A Boston College graduate and Chicago native and resident, Saya Hillman has cobbled together a career of hanging out in coffeehouses with passionate people, playing board games with strangers on her couch, and performing "badly" (dance, improv, stepping, etc.) in front of sold-out theaters of 700+. Via her company Mac 'n Cheese Productions, she helps others live a Life of Yes! and has discovered how to turn her love of creating community, challenging herself and those around her, and enjoying life to its fullest into her "job." She was one of Brazen Careerist's Top Twenty Young Professionals to Watch in 2012. Speaking in front of others terrifies her, which is why she continues to do it. @sayahillman

Website: macncheeseproductions.com


In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)