quote from the speaker providing testimonial to the coaching experience”
About Vanessa
Vanessa Harris, PE, is a licensed civil engineer, problem-solver and artist with multiple disabilities. Amid a 46-year engineering career, she took a documentary class at Hyde Park Art Center that changed the trajectory of her life and led her to establish Strategy for Access. This organization has produced more than 180 videos celebrating and informing Chicago’s vast disability community of their right to access.
Her most recent project was the production of 16 short subjects in a series called Accessible Chicago, which she created to help Chicago become internationally recognized as a disability-friendly city. She covers each subject clearly with her unique sense of humor, helping to empower those with disabilities and giving them a platform to share their experiences, wisdom, and perspectives. Crain’s Chicago Business has recognized Vanessa as a Notable Black Leader and Executive and she is on the grantmaking panels for Illinois Humanities and the Resist Foundation. And in 2023, The Field Foundation, in partnership with The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, gave Vanessa Harris the Leaders for a New Chicago award.
Source: TEDxChicago
TEDxChicago 2024
TEDxChicago is Chicago’s biggest stage for ideas + connection at the convergence of our culture, innovation, and democracy. Rooted in the vibrant and dynamic city of Chicago, a hub of innovation, culture, and resilience, TEDxChicago celebrates the city’s unique spirit and its history of fostering groundbreaking ideas and movements. Our event serves as a beacon of hope and progress, reflecting Chicago's legacy as a place where visionaries and change-makers converge to make a difference. As we gather in this great city, we honor those who are Lighting the Way toward a brighter tomorrow, both on the stage and among all of you. Join us at TEDxChicago 2024: Lighting the Way in this extraordinary journey of discovery, where the power of ideas will illuminate our path and inspire us all to become leaders in our own right.
Source: TEDxChicago
Coach’s Reflections
Lorem Ipsum - a reflection on the talk process, what worked well for him, etc.
Dustin Huibregtse
Founding Principal
Talks & Speaker Coach
