Executive Team

Organizer

Kalli Randall was born and raised in Alaska and just recently returned to the state after a six year stint in Chicago. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology and working to a career in Drama Therapy. Kalli owns and operates Midnight Summit Ensemble.

A theatre collective dedicated to new work development and social outreach through art. As a longtime fan of TED talks, Kalli is thrilled to be able to impart her theatre experience with our speakers and host. Putting in hours of rehearsing and fine tuning talks you’ll see today has been a highlight of Kalli’s career.

Like most people in life Kalli has had her ups and downs but believes that true growth and change come from chaos. “We know the past but cannot control it. We control the future but cannot know it.”. -Claude Shannon

Event Manager

Deanna is Co-founder and VP of Client Services at ARM Creative. As a seasoned leader in the marketing industry she has a proven track record of delivering exceptional client services and executing successful events. With over 20 years of experience, she has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing companies in today’s rapidly evolving market.

She leads the agency toward excellence in client experience and is responsible for developing comprehensive campaigns for large corporations like Kawerak, Southcentral Foundation, Alaska Industrial Hardware, and MAC Federal Credit Union.

With more than two decades of proven experience in marketing and advertising, her work has spanned the regions of Alaska and the United States. Notably, Deanna has produced work for Carhartt, Columbia, Xtratuf,

Her ability to create meaningful marketing moments while generating results garnered the attention of Google, who featured her work in Google’s Economic Impact Report.

In addition to her professional achievements, this executive is also a respected thought leader in the marketing and event planning communities. As the President Elect for the American Marketing Association, Alaska Chapter and the TEDxAnchorage event manager, she is dedicated to advancing both the marketing profession and the spread of innovative ideas through education and networking. With her passion for both industries and her commitment to excellence she is poised to make a significant impact on the future of marketing and events.

Director of Operations

Born and raised in the picturesque city of Anchorage, Alaska, Ben developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and a spirit of adventure. Growing up, he was enrolled in the Anchorage School District's Spanish Immersion program, which made him fluent in Spanish and instilled a deep appreciation for diverse cultures.

Pursuing his passion for technology, Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Puget Sound. This strong educational foundation led him to an exciting career as an engineer at Microsoft, where he actively contributes to innovative projects and cutting-edge solutions.

Outside of his professional life, Ben loves to travel, exploring new destinations and immersing himself in different cultures, always on the lookout for new experiences and adventures.

Speaker Coordinator

Rooted in the state’s rugged beauty, Yuki Oestgaard is a proud homegrown Alaskan.

She has worked in healthcare administration for the last seven years and recently embraced the unexpected and joined a local burlesque group finding balance between structure and spontaneity.

Away from the office she is an avid traveler exploring not only Alaska, but also cultures abroad.

Dedicated to making a positive impact beyond TEDx, Yuki finds joy in contributing to the community through volunteering with organizations such as Special Olympics, American Cancer Society, and various local events, where her commitment to service meets the heart of meaningful causes.

Marketing Director & Senior Designer

Lacey Ernandes is an Army Veteran and seasoned digital marketing specialist with a unique blend of strategic precision and artistic expertise. After a career as an Air Traffic Controller, she earned a BFA in Graphic Design from RMCAD.

Lacey has since developed extensive experience in organic digital marketing, brand development, and community building, having worked as the Head of Brand Development at Elevated Oats and Marketing Manager at 1UP Floors.

At TEDxAnchorage, Lacey spearheads marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and branding that resonate deeply with audiences, driving engagement and growth for the event. Her approach combines creativity with data-driven insights, ensuring both the artistic and analytical aspects of marketing are seamlessly integrated.

Director of Partnerships

Zach Aregood is the Co-founder & CEO of ARM Creative, a full-service creative agency that helps brands create successful marketing campaigns using creative content and advertising. His firm has produced work for Xtratuf Boots, MAC Federal Credit Union, Beautiful Disaster Clothing, Alyeska Tire, Southcentral Foundation, and The Alaska Club to name a few.

