After experiencing homelessness and personal loss, Amber Robertson turned her pain into purpose. She shares solutions for ending domestic violence in the Black community through healing, advocacy, and collective empowerment. Amber S. Robertson is a Brazos Valley native, passionate community advocate, public speaker, and author. She is the founder of Brazos Valley Blessings, a nonprofit supporting local families in their version of poverty. Inspired by generations of strong women and supported by her late husband, Patrick D. Robertson, Amber has devoted herself to service through fundraising, Juneteenth celebrations, and church outreach. Recognized by the Brazos Valley African American Museum, the City of Bryan, and Texas A&M University, Amber uses her platform to uplift marginalized voices and promote mental health awareness. She is currently pursuing a BA in Social Work from Tarelton State University . She’s a children’s book author and aspiring memoirist, Amber shares her experiences with grief, healing, and resilience through storytelling. 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. Jessica Hylton fuses activism with art in raw, unforgettable verse. Through poetry reading, she shares how feminist poetry can rewrite dominant narratives and why language is a tool for both liberation and resistance. Jessica K. Hylton holds a Ph.D. from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She has published two collections, Gag Order—a collection of protest poetry in erasure form based on Trump’s speeches, and The Great Scissor Hunt—a collection based on the complexities of what happens after coming out of the closet. She current works at Kansas State University Salina and remains politically active, though she does have to get approval on her escapades from her beloved dog, Goose, who is arguably just as intense as she is. 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

Hassan “MVP” Assad brings his powerhouse presence to the stage to challenge misconceptions about masculinity. Drawing from his own journey from abuse to incarceration to stardom, he argues that seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Hassan Assad, known worldwide as Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), is an American professional wrestler, manager, and submission grappler. He is currently signed to AEW, managing The Hurt Syndicate, and is best known for his work with WWE and NJPW. A two-time WWE United States Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion (with Matt Hardy), and the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion, MVP began wrestling in the early 2000s after training with Soulman Alex G and Norman Smiley. He debuted in WWE in 2006, where he held the U.S. Title for 343 days—the longest reign in SmackDown history. After stints in NJPW, TNA, and ROH, he returned to WWE in 2020 before joining AEW in 2024. Off the mat, MVP’s journey is one of resilience: tried as an adult at 16 for armed robbery and kidnapping, he served 9½ years of an 18½-year sentence. Today, he’s a respected veteran, motivational speaker, and social media influencer with over half a million followers. 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

Keith Coleman believes America needs more middle ground. He shares how a bipartisan mindset can foster real progress: in politics, leadership, and everyday life. Keith Coleman is a highly sought-after leadership expert in North America. A retired Marine Corps officer, acclaimed basketball coach, college professor and administrator, published author, motivational speaker, business owner, and politician, he is often described as a "Gentleman of the 21st Century" and a Renaissance man. 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

Licensed professional counselor and therapy innovator Jessica Eiseman helps clients and clinicians alike navigate “the unknown.” She explores new frameworks for improving mental health in a fast-changing, burnout-prone world. Jessica Eiseman, MS, LPC-S, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas, Nationally Certified Counselor, and founder of Ajana Therapy & Clinical Services—an inclusive Houston-based practice named after the Bengali word for “the unknown.” With over 14 years of experience, she provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive care for women with ADHD, midlife transitions, maternal mental health, LGBTQ+ clients, and professionals facing burnout or identity shifts. She conducts forensic mental health evaluations for immigrants seeking asylum. Jessica’s work is rooted in Relational Cultural Theory and person-centered values, blending evidence-based approaches to support meaningful, sustainable growth. She’s also the creator of Mental Vitamins, a digital platform offering trainings and consulting for mental health professionals and the communities they serve. Outside work, Jessica is a mom, wife, pet lover, and bubble tea enthusiast who sees “the unknown” as a space for growth 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

Ronnie Nespeca says we’re overlooking one of the simplest keys to health: water. He explains the science behind hydration and why water might just be your most powerful health tool. Ronnie Nespeca serves as Kinesiology Department Chair at Lone Star College-CyFair, where he has been a distinguished faculty member since the institution's founding in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional pedagogical versatility, teaching specialized Honors courses, Service-Learning classes that integrate community engagement with academic curriculum, and innovative Learning Community programs that foster interdisciplinary connections among students. He led international educational initiatives, teaching Study Abroad courses in the rainforests of Costa Rica and directing an immersive academic program across multiple regions of Italy, where students engaged with world-renowned cultural and historical sites while studying health sciences in a global context. He is the Co-Author of “Strength Training for Total Health and Wellness”. Prior to his academic career, he worked as an Exercise Physiologist for the United States Air Force at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. 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