Ask Rena Pederson how to say hello in Burmese and she can tell you -- Mingalabar!" A world traveler and award-winning writer, Pederson teaches persuasive writing at SMU. She previously worked as a speechwriter and Strategic Communications Advisor at the U.S. Department of State. She also received national recognition as Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News for 16 years. Ms. Pederson was a member of the Pulitzer Prize Board for nine years and is the author of three books; her book "What's Next?" was featured on the Oprah Winfrey television show.

About TEDx:
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)