Based in Alaska, ARM Creative works closely with Alaska Native Corporations to tell stories aimed at raising awareness around important cultural issues.

In 2021 he was listed on the Forbes Next 1000 list which showcases the ambitious sole proprietors, self-funded shops, and pre-revenue startups in every region of the country. Zach was also named a Top Forty Under 40 by the Alaska Journal of Commerce. Zach is now focused on agency expansion in the lower 48.

Finance Director

Adrian Ramos is a highly skilled and accomplished professional with a background in finance and management. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and has a deep connection to his community. Adrian completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he earned a B.B.A in Finance and Management. He went on to further his education by completing a graduate degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he earned a M.B.A with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Analytics.

Currently, Adrian works at The Tatitlek Native Corporation as an Assistant Controller. He has been with the company for 6 years, where he has gained extensive experience in financial management and analysis. In addition to his professional pursuits, Adrian is passionate about his community and loves to travel, ski, fish and spend time with his family. He is also currently the Assistant Coach for Team Alaska hockey team, displaying his passion for sports and mentorship. Adrian is dedicated to his profession and is known for his strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex projects.

Production Manager

Kahleal Milner, a filmmaker and photographer, discovered his passion for motion pictures and photography early on. Graduating high school, he gifted himself a film camera, shaping his unique foundation and style.

While Studying Digital Film & Video from The Art Institute of Portland, Kahleal worked as an amateur photographer, capturing moments at events like the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Awards and collaborating with artists like Medium Build and Ralph Castelli. Transitioning to advertising, he excelled as a production manager, overseeing the transformation of ideas into well over 400 deliverables.

Founder of MEDIAM, Kahleal manages Alaska's premier film developing lab, actively engaging with the community and creating innovative products. On YouTube, his channel offers educational videos on film techniques, introspective thought, and experimental photography, prioritizing art and experience to deliver cinematic statements that challeng norms.

Venturing to subvert the traditional industry, Kahleal aims to bring cinematic creativity to platforms like YouTube and Nebula, akin to transformations in the music industry through SoundCloud and streaming.

As a conceptual photographer, Kahleal utilizes film, chemistry, and printing processes to craft engaging and original works, pushing creative boundaries to spark meaningful conversations. He believes in art's power to illuminate unexplored aspects of humanity, posing new questions and revealing collective uncertainties.

Organizational Development

Marilyn Alvarenga-Gaxiola is currently an Ed.M Candidate at Harvard Graduate School of Education in the Policy and Analysis program. In fall 2024, she will be pursing her MBA at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Before pursing her masters, she was Executive Director of Frontier Tutoring and Marketing Director at Northern Compass Group, an Anchorage-based consulting firm led by former U.S. Senator Mark Begich.

She has also served in leadership roles on several non-profit boards, including as President of the American Marketing Association Alaska Chapter and Marketing Director of TEDxAnchorage. In 2018, she was appointed by the Mayor of Anchorage to serve as commissioner of the Arts Advisory Commission and became the youngest individual to ever serve as Chair.

Marilyn was named “2020 Top Forty Under 40” by the Alaska Journal of Commerce, along with being a 2022 Alaska Young Professional of the Year Finalist. She holds a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Marilyn grew up in Anchorage and attended East Anchorage High School.

Executive Producer

Vicente Trinidad Capala III is a creative artist excelling in paint, photography, film, writing, illustrations, dance, and various forms of multimedia. Born in the Philippines, raised in Anchorage, AK, and now living in Seattle, WA, Vicente has collaborated alongside numerous individuals for a variety of creative projects to tell compelling stories. Some of his work includes short films, music videos, art shows, murals, dance productions, stage productions, advertising campaigns, and so much more.

With much of his work, Vicente strives to tell stories and create works that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, bring to light the experiences of Filipinos, and share the importance of the arts at large.

Vicente earned his Bachelor of Business Administration for management and Marketing at the University of Alaska Anchorage and his Master of communication through Digital Media at the University of Washington. Currently, he serves as the Director of Advertising, Branding, and Communications for a theatre in Seattle.