The event was curated by Dr. Marnel Niles Goins, professor and graduate coordinator in the Department of Communication, and organized by her students.

“I helped with TEDxSacramento for a few years and figured, why not do it on (the Fresno State) campus?” said Niles Goins.

Niles Goins said the entire event was planned and executed by her communication students including choosing the speakers, finding sponsors, creating an easy registration process and inviting audience members.

“I think the students who planned it feel empowered because they were key in the decision making,” said Niles Goins. “I was so confident in their abilities that I was able to sit in the audience on several occasions and watch them work, including introducing speakers.”

The talk began with a video explaining that TEDx events are independently organized and licensed by TED. These local events happen all over the world and are based on the TED conference format.

The first speaker was former Pro BMXer Tony Hoffman of Clovis. Hoffman, who said he has been sober for nearly 12 years, discussed the stigma which many assign to drug addicts — even long after they have overcome their addiction. His first time smoking marijuana, he said, led to his eventual drug addiction, homelessness, prison, and finally redemption.

“The stigma says, drug addicts will never be good enough for employment,” said Hoffman. “I happen to make a doctor’s salary and started four businesses; but today, if I went down to Best Buy and I tried to get a job — guess what? I ain’t getting one because I’d have to check a box that says I’ve been arrested.”

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