Passionate about combating the opioid epidemic, Dr. Ward focuses on identifying and promoting policies that can effectively reduce its devastating impact on society. Recognizing that the national overdose crisis continues to claim approximately 100,000 American lives annually—and is a leading cause of the recent decline in life expectancy—he is committed to initiatives that aim to heal and strengthen individuals, families, and communities affected by this ongoing tragedy. Dr. Ray Ward is a physician and a public servant serving as a Representative in the Utah Legislature. With a unique perspective shaped by his dual roles in healthcare and politics, Dr. Ward is deeply invested in shaping effective health care policies. In the legislature, he participates in the discussion and implementation of policies, while in his clinic, he witnesses firsthand how policies affect individuals and communities—sometimes positively, and occasionally proving counterproductive.Passionate about combating the opioid epidemic, Dr. Ward focuses on identifying and promoting policies that can effectively reduce its devastating impact on society. Recognizing that the national overdose crisis continues to claim approximately 100,000 American lives annually—and is a leading cause of the recent decline in life expectancy—he is committed to initiatives that aim to heal and strengthen individuals, families, and communities affected by this ongoing tragedy. 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

Passionate about the intersection of art and science, Kate believes that embracing diverse fields empowers individuals to become forces for positive change. She has applied this philosophy to critical issues like the ecological challenges facing the Great Salt Lake. By creating visual narratives, she simplifies complex environmental concepts, making them accessible and compelling to a broader audience. Through her work, Kate has helped people not only learn about pressing environmental issues but also care deeply about them. Kate Olsen is a student at Brigham Young University (BYU), uniquely combining studies in Illustration and Environmental Science. She currently works as an illustrator for both the Life Science College at BYU and Grow the Flow, where she merges her artistic talents with environmental advocacy. Aspiring to attend law school, Kate aims to leverage her multidisciplinary background to address environmental challenges and drive positive change through policy and public engagement.Passionate about the intersection of art and science, Kate believes that embracing diverse fields empowers individuals to become forces for positive change. 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

Half American Half Japanese student Erika Kim, or Erika Hosokawa in Japan, compares her experiences in US Schools to those in Japan that she attends during Summer vacations and lays out the academic impacts of disrespect in classrooms. Erika Kim/Hosokawa is a student at NeoCity Academy where she serves as Vice President of both the Asian Student Alliance and the Light Music Club. Drawing from her personal experience attending school in both Japan and the United States, Erika explores the cultural and behavioral contrasts between the two systems. Her TEDx Talk, sheds light on how classroom behavior in the U.S. is often perceived through a different lens in Japan and how bridging these perspectives can foster greater respect and learning. Erika also volunteers at a Japanese supplementary school, deepening her connection to education and cultural values. 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

What if your bank account wasn’t the ultimate measure of success, but your impact on the planet was?In this provocative talk, Sandeep Ahuja shares the family moment that collided with the global climate crisis, and sparked a radical idea: Carbon Wealth. A radical reimagining of a world where every choice we make, what you eat, how you build, what you buy, is a transaction measured in carbon. In this world, survival is the ultimate currency, and wealth is earned by preserving the planet.From climate-smart buildings like the Kendeda Building to "low-carbon" carrots, Sandeep argues that this reimagining may be closer than we think. Sandeep Ahuja is passionate about transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction industry— and to save the planet.She is the co-founder and CEO of cove.tool, an AI-driven platform, that integrates energy analysis into the building design and construction process, accelerating decarbonization and reducing costs. By automating up to 50% of sustainability tasks, her work makes high-performance buildings more accessible and scalable.Recognized as an Inc. Top 100 Women CEO, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and an Atlanta Power 30 Under 30 leader, Sandeep has spoken at the UN Environment Assembly and SXSW.She is co-author of “Build Like It’s the End of the World: A Practical Guide to Decarbonize Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.” 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

Through stories of “cocido,” barbecue, and culture shock, Atlanta-based Spaniard Ana Tardio explores how food evokes powerful life memories, defines identity and could serve as a doorway to cultural empathy. For anyone who has ever felt out of place, or just really miss your grandma’s cooking, this talk will feed your soul. Ana believes that in an increasingly interconnected world, understanding cultural differences isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for building a more inclusive and compassionate future.As a Spaniard born in a small town near the Portuguese border, Ana has been immersed in cultural diversity since childhood. But her true passion for understanding, navigating, and thriving in different cultures took root when she left her hometown in 2000 to chase her dreams.For over 20 years, Ana has experienced firsthand the challenges and joys of cultural adaptation. Through her journey, Ana discovered that food serves as an emotional time machine and a bridge between cultures. From her mother’s cocido in Spain to unexpected dining habits in the U.S., she has learned that the flavors we cherish aren’t just about taste—they hold the stories of who we are. 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

What if the answer to climate change, rising seas, and dwindling resources… isn’t just on Earth?Materials scientist and Georgia Tech researcher Christos Athanasiou invites us to imagine a future where innovations for building on Mars can unlock sustainable solutions here at home.From modular architecture made of Martian soil to AI-optimized structures and microbial bioreactors, Christos offers new perspectives on the climate crisis, and why our next great leap may begin 140 million miles away. Christos Athanasiou is redefining how we build for Earth and space.A mechanician, physicist, educator and inventor, he envisions a future where sustainable materials drive construction, reducing carbon emissions and supporting net-zero goals. His research focuses on designing structures using renewably sourced and recycled materials, advancing both sustainable communities and space exploration.His work has been featured in Forbes and MIT News, and he served as a guest editor for the Journal of Mechanics of Materials on machine learning applications.Born in Athens, Greece, Christos believes education and innovation are catalysts for social change. He holds a doctorate in photonics from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a master’s in applied physics from the National Technical University of Athens. 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