Dr. Brandon Warren knows about inarceration, education, and virtue from firsthand experience. He explores why teaching virtue is essential to truly transforming prison education and rehabilitating lives. Brandon Warren began his academic journey while incarcerated, earning an Associate of Arts in Humanities from Lee College in 2004. After his release, he completed a Bachelor’s in Counseling, a Master of Divinity, a Master’s in Philosophy, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of St. Thomas in 2021. Since 2011, he has helped build and lead innovative prison education programs in Texas, including the first accredited seminary and college reentry services department within TDCJ. In 2024, he joined Adams State University as the Mellon Program Coordinator to launch a groundbreaking initiative hiring incarcerated graduate students as adjunct professors. Brandon has taught philosophy, ethics, theology, and critical thinking in various prison units for over a decade. 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

Dr. Matthew Dempsey wants to change the way we talk about community college. He debunks common myths and shows how two-year colleges are transforming lives and driving innovation. Dr. Matthew Dempsey is president of Lone Star College–University Park and a seasoned higher education leader with nearly 30 years of experience in community colleges. He previously served as vice president of instruction at Lone Star College–CyFair and held key academic leadership roles at Dallas College. In addition to his administrative work, he has served as an adjunct professor of biology for more than 20 years. Dr. Dempsey holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech, with earlier degrees from the University of North Texas, UCLA, and Saddleback College. He champions student success, academic innovation, and the development of strong educational communities. 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

Grief is universal, yet profoundly personal—especially for a child. This talk takes us into the world of an eight-year-old navigating loss, where emotions don’t follow scripts and healing doesn’t look the same as it does for adults. With honesty and tenderness, the speaker explores how children process grief in unique, often surprising ways—through play, imagination, silence, or bursts of expression. I’m positive, bubbly, and full of energy. I love connecting with people and soaking up lively conversations. I’m also always on the lookout for a good book to dive into. 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

Becoming a big sister is more than just a change in family—it’s a journey of transformation. This talk explores the adventure of moving from “me” to “we”, where sharing, caring, and responsibility become part of everyday life. I’m a 9-year-old drama-loving, dance-obsessed, people-collecting bundle of energy who believes life’s ups and downs are just part of the adventure. With my younger sibling as my partner-in-chaos, I stumble, laugh, and groove my way forward—always ready for the next big act. 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

The dance team performs to a classical instrumental piece that captures the essence of heritage and artistry. Through synchronized movements and expressive storytelling, they evoke emotions that transcend language. Their performance is a celebration of rhythm, discipline, and timeless cultural roots, offering the audience a glimpse into the enduring power of classical dance. With discipline, grace, and dedication, this group of performers explores the timeless beauty of classical art forms. They merge rhythm with expression, carrying forward traditions that speak beyond words. 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

En Joan de Dalmau utilitza la perspectiva des de l'espai per destacar la fragilitat del planeta. L'èxit del Protocol de Mont-real per l'ozó i la International Space University esdevénen referencies en el model de col·laboració internacional i juntament amb els avenços de tecnologia de satèl·lits son la clau per afrontar nous reptes com el canvi climàtic i la contaminació per plàstics. Finalment, apel·la a la capacitat i responsabilitat de les noves generacions per protegir la Terra. Joan de Dalmau i Mommertz és mentor d’estudiants i joves professionals que somien en explorar l’espai i aplicar aquest coneixement a la Terra. Enginyer de formació, ha treballat per l’Agència Espacial Europea, la francesa CNES (Centre Nacional d'Estudis Espacials) i la International Space University, vivint en set països de quatre continents. Va ser el primer director del CTAE (Centre de Tecnologia Aerospacial) a Catalunya i actualment comparteix la seva passió per l’espai, el multilingüisme i la consciència global amb joves d’arreu del món. En Joan es defineix com a ciutadà del planeta Terra i creu que explorar l’univers també és una manera d’entendre millor qui som. 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