The at capacity audience at the spring TEDx at West Valley College responded with applause, laughter, and occasional tears, to presentations by eight inspiring speakers whose diverse backgrounds and stories celebrated community, ideas, and innovation.
The TEDx event reflected WVC priorities by creating an innovative space that brought together the community with students, faculty, and campus leaders to explore ideas of community, said event facilitator Joshua Moon-Johnson, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for the college.
“The event was truly a demonstration of West Valley’s connection to the community,” Moon-Johnson added, citing audience members’ eagerness to see the TEDx videos and share them online post-event.
An offshoot of the cultural phenomenon known as TED Talks, TEDx presentations—the x stands for independent—are self-organized gatherings intended to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. Held in the Kvamme Planetarium on March 1, 2025, TEDx at West Valley featured speakers who struck a balance between celebrating college-based talent and innovation with leading Silicon Valley voices. The event was a time to learn from community leaders and college constituents, highlight the WVC Communications Studies program, and raise funds for Communication Studies student scholarships.
Beyond the live event, the TEDx at West Valley College is largely focused on sharing ideas via streaming videos. Since the videos launched, they have received over 110,000 views. Presenters ranged from Cassie Pinkney, a West Valley alumna and Chapman University senior, who discussed “Failing Forward,” to Will Drewery, founder and CEO of a Silicon Valley startup, on “Building the Factories of the Future.” West Valley President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza concluded the event with her discussion of “Black Leaders as Endangered Species.”
Black Leaders as Endangered Species
WVC President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza
Dr. Taylor-Mendoza has over 25 years of experience in both instruction and student services, mainly within the California community colleges. In her roles as a classified professional, tenured faculty leader, director, dean, vice president, and now president, she found inspiration in the endless potential of community college students.
Building the Factories of the Future
Will Drewery, Founder and CEO
Will, an entrepreneur and visionary, is successfully bringing manufacturing and jobs back to the United States to create opportunities for the working class and build vibrant communities—even when most see domestic manufacturing as a losing proposition.
Failing Forward
Cassie Pinkney, West Valley College Alumna
Cassie loves all types of media and has contributed her love of writing and speaking to her university's newspaper, radio station, and honor society. Cassie's talk is inspired by her journey of learning to embrace failure, something she hopes others will take to heart as they pursue their passions.
Additional talks and their presenters were:
Power in Presence: Women Communicating Through Leadership in Sports
Erika Vargas, Dean of Health and Human Development
Erika is a champion waterpolo coach and academic administrator. She is a mentor, visionary leader, and inspiration to athletes, women, and and students. Leading and teaching at the community college level has allowed her to celebrate diversity, embrace change, and work collaboratively with others. She has excellent leadership, communication, organization and interpersonal skills. Watch Now.
Dear Charlie: Lessons for My Son on Becoming a 21st Century Man
Jermay Wallace, Professor and Author
Jeramy is a Professor of English at College of San Mateo (CSM) in San Mateo, CA. He has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as president of the CSM and SMCCCD Academic Senates and as a coordinator for the CSM Umoja Community. Jeramy has written and presented widely on race, educational equity, and social justice in community colleges. Watch Now.
How to Connect with Anyone you Meet
Jared Fujishin, Professor of Communication Studies
Jared is an award-winning lecturer, researcher, and communication consultant helping leaders build meaningful connections through elevated communication skills. Since founding Fujishin Consulting, Jared has worked with numerous clients to enhance their leadership influence and connective communication skills. With years of experience, Fujishin knows what it takes to help leaders increase relational capital and rapport. Watch Now.
Manifesting an Economic Engine for Social Good
Alfredo Mathew III, Educator, Founder and CEO of SPCC One.
An experienced teacher, non-profit leader, and business owner, for the past 25 years Alfredo has worked at the intersection of education, workforce, and entrepreneurship. SPCC ONE is focused on consolidating small businesses to compete against monopolies and access multi-million dollar contracts and growth capital to accelerate the green economy in California and beyond. Watch Now.
Inside Stories: Authentic History for the Next Generation
Rick Cortez, Author and Chicano Visioneer
A Chicano artist with degrees from Santa Clara University and SJSU, Ricardo blends technology, sculpture, and storytelling to honor heritage while shaping the future. As Creative Director at the Miller Center for Global Impact, he applies his artistic vision to drive change. With nearly two decades in public service, he balances creative vision and execution, ensuring community stories aren’t just told but lived. Watch Now.
Visit TEDxWest Valley College on YouTube. Read more details of TEDxWest Valley College talks at TEDx Events.