TEDxSMU - Majka Burhardt

Majka Burhardt is a writer, climber, and American Mountain Guides Association Certified Rock Guide. A lifelong adventurer, she has traveled and guided throughout the world by bike, canoe, and, more often than not, by foot. Much of Majka's recent work has been focused on Africa, where she first went to Ethiopia in search of a rare coffee. Unexplored sandstone towers kept her in Ethiopia and resulted in her book Vertical Ethiopia, short‑listed for the Banff Book Award. Her second book, Coffee Story: Ethiopia, will be released in the fall of 2010. In 2009, Majka produced Waypoint Namibia, now touring film
festivals around the world. Majka is a frequent contributor to national magazines and a seasoned lecturer. She arrives at TEDxSMU fresh from her most recent project -- leading a three‑week journey of adventure, global stewardship and sacred connection, all united by a collective commitment to contributing to new schools in rural Ethiopia.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)