People with intellectual disabilities (PIDs) are often excluded not because of their abilities, but because of society’s lack of respect. In this talk, Catherine Wang sheds light on the discrimination PIDs face in the workplace and in everyday life. She argues that respecting them as equals is not only a moral responsibility but also a practical solution, opening doors to employment, legal protection, and dignity. With powerful stories and a call to action, this talk challenges us to build a world where respect leads to opportunity for all. Catherine’s been observing the world since a very young age through traveling, or just talking with people. It was from then did she realize that how many people were suffering, living lives that seemed unbearable to her. So she tried to help them by organizing peers to educate students who have limited access to diverse education, or raising funds for PIDs. Although it is hard, she loves how by overcoming the obstacles, her effort would eventually make a change in the world, however small the change is. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In a world where queer voices are louder than ever, many wonder: is queerness just the latest trend? In this talk, Emmie traces LGBTQ+ history from ancient cultures to Stonewall, from media representation to today’s gender conversations, revealing that queerness itself is not a fad but a timeless part of humanity. What changes are society’s attitudes and the ways people are free to express themselves. With honesty and reflection, Emmie argues that queerness is discovered, not invented, and challenges us to see love and identity as fundamentally human, not fashionable. Cheng Zhang is a high school student in Shanghai, China, currently studying at Shanghai WLSA Academy. She is planning on focusing her professional studies on Psychology for university. Outside of academia, she also enjoys reading english novels, drawing, crocheting, and writing original music. She is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and is very interested in gender studies. She hopes to discover and research more about gender presentation and non-binary identities in the future, facilitating a deeper understand in both herself and humanity as a whole. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When Max Duroseau was seven years old, a National Geographic magazine ignited his dream of becoming a photographer, until the world told him it wasn’t practical. Years later, during the isolation of Shanghai’s lockdowns, he unexpectedly rediscovered that passion and followed it into the mountains of China. Through his journey from abandoned childhood dreams to rediscovering “flow,” Max explores how purpose isn’t about a job title, but about what makes you feel most alive. His talk challenges us to listen, to say yes, and to lean into the pulse of purpose. Max Duroseau is a Haitian American educator and artist from the United States. He earned his bachelor's degree from Florida State University in 2016, and his Master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2019, in Textile and Apparel Management. Currently teaching a high school humanities course in Shanghai, China, Max's work delves into aspects of identity and the self. As a portrait photographer, he seeks to capture the beauty in people and things that are often overlooked or hidden. Max's passion is exploring villages and rural communities off the beaten path, revealing their secrets in ways that inspire curiosity and wonder. His roles as an educator and artist intertwine, driven by a shared mission to uncover and celebrate the stories that define humanity. For more details, visit maxduroseau.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In an age of double-speed movies, nonstop deadlines, and rushed relationships, what would it mean to slow down? In this talk, Seven Xu explores the hidden power of pauses, the moments of rest and reflection that allow us to reconnect with ourselves and with others. Through stories of work, love, and friendship, she shows how slowing down can reset our direction, deepen our bonds, and even redefine what success means. Pauses aren’t wasted time; they are the space where meaning, clarity, and connection begin. Seven, a TED speaker from WLSA, embodies sincerity, enthusiasm, and empathy. Her hobbies—calligraphy, chess, reading, and spending time with her cat, Eleven—help her discover her uniqueness and spread positivity. Seven believes sincerity is the foundation of love and strives to assist others whenever needed. Passionate about biology and neuroscience, Seven immerses herself in research, competitions, and lab work, driven by her desire to solve problems and learn. Her enthusiasm fuels her perseverance even in tough times. A lover of travel and nature, Seven embraces adventure through activities like boxing and bungee jumping, which teach her strength and resilience. Seven is empathetic, supporting friends and studying psychology to understand emotions. She excels in public speaking, leadership, and performance, hosting events and inspiring others. Balancing studies, social life, and health. Seven shines as a multifaceted individual. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Britpop wasn’t just a music genre, it was a cultural movement born from ordinary people in extraordinary times. In this talk, Tony Liu explores how Oasis, Blur, and the Beatles transformed hardship, social frustration, and political stagnation into authentic music that resonated with millions. With live guitar performances, Tony shows how Britpop contrasted the generic mainstream with songs of honesty, rebellion, and hope. From Thatcher-era disillusionment to timeless anthems, Britpop carried the voices of a generation, and its pulse still beats today. A cheerful student, brother, and friend, Tony loves badminton, books, the Beatles, and above all else, the British rock band Oasis. As a loyal fan of the band, he enjoys playing the guitar and singing Oasis tunes as a pastime (for which he implores you not to judge too harshly during his performance in the event). His is also passionate about education, having done research on AI integration in education with Pioneer academics and been a junior teacher guiding younger students read English novels for three years. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Saakshar Duggal explains why AI, cybercrime, and data privacy are not merely "tech topics" but rather commonplace issues that impact everyone in this provocative TED-style talk. He illustrates how irresponsible behavior, such as sharing Aadhaar cards or blindly trusting AI, can result in deepfakes, defamation, and disastrous personal repercussions by using true stories of students, couples, and professionals. Saakshar dispels the myth that celebrities are the only ones who should be concerned about AI risks by reminding us that it is not the future but rather the present with humor, candor, and urgency. In a world where technology is advancing more quickly than we can comprehend, this serves as a wake-up call to assume responsibility, safeguard ourselves, and increase our awareness. Saakshar Duggal is an advocate at the Delhi High Court, a cyber law specialist, and a public speaking coach dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through the art of impactful communication. With expertise in AI, cybercrime, and emerging technologies, he has contributed to global conversations at the International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & Cybersecurity. As a TEDx and public speaking coach, Saakshar has developed his signature SCAN method, mentoring coaches and entrepreneurs to deliver powerful talks with clarity, confidence, and stage mastery—bridging his legal acumen with a passion for transformative communication. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx