“Beyond the Obvious” invites us to look closer: at our stories, our systems, and the assumptions we don’t often stop to question. It’s a call to see what is beneath the surface, where resilience, creativity, and connection take shape.
Our event includes a personal story of loss transformed into one of strength. A cultural dance uncovering history often left unheard. Talks about art and philosophy that push us to reexamine the foundations of our shared world. Reflections on heroism, the courage to set boundaries, and the gratitude that connects us across cultures, generations, and experiences.
This year’s event features Menlo College students, alumni, faculty, and staff, each reminding us that discovery doesn’t come from what’s familiar or certain, but from our willingness to look beyond the obvious.
Attendees can:
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Adjunct Professor – Arts and Science Senior Career Counselor – SFSU Consultant, Educator, MentorDr. Joseph R. Adams, a Bay Area native, educator, and social justice advocate, holds a Doctorate from the University of San Francisco in Education. He also earned a Master’s in Ethnic Studies and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Africana Studies and English Literature from San Francisco State University. As a Senior Career Counselor at SFSU, he creates culturally grounded programs that empower students to define success on their own terms. Additionally, he teaches at Menlo College as an Adjunct Professor. His work connects education, and social justice, emphasizing identity, leadership, and inclusive career development.
About Joseph’s Talk: “Heroism Beyond Wealth,” explores how Batman’s story reveals a deeper truth about purpose, resilience, and choice. It challenges the idea true heroism comes from the will to rise above pain and turn trauma into purpose. Through Batman’s journey—and my own—I invite audiences to reflect on how we can all transform struggle into strength.
Dean of International Education and Academic SuccessErik Bakke is the Dean of International Education and Academic Success at Menlo College. He has dedicated decades to practicing writing about art and creating artwork, specifically in contemporary approaches. In his administrative role at Menlo College, he works with a wide variety of programs including: Bowman Library, the Writing Center, Tutoring, Rising Scholars, Mentoring, Study Abroad, and International Student Services. Each semester, he teaches in the Intensive English Program, and over the years, he has taught and lectured about both the practice of art and art history. As an art writer, he has published in and edited a variety of international publications. Bakke has maintained a studio practice with a focus on painting for over forty years and has shown his work regularly since his first solo exhibition in 1991 in Kobe, Japan.
About Erik’s Talk: Discussed is the internationally recognized artist Félix González-Torres and his work. A question is investigated. When viewing the conceptual art projects of this queer artist who died at a young age in 1996 from an AIDS related illness and who made art that both addressed queer and universal themes, in what way is it important to highlight his biography or to not highlight this biography to best appreciate his art?
Student at Menlo CollegeLars Faessler is an international student from St. Gallen, Switzerland pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in International Management at Menlo College, where he also plays for the Men’s Soccer Team and serves as Student Development Fund Representative. He is passionate about leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Beyond the classroom, he is actively involved in student leadership and athletics. In 2024, Lars and his team placed first in the Global Scaling Challenge, representing Menlo College against 45 teams worldwide.
About Lars’ Talk: After a tragic loss shortly after moving to the U.S. to chase his dream, Lars discovered that the hardest moments often hold the greatest lessons. His talk reveals how pain can transform into perspective, and how resilience can be found in even the most uncertain chapters of life.
Student at Menlo CollegeEmma Hague is from Redwood City, California and a Senior at Menlo College, pursuing a B.S. in Marketing. After her first year of College in New York City, she decided to transfer back home to Menlo to continue her educational journey. She currently serves as the President of the Marketing Club and the Women in Leadership Development Club. Recently she joined the Alumni Relations Office as a Student Ambassador, and is serving on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. In her professional career Emma has interned as Global Mobility and Immigration Intern at Seagate Technologies where she assisted in the relocation and immigration of foreign nationals across the nation. She hopes to continue her educational career in Europe to pursue a Master’s Public Policy/Government Communication or find a job in San Francisco and give back to her community.
About Emma’s Talk: The Courage to Say No. We’re taught that saying “yes” is the key to success, but what if real growth starts with “no”? In this talk, I explore how setting boundaries protects our energy, restores our purpose, and helps us lead with authenticity in a world that never slows down.
Student at Menlo CollegeNargess is a Business and AI Analytics major at Menlo College, who channels her passion for social impacts to challenge individuals perceptions and foster global understandings of others. Guided by a deep commitment to education and free expression, she shares a personal journey of resilience after she left her home country to fight for the right to learn freely. Her work focuses on dismantling harmful mindsets and celebrating the beauty and strength of her culture. Through her work she invites individuals to look beyond the surface, and recognize the strength and wisdom within cultural identities. Within her own culture, the courage of her people and women serve as a powerful example to those who refuse diversity.
