ABOUT

Chelsea deserves an ideas stage.

Chelsea's first citywide TEDx stage — for discovering, developing, and amplifying local ideas worth spreading.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Chelsea is one of Massachusetts' most diverse, resilient, and innovative communities — yet it's too often defined by its challenges rather than its ideas, talent, and leadership.

We're building a platform where local voices shape conversation, spark action, and connect people across sectors.

WHY TEDx

TEDx events are independently organized, locally rooted experiences created under license from TED. They bring people together to share ideas and spark conversation within a community.

THE THEME

Pa’lante.

Moving forward. Courage. Hope. Building what comes next — together. The Chelsea Way.

FOUNDER

JAKE Small.

Close-up of a man with gorgeous deep brown skin, dark curly hair, hazel eyes, and a beard, wearing a black jacket and a dark gray hoodie, with a name tag that reads 'For Every Black Boy'.
Close-up of a man with gorgeous deep brown skin, dark curly hair, hazel eyes, and a beard, wearing a black jacket and a dark gray hoodie, with a name tag that reads 'For Every Black Boy'.

JAKE Small is the founder and head organizer of TEDxBellingham Square. A TEDx speaker, educator, author, and elected Chelsea School Committee member. His work centers education justice, identity, leadership, and storytelling — building platforms that help people recognize the value of their own voices.

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TEAM

The people building the stage.

A smiling young man wearing sunglasses on his head, sitting outdoors in a park with green trees in the background. He is wearing a black T-shirt with white and red text.
A smiling young man wearing sunglasses on his head, sitting outdoors in a park with green trees in the background. He is wearing a black T-shirt with white and red text.

JAKE Small »
Founder & Head Organizer

TEDxRoxbury speaker, author, educator, and civic leader. His work focuses on education justice, identity, leadership and storytelling.

Young woman smiling, wearing large tortoiseshell glasses, earrings, a small nose ring, and a black TEDxBellingham Square shirt, standing against a red brick wall.
Young woman smiling, wearing large tortoiseshell glasses, earrings, a small nose ring, and a black TEDxBellingham Square shirt, standing against a red brick wall.

Nia Harmon »
Creative Media Intern, Photography

Graduate of Emerson College (class of 2026) with a degree in Journalism & Media Studies.

A woman with dark hair pulled back, smiling, wearing a black TEDx Bellingham Square t-shirt, layered necklaces, and earrings, standing in front of a brick wall.
A woman with dark hair pulled back, smiling, wearing a black TEDx Bellingham Square t-shirt, layered necklaces, and earrings, standing in front of a brick wall.

Yareliz Gonzalez Falcon »
Creative Media Intern, Social Media

Student at Simmons University studying Political Science and Journalism. Graduate of Chelsea Public Schools ‘24.

Woman with short, grey hair and glasses standing outdoors with a neutral expression, wearing a purple shirt.
Woman with short, grey hair and glasses standing outdoors with a neutral expression, wearing a purple shirt.

Molly Baldwin »
Strategic Advisor

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roca since 1988. TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue speaker and community leader.

Jose Abreu »
Strategic Advisor

Relationship Manager and AVP within the Equity Alliance for Business program at Eastern Bank.

Join the Volunteer Team

… and 30+ volunteers