What if being different wasn’t good or bad, but just... neutral?Jessica and Sophia challenge how we think about disabilities by exploring visible and invisible differences, showing how pity, patronization, and awkwardness turn everyday conversations into alienating moments. Through their personal stories, they encourage us to approach diversity with neutrality and empathy, reminding us that everyone is whole—just as they are. Sophia Hotung is a Eurasian writer and illustrator, best known for creating The Hong Konger art collection, which features 100 artworks inspired by The New Yorker magazine and her experiences growing up in Hong Kong.Sophia speaks and writes regularly about invisible disabilities and living with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases. She is the author and illustrator behind various Hong Kong-related fiction and non-fiction books, and has been featured in the New York Times, Tatler Asia, South China Morning Post, and Harper’s Bazaar.Sophia also works with charities to create passive income streams through creative projects. Her work funds and supports advocacy programs and educational initiatives focused on chronic disability awareness, women’s rights, and the representation of Hong Kong in art and literature.Jessica Chan was born into this world with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Despite being shorter in stature, she has never stopped dreaming or striving for the same experiences as others, in both her professional and personal pursuits.Jessica is an advocate for gender and disability equality in society through social and education platforms in Hong Kong. She studied architecture at the University of California at Berkeley, focusing on inclusive spaces and accessible design, before earning an MBA in Finance from New York University. Her background is what led her to an international career in real estate and construction at JLL, having built iconic landmarks throughout New York, Singapore, and now Hong Kong. She is a champion for the collaboration and connection of women, co-founding a number of Women & Allies Networks in Hong Kong.As an extreme sports fanatic, Jessica has proven that her perceived physical limitations are no match for her tenacity. 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

Pođite na putovanje kroz mrak, ali i kroz neke od najviših planinskih vrhova svijeta. Nakon što je izgubio vid, Feručo nije izgubio strast prema životu – naprotiv, otkrio je novu slobodu kroz planinarenje, putovanja i priče koje inspiriraju. Svjedočimo kako jedna osobna priča ruši predrasude o invaliditetu i pokazuje da granice često postoje samo u našem umu. Feručo Lazarić živi u Svetvinčentu, a oslijepio je prije trideset godina u 35. godini života. Nakon pretrpljenog šoka odlučio je otkriti novi, drukčiji svijet. Putuje više nego kada je vidio, počeo je planinariti, jahati konja, voziti tandem-bicikl, skijati, trčati... Popeo se na Kilimandžaro, Ande, Himalaju, Olimp, Triglav, Musalu i mnoge druge niže visine po Hrvatskoj za što je dobio Najviše priznanje HPS-a za obiđenih 150 vrhova. 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

Što je to što priče čini vječnima, što ih drži živima u nama, čak i kad zaboravimo tko ih je prvi izgovorio? Što priče znače, zašto ih trebamo – i kako nas upravo one čine ljudima? Moć priče nije samo u riječima, nego u tome koliko dugo i daleko mogu putovati. Dijana Zorić certificirana je pripovjedačica i stručnjakinja za sve vrste storytellinga, Licencirana je turistička vodičica i interpretatorica baštine kao i dugogodišnja storytelling mentorica. Pokretačica je i vlasnica prvog hrvatskog storytelling centra StoryLab unutar kojeg djeluje prva hrvatska Storytelling akademija. Organizatorica je STORYing festivala, prvog međunarodnog storytelling festivala u Hrvatskoj koji se svake godine odvija u Zagrebu. Organizira i vodi storytelling večeri u kultnom zagrebačkom klubu Crni mačak. 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

Il naso rosso del clown non nasconde, ma rivela la mia anima e la mia verità. Indossarlo significa mostrare chi sono davvero, con autenticità e unicità. Essere clown è emozionarsi, accettare i propri limiti, ridere di sé stessi, rialzarsi sempre. È amare, stupirsi, e vivere come un poeta in movimento, con occhi da bambino. Paolo Garimberti nasce a Poviglio (RE) nel 1971. Laureato in Economia, è cofondatore della compagnia “Macedonia Clown”, guidata da Don Vittorio Chiari, con cui diffonde la poesia del clown. Finalista al bando “I Teatri del Sacro” 2008 con lo spettacolo su Etty Hillesum, ha all’attivo lavori come Circa un Circo, Arrivano i Clown, NO… EH!. Conduce laboratori di espressività e clownerie per ragazzi ed educatori in scuole e associazioni. Collabora con la Casa delle Storie di Reggio Emilia. 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

Composer Lyubomir Kotsev brings his creative perspective to TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025, with a lecture on “The Courage to Think Differently.” Lyubomir explores how music and originality empower us to challenge conventions, express bold new ideas, and most importantly—to not be afraid of failing or looking vulnerable along the way. Lyubomir Kotsev is a young Bulgarian composer gaining recognition for his original musical style. His piece The Waltz of Atri earned third place and a spot among the top ten compositions at the Young Bulgarian Composer competition, impressing both the jury and the audience with its emotional impact. 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