Meet the Organizers | TEDxUNCPembroke

Meet The 2024 Organizers

Meet the dynamic team behind TEDxUNCPembroke 2024! Our enthusiasm knows no bounds as we gear up for this year's event. Each member brings a unique dedication and passion to the table, driving us forward to make this TEDx experience unforgettable.

Scroll down to hear our stories and meet the people behind the event!

License Holder, Lead Organizer

Gordon Byrd

Gordon Byrd grew up in Reston, VA. After joining the Army, serving with the 82 ABN DIV, becoming a Christian, and studying at UNCP; Gordon started working at UNCP. Gordon received the opportunity to speak at the inaugural TEDxUNCPembroke in 2023. Now he works with an incredible organizing group to see the TEDxUNCPembroke legacy live on. When not in church, Gordon and his family enjoy spending time together. The family consists of Gordon and his wife, Wen, along with their five children who provide a continual amount of joy and entertainment. Gordon is pursuing his PhD at ECU in Rhetoric, Writing, and Professional Communication. As a hobby, Gordon writes for Carolina Country magazine and coaches F45 at UNCP.

Curator, Executive Producer, Volunteer Coodinator

Rodney Smith

Rodney Smith is from Fayetteville, NC, and is a graduate of Pembroke State University. After graduating, he became a law enforcement officer and has served the citizens of the state of NC for the past two decades. As a former TEDx Raleigh speaker in 2020, Rodney wanted to give back to his community and sought the opportunity to give back to his alma mater for the upcoming TEDxUNCPembroke event in 2024. Rodney considers himself to be a continual seeker of knowledge and loves spending time with his family.

CEM Director, Website Manager, Designer

Auley Abudayya

Auley Abudayya, originally from Palestine, is a sophomore here at UNCP majoring in Biology with plans to go on to dental school. Auley is very involved in campus organizations, from being the vice-president of MSA, HCAP Member, Pre-Dental Club Member, Health and Wellness Ambassador, etc. “From sitting in my room watching TEDx talks on my phone, to now being able to organize a TEDx event here at UNCP is a big goal for me that I know will go amazing with all the work me and my team have been putting in!”

Event Manager, Sponsorships and Budget Manager, Volunteer Coordinator

Tarila Iduma

Tarila N. Iduma, a senior at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, majoring in Accounting. Originally from Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), she moved to the USA to further her education after receiving a bachelor degree in Information and Communications from the University of Kinshasa, DRC.

She is an active member of North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) and Alpha Chi honor society.

Beyond her academic life, Tarila is widely renowned as the family “cheerleader,” embodying a positive and uplifting demeanor that resonates throughout her family and friendships.

Curator Assistant/ Speaker Selection Committee

Justice Haygood

Justice Haygood is an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Sociology with a double minor in conflict management and health & society. She has enjoys community service, DEI coordinating and training and hopes to enter the field of Human Resources after graduating next spring.