As director of the U.S. Domestic Policy Council from 2009 through 2012, Melody C. Barnes worked with members of President Obama’s cabinet to coordinate the former president’s domestic policy agenda across federal agencies.

On Friday, June 23, Ms. Barnes, a Richmond native who has since co-founded the public affairs firm MB2 Solutions, will be among the array of speakers at TEDxRVA, whose 18-minute talks are designed to empower and inspire.

Now in its fifth year, TEDxRVA will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St. in Downtown.

The theme: Change.

Speakers will focus on change — making it, how to create it and that which is in progress locally, nationally and globally.

In addition to Ms. Barnes, the nearly two dozen other speakers and performers include Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, a fetal surgeon; podcast hosts Amber J. Phillips and Jazmine “Da K.O.S.” Walker; psychologist Courtney D. Cogburn, community activist Arthur Burton, founder of Kinfolk Community; data scientist Vida C. Williams; and communications strategist Eneuri Acosta.

While the event is sold out, free, live-stream viewing parties will be held at venues across the Richmond area.

Details: http://tedxrva.com or (804) 592-3330.