We all want to solve the plastic problem — but what if our solutions are making it worse? In this talk, Bengu challenges common assumptions about plastic and invites us to rethink what real change might look like. Bengu Mete is a chemical engineering researcher with expertise in materials science and bioengineering. Her work explores the complex role of plastics in modern society, from their essential applications in medicine and technology to their environmental impact. With a focus on sustainable materials and innovative solutions, she challenges conventional narratives around plastic use, advocating for smarter, climate-conscious strategies. Through her research, Mete aims to bridge the gap between sustainability and practicality, shaping a future where materials science drives 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

What does identity mean when you’ve never belonged to the majority? Born in Iraq to a Turkmen family, Lahib grew up navigating life as a minority — in Iraq, in Lebanon, and later in the United States. In this talk, she shares her journey across cultures and borders, reflecting on how identity is shaped, questioned, and ultimately redefined when you’re always the outsider. Lahib Jaddo is an Iraqi-born artist, architect, and educator whose work spans painting, sculpture, and storytelling. Born in Baghdad to a Turkmen family, she spent her formative years in Iraq and Lebanon before immigrating to the U.S., where she earned a Master of Architecture and a Master of Fine Arts from Texas Tech University. Jaddo's art explores themes of memory, displacement, and cultural identity, blending her Middle Eastern heritage with her deep connection to the American landscape. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally and is the subject of the award-winning documentary Jaddoland. 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

Dementia remains one of the greatest constraints on human longevity. For decades, it has been understood primarily as a disease of dying brain cells—an inevitable consequence of ageing. That view is now being transformed. Emerging evidence shows that dementia is, in large part, a disorder of brain cell repair and maintenance, not simply cell death. Crucially, this process begins early in life, long before symptoms appear. This re-framing changes everything: it suggests that dementia may not be an unavoidable fate of old age, but a preventable condition. In this new paradigm, longevity and mental clarity can coexist—offering a far more hopeful future for ageing well. Dr. Steve Allder is a Consultant Neurologist at Re:Cognition Health and a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of brain health. With over two decades of experience, he is recognised for his expertise across the full spectrum of neurological disorders including dementia, migraine, neurological pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and functional neurological disorders (FND). He leads advanced clinical and medicolegal services spanning civilian, military and sports-related neurological injury, and is at the forefront of integrating neuroscience, psychiatry and technology to deliver better outcomes. A passionate advocate for innovation, Dr Allder is the Principal Investigator on several global trials in Parkinson’s disease and has led pioneering research in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, the Aston Brain Centre and the University of York. His work is reshaping how we diagnose and treat conditions like mild TBI, using neuro-computational models and sophisticated imaging techniques such as MEG and high-resolution MRI. A founding member of the FND Society, Dr Allder has contributed extensively to building new clinical frameworks for complex neurological care. With dozens of publications and global collaborations, he remains committed to advancing early detection and treatment strategies for cognitive disorders and chronic neurological conditions. A former NHS neurologist with a background in acute care and neuro-otology, Dr Allder combines clinical depth, academic rigour and a visionary approach to understanding and treating the injured, and ageing, brain. 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

Es posible desafiar el miedo y trazar el camino hacia una mejor versión como profesionistas, con el apoyo de mentores, familia y mucha dedicación, confiando en las habilidades adquiridas para potenciar el talento y así materializar los sueños a pesar de la presión social. Diseñador gráfico y productor mexicano especializado en branding, packaking e ilustración. Egresado de la Universidad del Valle de Puebla en 2018, se convirtió en el diseñador más jóven en ganar el Premio a! Diseño 2019 en la categoría profesional con "Mezcal Colores de Oaxaca". En 2023 diseñó la icónica bucket de KFC- NFL para el Super Bowl y fue seleccionado nuevamente en 2024 para su aniversario, con mención en Rolling Stone México. Estudia Master en Packaking en LABASAD, Barcelona. Liderea su estudio Carreto Cencepts Designs Studio. 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

陳科維（Alexander King Chen）是一位才華橫溢的創意總監，以其短片作品在坎城短片角落影展嶄露頭角✨。他在美國La Jolla國際時尚電影節上榮獲多達16項大獎，展現了他在時尚電影界的卓越成就?。然而，陳科維的旅程並非一帆風順，因摯愛的母親過世，他曾經陷入低潮，但這段經歷也促使他更堅定地追尋自己的夢想??。他的故事告訴我們，面對挑戰與困難，勇敢面對並不斷努力，才能找到屬於自己的舞台❤️‍?。 陳科維（Alexander King Chen）是一位才華橫溢的導演和品牌創始人，以其短片作品在坎城短片角落影展嶄露頭角✨。他在美國La Jolla國際時尚電影節上榮獲多達16項大獎，展現了他在時尚電影界的卓越成就?。然而，陳科維的旅程並非一帆風順，因摯愛的母親過世，他曾經陷入低潮，但這段經歷也促使他更堅定地追尋自己的夢想??。他的故事告訴我們，面對挑戰與困難，勇敢面對並不斷努力，才能找到屬於自己的舞台❤️‍?。 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 dominated by digital dating and algorithm-driven matches, Melissa Dishell offers a bold alternative: ditch the apps and prioritize real-life connection.After building a thriving career representing celebrities and creatives, Melissa reached a point of personal clarity: she had prioritized everyone but herself. At 42, she embarked on an intentional journey, committing to doing one thing a day for love.Whether you're single by choice, circumstance, or tired of ghosting and catfishing, discover how shifting your energy and priorities can lead to real connection. Her story will inspire you to put love on your to-do list! Melissa Dishell is a Los Angeles-based creative executive with over 20 years of experience in branding and marketing, renowned for her innovative strategies that bring ideas to life for talent and brands like Dita Von Teese, Christian Louboutin, Barbie and Pharrell Williams. Her dynamic approach to event design and creative production, coupled with her ability to inspire and motivate, has solidified her reputation as a visionary leader in the industry. 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