Kirkland resident Debbie Lacy, certified life coach and nonprofit consultant, is one of 11 speakers for the first TEDx Olympia event to take place on Sept. 12.

Lacy’s talk, titled “In Search of Purpose and Lunch,” uses the daily decision about what to have for lunch as both a practice and metaphor for helping people figure out their bigger desires in life.

During the past 12 years in her coaching and consulting business Lacy has helped individuals and nonprofits discover where their gifts and passions intersect with what the world needs.

Lacy is an experienced public speaker, but the TEDxOlympia audience will be her largest. To prepare for the stage, Lacy hosted a series of practice sessions attended by friends and strangers.

“I can do my talk in the car and shower hundreds of times, but nothing is as helpful as getting in front of a live audience,” Lacy said. “I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to come and listen.”

TED is a nonprofit conference series that stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. The “x” means the event has been independently produced but licensed by TED.

The event features a wide array of speakers from different disciplines. Speakers will present ideas on a variety of topics including urban planning, art, women in religious leadership, and homelessness.

TEDx Olympia, themed “Point of No Return,” will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The event will feature a mix of live speakers and performers. Tickets to the event and an all-ages reception are $60. Event-only tickets are $20 for youth and $40 for adults, with discounts for military and seniors. Tickets available at the Washington Center box office and at .olytix.org. To learn more, visit .tedxolympia.org.