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Featured Guests

Erin Nipps

Erin Nipps, MPH, is a dedicated public health professional whose work bridges local government, health education, and community engagement. As a Public Health Program Analyst for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), her initiatives focus on behavioral health, opioid overdose reversal, and evidence-based mental health training. A two-time Drexel University graduate, Erin combines expertise in program management, instructional training, and community-focused health campaigns with a passion for empowering underserved populations.

Erin is a featured guest at TEDxTempleUniversity, bringing insights from training diverse audiences, implementing city-wide health programs, and promoting well-being through dance and creative engagement. Her experience demonstrates how public health, education, and community advocacy intersect—highlighting strategies that strengthen communities and create meaningful impact.

Leonard Chester

Leonard Chester is a community leader, educator, and founder passionate about empowering underserved youth. As Founder of The Overcame Foundation (501c3) and Let’s Win, he organizes mentorship programs, food distributions, fundraisers, and youth panels across Philadelphia and Baltimore, impacting hundreds of families. With expertise in marketing, project management, and strategic communications, he has partnered with organizations like Tree House Books and the University of Southern California. A TEDxTempleU speaker, Leonard combines creativity and data-driven insights to design programs that inspire youth, foster community, and drive lasting social impact.

Tynecia Wilson

Tynecia Wilson, M.Ed., is a higher education professional, lifestyle influencer, and advocate for intentional living. A two-time Temple University graduate, she holds degrees in Spanish Language and Literature and Advocacy and Organizational Development. Currently Assistant Director at Villanova University, Tynecia has led leadership and inclusion initiatives, including Temple’s Inclusive Leadership Conference and national service immersion programs.

As Miss Philadelphia 2024 and founder of The Healthy Wealthy Friend, she empowers others to prioritize wellness, financial literacy, and balance through mindful living. A certified CliftonStrengths coach and Zumba instructor, Tynecia is a featured guest at TEDxTempleUniversity, inspiring holistic growth and purposeful leadership that helps others thrive.

Ciara Strickland

Ciara Strickland is a Navy veteran, content creator, and marketing strategist passionate about creativity, authenticity, and inclusion. Based in Philadelphia, she is the Founder of The New Mixx™, a lifestyle and fashion brand celebrating genderless style, and CEO of CS Creatives, a creative agency offering photography, videography, and influencer marketing services. Currently Associate Director of Client Strategy at Later, Ciara develops influencer marketing programs for leading consumer and lifestyle brands.

A proud veteran and advocate for diversity, Ciara bridges storytelling and strategy to help brands and creators build meaningful connections. She is a featured guest at TEDxTempleUniversity, inspiring authenticity, empowerment, and representation in digital media.

Elaine Ficarra

Elaine Ficarra, MS, MBA, is a healthcare operations professional, content creator, and advocate for mental health and community engagement. A graduate of Drexel University and Cabrini University, she combines biomedical science, business strategy, and communications to drive impact at the intersection of health and innovation. Currently an Operations Specialist at Tandem, Elaine advances access to medicine and leverages AI to improve the path from discovery to treatment.

As Miss Philadelphia 2021, she made over 100 appearances promoting her initiative, The World Is Better With YOU In It, focused on mental health and suicide prevention. A featured guest at TEDxTempleUniversity, Elaine continues inspiring connection, optimism, and purpose through advocacy and storytelling.