The mission of TEDxGainesville is to highlight local individuals and stories to open minds and transform the Greater Gainesville community. A central goal of this year’s event is to explore origin stories and customs of our diverse local community and beyond, uniting our varied sectors and populations based on common ground and shared experiences. We will be assembling a panel of speakers and performers that embody the spirit of heritage and inspire our audience with new ideas. By unifying our community’s stakeholders in determination and resolve, we seek to strengthen the bonds that will allow our community to thrive and continue to grow.