Theme: Beyond the Binary

Beyond the Binary: Rethinking Power & Politics

This TEDx event explores how the choices we’re given, politically, socially, culturally, are often framed in narrow binaries: left vs. right, winner vs. loser, work vs. family, tradition vs. change. But real life rarely fits cleanly into either/or categories. "Beyond the Binary" invites speakers from diverse fields to explore how power operates in complex ways—through political systems, personal identities, cultural norms, and everyday decisions. From civic engagement and media narratives to family dynamics and mental health, this event uncovers how breaking out of rigid frameworks can unlock new solutions, deeper empathy, and more inclusive communities. It’s a call to question the boxes we’re placed in and to imagine what’s possible when we go beyond them.

Beyond the Binary
virtual
Binghamton, New York, 13905
United States

HARI PRASAD RENGANATHAN

Data Scientist, entrepreneur, and educator

Hari Prasad Renganathan is a Data Scientist, entrepreneur, and educator passionate about helping people turn ideas into real products. He has built AI-driven solutions for sales, marketing, and finance teams, and co-founded startups that reached over 15,000 users. Hari is also the founder of MyRealProduct and JotterWolf, where he guides aspiring engineers and job seekers to build, launch, and showcase impactful projects. His content on AI, careers, and product-building has reached over 10 million people worldwide. Featured in Columbia Startups, Times Square, NBC, ABC, and AP News for his work in AI education & innovation, Hari combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking to inspire others to create value beyond the binary.

JIM COLEMAN

Kentucky USDA Certified Organic Farmer, Author, Former Fortune 500 Executive, Economic Developer, Investor and Philanthropist

JIM COLEMAN, President & CEO Coleman Crest Farm. Jim Coleman has worked with notable companies such as Oscar Mayer, Pepsi Co, Altria Corporation, American Express, entrepreneurial ventures, and several government and quasi-government entities. Jim was raised on his family’s farm, Coleman Crest, which was originally purchased by his great grandfather, a former slave. Today, Jim is the proud owner of Coleman Crest Farm. Jim restored Coleman Crest Farm into a hyper growth farming enterprise. Coleman Crest Farm is an Official Certified Organic Farming Operation, making Coleman Crest Farm the only African American Owned Farm in the state of Kentucky to be Certified Organic. In 2021, Jim established the “Cathy and Jim Coleman Scholarship Endowment Fund”. The fund is 100% dedicated to providing scholarships for minority students in the University of Kentucky’s College of Agricultural and for students at Howard University

JUAN VIDES

Founder & CEO of TECHACS Corp.

JUAN VIDES: Founder & CEO of TECHACS Corp. From fleeing the civil war in El Salvador as a child, to building a thriving career in the US, Juan Vides embodies the American Dream. Juan’s journey began in the retail sector before following his passion for technology. He earned a Bachelor’s in Computer Programming and System Information from Farmingdale State University. He later went for an MBA in Business Management at Stony Brook University, which cemented his expertise in business strategy. His career took a pivotal turn when a personal incident—a stolen wallet—sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of his first website. This moment was the foundation for TECHACS Corp, Juan’s community impact is profound. As the visionary behind Winning on Wednesday (WoW), he has connected thousands of businesses through networking, fostering partnerships and growth. His commitment extends to serving on boards and supporting nonprofits with pro bono web services.

MICHAEL FRITSCH

Consultant: PMO and Project Management | Sales | Operations | Training | Smartsheet Solutions I Semiconductor | Renewables | Manufacturing | Field Service | PMP | MBA | West Point Grad | Army Vet |

Michael Fritsch, MBA, PMP, is a global operations expert, technology consultant, and founder of Confoe, SavvyCOO, and SavvyPMO—three consulting brands that help companies grow with clarity and control. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, CIO, Inc., Renewable Energy World, Univision, and NTD Television. In his TEDx talk, “Beyond the Binary: Rigor AND Innovation,” he challenges the false choice between structure and creativity—and shows how leaders can unlock transformational results by designing systems that make room for both.