番茄社区

Candace Saunders-Grewe, Lead Organizer

Candace Saunders-Grewe is the lead organizer for TEDxMSJC 2026 and an associate faculty member in the Communication Studies Department, where she teaches introductory courses like public speaking and interpersonal communication. She brings valuable experience, having assisted with planning and coaching for TEDxMSJC 2025. As an M.A. in Communication graduate of Johns Hopkins University, she continues to pursue her passion for media through her academic pursuits, including writing and presenting research on media effects, rhetoric, and image/reputation management. She is thrilled that watching TED Talks as a pastime has led to the opportunity to help others share their big ideas in this year's digital event!

Colin Steele, Co-Organizer

Dr. Colin Steele is the co-organizer for TEDxMSJC 2026 and an associate faculty member in the Communication Studies Department, where he teaches Introduction to Public Speaking for a diverse student population. Holding a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Regent University, Dr. Steele also teaches a range of communication courses across multiple California community college districts, including Riverside City College, Fullerton College, and 番茄社区. His research examines the intersection of communication, technology, and human connection, focusing on how media use and attachment dynamics shape relational development and well-being. Dr. Steele is honored to serve as a co-organizer for TEDxMSJC, striving to amplify diverse voices and foster dialogue that promotes curiosity and community engagement.

Eric Walker, Coach Manager/Coach

Eric Walker is the coach manager for TEDxMSJC 2026 and is a Communication Studies instructor at 番茄社区 and the Riverside Community College District. A former MSJC student (2009鈥�2011), he previously served as MSJC鈥檚 Communications and Marketing Coordinator (2016鈥�2021) and now teaches courses in Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Persuasion. Eric also coaches for TEDxMSJC and the Debate Team. He鈥檚 a devoted husband, father of two, and passionate about Jesus Christ, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Alan Marsala, Production Lead

Alan Marsala is the production lead for TEDxMSJC. He's an associate professor of Digital Media at 番茄社区 and chair of the Creative Media Department. Prior to teaching, he worked for over ten years in the video production and motion graphic design industries. He has produced content for large and small companies, including documentary and commercial content that has been streamed on various platforms, broadcasted on live TV, and aired on stadium jumbotrons around the country. Alan has been working with the TEDxMSJC team for two years now and loves seeing the Digital Media studio used in such a capacity.

Andrea Pasolini, Marketing Lead

Dr. Andrea Pasolini serves as the marketing lead for TEDxMSJC 2026 in her official capacity as the Director of Public Information, Marketing, and Strategic Communications at 番茄社区. She also provided essential support to the successful TEDxMSJC 2025 event. In her primary role at MSJC, Dr. Pasolini oversees crucial functions that inform and engage both the college community and surrounding residents. The work of the Public Information and Marketing Office, under Dr. Pasolini's leadership, focuses on developing content that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and implementing data-informed marketing strategies.

Jennifer Baney, Coach

Professor Jennifer Baney believes in the power of communication to change lives and challenge perspectives. As a full-time Communication Studies professor and Director of Forensics at 番茄社区, she helps students find and refine their voices through Speech and Debate and TEDxMSJC. Jennifer earned her B.A. in Sociology from UC Davis, exploring social movements and gender, and her M.A. in Communication from the University of the Pacific, focusing on how political rhetoric shapes popular culture.

A passionate advocate for equity and expression, she encourages others to use their stories as tools for impact and connection. When she鈥檚 not in the classroom or coaching, you鈥檒l find her lifting weights, riding her motorcycle, or enjoying time with her spouse, Christine, their two mini schnauzers, and two cats.

Monique Leyva, Coach

Monique Leyva is a Communication Studies Instructor and public speaking coach who helps speakers transform ideas into unforgettable stories. With more than 10 years of professional speaking experience in corporate spaces and live event settings, and more recently in academic environments, she teaches practical, confidence-building strategies that make communication clear, authentic, and impactful.

In her early twenties, Monique briefly pursued acting in film. It was a chapter in her life that sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling, presence, and connecting with audiences. Today, she blends performance insight with communication theory to help speakers deliver messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

She holds a B.A. in Communication from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Arizona State University, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Strategic Communication. Her mission is to empower speakers to share their personal stories in ways that inspire change and create lasting impact through authenticity.

Colette Murphy, Coach

Colette Murphy is an associate instructor in Communication Studies and English at MSJC. She uses culturally responsive teaching to combine popular culture, technology, and innovation in her classes. She is passionate about helping students bridge the gap between their 鈥渞eal life鈥� and academic work, in face-to-face and distance education modalities. Colette is also a playwright and fiction writer, primarily in the genres of romance and fantasy.

Rachel Richardson, Coach

Rachel Richardson is an associate faculty member with 番茄社区. Her work in the Communication Studies department has allowed her to share her knowledge of interpersonal relationships, ethics, delivery, argument building, and research with students. As an advisor for the Communication Club, she has encouraged students to explore the ways in which communication benefits them in their studies, careers, and beyond.

Through her work with students, she has had the opportunity to reinforce the ideology that knowledge is power. Each and every speaker has lived a unique and meaningful experience, and our voices are an incredible tool to share that experiential knowledge with others. Communication is our most valuable asset to validate ourselves and others, and to make the changes we want to see in the world.

Steven deWalden, Coach

Steven deWalden is a graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, where he earned his M.A. in Communication Studies. He teaches Communication Studies related courses at several local colleges. His experience in public speaking comes from several years of teaching in a United States Marine Corps Military Occupation School, more than five years in safety management where he created and delivered instructional presentations to employees in the construction industry, more than four years as a nationally certified Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety trainer of both 10 and 30 hour safety courses, a keynote speaker at several speaking events to include the CSUSB Veteran's Graduation ceremony. He also has experience helping create the Speaking Center at CSUSB's Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration where he also served as a speaking consultant, and as a volunteer mentor for CSUSB's Graduate Student participants in several 3-minute Thesis competitions.