About Nargess’ Talk: We Are Not A Footnote: The Unsilenced Voice of the Afghan Girl. This discussion explores survival and self-authorship when oppressive forces attempt to bury a generation. Revealing how enduring pain transforms into a powerful perspective. It is a declaration that the sacrifice of those before us is not lost, but fuels our unwavering commitment to rise, learn, and fight for our collective future.
Assistant Director of Academic SuccessDr. Sam Langsdale is the Assistant Director of Academic Success and an Adjunct Faculty member at Menlo College. She has over ten years of experience in university education, student advising, project management, and organizational leadership. In addition to administrative work, Dr. Langsdale maintains an active research agenda. Her work focuses on the politics around representations of gender, sexuality, and race in visual culture. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, numerous edited volumes, and in popular news outlets. Her book, Searching for Feminist Superheroes: Gender, Sexuality, and Race in Marvel Comics was awarded the 2024 Charles Hatfield Book Prize by the Comics Studies Society.
About Sam’s Talk: Taking care of our collective home should not be left to an elite group. We can all practice philosophical plumbing by thinking critically and creatively about our often taken-for-granted social systems. If we want social systems that serve the collective good, we can’t be afraid to do the hard work of reexamining our assumptions, norms, and ideals, even if it means getting dirty.
Director of Alumni Relations & Marketing, Club Advisor, Native HawaiianThe Menlo College Pacific Islander Club is one of Menlo’s oldest and largest clubs. Originally ‘the Hawai’i club,’ The Pacific Islander Club changed their name in 2018 to be open to all Pacific Islanders. This club strives to unite islanders in the Bay area and share diverse cultures within the campus and wider community. The PIC teaches hula and other traditional dances by their kumu (teacher) Martini Eke, who has been integral to the club’s success for the past 25+ years.
Speaking on the club’s behalf is Kaua Hermosura, club advisor, Menlo College staff member and alumnus. Kaua was the president of the PIC club from 2022-2023 and a board member for two years. Kaua is a Native Hawaiian, from the island of Kaua’i, where he grew up learning and living Hawaiian Culture.
Student Dancers: Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, Dwayne Deang, Haley Narahara, Isabella Aquino, Jezzie Young, Judd Eldredge Sagapolutele, Kawai’Apo Acopan, Matthew Puahi-Kapololu, Ryan Padron, Vailini-Seini, and Keola-Kuapahi
Innovation Solutions ConsultantAnthea is a Menlo College graduate, where she was named Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 after pursuing a double major in Finance and International Business. On campus, she served on the board of the Business and Environment Club and led as the President of the Living Learning Community for Creativity and Innovation. She gained experience interning with Silicon Valley Startups and completed a long-term consulting internship in Germany before joining the German American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco. In her current role within the Innovation Solutions Department, she focuses on AI deployment for German SMEs, startups and multinational players, as well as smart mobility, smart cities, and renewable technologies such as agrivoltaics – advancing transatlantic collaboration on sustainable innovation.
About Anthea’s Talk: Exploring how embracing an all-rounder mindset – developing a broad set of skills and interests rather than specializing narrowly – can increase adaptability, career resilience, networking success, and leadership opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving job market, especially in the age of AI and automation.
Student at Menlo CollegeBat-Orgil Yaruukhan is an international student and storyteller whose work celebrates the beauty of diversity and the quiet strength of human connection. Originally from Mongolia, they are currently studying Business in California, where their journey across cultures has shaped their perspective on courage, belonging, and gratitude.
About Bat-Orgil’s Talk: Gratitude Beyond Borders. This talk explores how living between cultures helps us see the beauty in diversity, recognize our shared humanity, and find gratitude in small, everyday moments that connect us across borders.
This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.
Rich RussoLead Organizer & Speaker Coach
Dr. Hannah YanowEvent Preparation & Management Support
Dr. Jodie Austin
Dr. Teddy Lance
Dr. Sam Langsdale
Jesus Juarez
Mckayla Rosen
Jackson Garcia
Kim Penzold
Samantha Carter
Martina Cappelletti
Danny Smithers
Calotta Stern
Sophia Fokas
Jayonnah Carter
Lucy Brooks
Dominique Kallstrom
Matthew Puahi-Kapolol
Hailey Feleunga-Ah Kui
Anthony Keys
Mali Korn
Sebastian Lopez Zavala
Aleatha Buchner
Gadea Lombana
Menlo College, El Camino Real, Atherton, CA, USA
Additional Information:
Location: Florence Moore Auditorium
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