New recognition program spotlights alumni achievements across industries; first class selected from more than 600 nominations

University of Phoenix is proud to sponsor the Charlotte Alumni Chapter launch of TEDxMallardCreek with the event, “Threads That Shape Tomorrow,” focused on building community, being held Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Charlotte, NC. The University of Phoenix Charlotte Alumni Chapter stands at the heart of TEDxMallardCreek, with every part of the journey led by Chapter leadership, including License Holder and Lead Curator Janice DaCosta, A.A. ’11, B.S.B. ’14, President, Co-Organizer and Former Chapter President Wyona Eaton, A.A. ’13, B.S. ’16, and Director of Operations and Vice President of Events Andrea Denise, B.S.B. ’09, M.M. ’11.

“This moment marks a historic milestone for the Charlotte Alumni Chapter and the University of Phoenix community at large — a shining example of what happens when vision turns into action and alumni lead with purpose, passion, and pride,” shared DaCosta. “We’re amplifying voices, advancing thought leadership, and weaving new threads that shape tomorrow.”

In the spirit of TED’s mission of “ideas worth spreading,” TEDx events are independently organized gatherings that bring people together to share ideas, spark dialogue, and inspire global change. With thousands of TEDx events held in more than 150 countries, the platform empowers local communities to take the global TED stage and connect ideas that shape the world.

Through TEDxMallardCreek, the Charlotte Chapter joins this global movement.

“Our Alumni Chapters inspire community, bringing Phoenixes together to celebrate shared experiences and strengthen connections,” said April Worden, Director of Alumni Marketing at the University. “The TEDxMallardCreek event reflects the dedication and vision of Janice and the Charlotte Chapter leadership, whose efforts serve as an example, inspiring others and reminding us that the strength of community lies in the relationships we nurture.”

Event keynote speakers include University of Phoenix Alumna Schwanna Jenkins, B.S. ’14, M.S. ’18, Chapter Vice President of Communications, who underwent the rigorous TEDx speaker selection process, competing among many talented applicants, and was officially chosen as a 2025 TEDx speaker — a testament to her powerful message and her embodiment of Phoenix leadership in action. Behind the scenes, University of Phoenix alumni volunteers shaped the planning and production. The selected speakers include industry executives, authors, leaders and mental health professionals sharing thought leadership and insights on connection and community building.

Learn more about TEDxMallardCreek here. The event is sold out but those interested in attending can contact event organizers here to request access.

University of Phoenix has over one million alumni in a vibrant network of more than 50 alumni chapters nationwide. Learn more and join a University of Phoenix Alumni Chapter here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. 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.)

About TED

TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.

TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through The Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze $6.6 billion in funding for projects that support bold solutions to the world's most urgent challenges — working to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED's many programs and initiatives.

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