Virtuoso vocalist, Òdèré, performs the National Anthem of Nigeria. Òdèré is a talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist. Òdèré's musical journey began at the tender age of 6, singing in school and church choirs. Her musical influences span a wide range of artists, including Lagbaja, Victor Olaiya, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Ebenezer Obey, Brymo, Omawumi, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Aretha Franklin. 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

Iyanu Osho performs here in a mix of Yoruba and English. The message of unity, goodwill and love-filled coexistence suffuses his short but memorable performance. Iyanu Osho, known as IYỌ̀ (Yorùbá for “salt”), is a rising African artist blending religion, tradition, and culture in his music. While initially perceived as gospel, his work is more secular, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists like King Sunny Ade and Burna Boy. 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

Fatihah's spoken word performance takes on gender injustice. It is a subtle tirade against gender-based violence, sexual abuse and social limitations on women. As a poet, Fatihah's body of work dwells on domestic violence, gender inequality and social injustice. She is a Law student at the University of Ibadan. Fatihah Quadri is a promising young Nigerian poet. As a poet, Fatihah's body of work dwells on domestic violence, gender inequality and social injustice. She is a law student at the University of Ibadan. Her works have been featured in Art Lounge, The Kalahari Review, World Voices Magazine and elsewhere. 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

Annika’s speech was based on her own aversion to uncertainty, a discomfort she often dismissed until realizing how deeply it shaped her decisions. Curious about why she and her peers hesitated to take risks, challenge change, or cling to familiar paths, she began digging deeper. Through this journey, she uncovered eight main powerful cognitive biases, which distorted how individuals lead, choose, and relate to others. In The Puppeteer’s Illusion, Annika walks audiences through these hidden forces, revealing how these biases already influence school leadership, friendships, innovation, and self-worth, and often without our awareness. Annika invites listeners to recognize the strings, question them, and ultimately rewire how we think in order to transform leadership practices into more conscious, inclusive, and collaborative decisions. Annika’s speech was based on her own aversion to uncertainty, a discomfort she often dismissed until realizing how deeply it shaped her decisions. Curious about why she and her peers hesitated to take risks, challenge change, or cling to familiar paths, she began digging deeper. Through this journey, she uncovered eight main powerful cognitive biases, which distorted how individuals lead, choose, and relate to others. In The Puppeteer’s Illusion, Annika walks audiences through these hidden forces, revealing how these biases already influence school leadership, friendships, innovation, and self-worth, and often without our awareness. Annika invites listeners to recognize the strings, question them, and ultimately rewire how we think in order to transform leadership practices into more conscious, inclusive, and collaborative decisions. 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 her speech, Katherine Wang explores the interplay between ‘fitting in’ and ‘standing out’; a tension that defines so much of our social lives. Society tells us to stand out, yet punishes us when we actually do. Opening with a humorous anecdote about her own failed teenage rebellion, Katherine then reveals a counterintuitive truth: real change doesn’t always occur on the grand stage or with outright rebellion. It happens through strategic conformity; knowing when it is best to resist the norm and when to follow. Katherine Wang is a 10th grade student in Calgary, Alberta. As a keen observer of youth behavior, she’s learned a hidden superpower: knowing how to balance the two seemingly conflicting ideas of blending in and rebelling. Katherine is a passionate debater and enjoys volunteering at a local senior home. When she’s not giving a speech, she can be found reading, ice skating, or listening to keshi. 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 her TEDxWilmingtonSalon talk, Autumn Tuxward challenges the notion that national revival depends solely on policy. Drawing from her years of experience as a first responder, she reveals how everyday people—through small acts of courage and care—can lead powerful change. If you’ve ever asked, “What can I do?” this talk delivers a compelling answer and leaves you with a renewed sense of your personal influence. Autumn Tuxward is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for youth development, currently serving as the Director of Youth Programs at Code Differently. With nearly two decades of public service—including 18 years as a Paramedic Lieutenant—Autumn brings unmatched experience in leadership, crisis response, and program strategy. A 2023 Leadership Delaware Fellow and recipient of the Jefferson Award, she is committed to community impact, equity, and opportunity. Autumn also serves on advisory boards for Wilmington University and the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay. Her work empowers young people to build meaningful futures through tech, education, and purpose-driven leadership. 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