Sheyda Brown went from staying quiet to organizing for change. In this talk, she breaks down four roles every organizer needs to understand—and what real leadership looks like in practice. True heroes aren’t the ones in the spotlight. They’re the ones building people up and creating the kind of change that lasts. If we want a better world, we need to invest in the people who are working to build it. Sheyda Brown is an Iranian-American political organizer and strategist working to build collective power with communities of color in Oklahoma. Rooted in deep relationships and radical imagination, she fights white supremacist violence while advancing policy, narrative, and systems change. She began organizing after Hurricane Harvey, supporting disaster recovery in Houston’s Black and Brown neighborhoods. With 12+ years in the nonprofit sector, she’s led campaigns securing wage increases, federal investments, and lasting policy wins. Sheyda holds a Master of Social Work and completed Harvard Kennedy School’s Leadership, Organizing, and Action course. She is a 2022 Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow and 2021 New Leaders Council Fellow. Across philanthropy and grassroots movements, her work centers marginalized voices and affirms that power belongs with the people. 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
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- 10:13Unlocking the Flow of Studying: the Flow State | Kareena Sarkar | TEDxYouth@CanadianAcademyMotivated by her struggles with academic pressure and distraction, Kareena dedicated her talk to Unlocking The Flow State. She shared how mastering focus and harnessing the brain’s natural rhythms can make studying more effective and enjoyable. Drawing on neuroscience and personal experience as an IBDP student, she explained how students can overcome procrastination, distraction, and overwhelm by eliminating flow blockers, setting clear goals, and building focus rituals. Kareena believes that unlocking the flow state can empower students to take control of their learning journeys and unlock greater confidence, productivity, and balance in their lives. Kareena Sarkar, a junior at Canadian Academy, is passionate about unlocking human potential through better learning habits. 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
- 11:44Building Resilience as a Student-Athlete | Joanna Prakash | TEDxYouth@CanadianAcademyAs a committed three-season student-athlete in volleyball, basketball, and soccer, she shares her honest journey of balancing school and sports within the demanding IB program. Through her personal struggles and growth, Joanna highlights the importance of resilience, mental well-being, and community support. Her story aims to remind that behind every student-athlete’s performance is a deeper journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and strength. Joanna, a junior at Canadian Academy is passionate about academics, sports, and mental resilience. 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
- 12:41The Power of Resilience | Deepti Agarwal | TEDxACE | Deepti Agarwal | TEDxACEWhat if life was never meant to be perfect, but beautifully balanced? In this deeply moving talk, Deepti Agarwal takes the stage on a day of cosmic symmetry—the spring equinox—to reveal a powerful truth: life, like light and darkness, finds its meaning in contrast. With warmth and wisdom, she explores how setbacks aren’t interruptions—they’re essential chapters in our story. Blending thought-provoking metaphors, global experiences, and personal reflections, Deepti reframes failure not as the opposite of success, but as its foundation. From silent struggles in women’s shelters in Singapore to the detours we face in our own journeys, she offers a raw, compassionate perspective on what it truly means to bounce back. This talk is a soul-stirring reminder that we don’t need to chase only the highs or fear the lows—because in the grand design of life, everything balances out. Deepti Agarwal is a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience driving growth, partnerships, and purpose. She has worked with global giants like Google, Cadbury, and Puma, and led transformative initiatives with UN Women, creating impact where it’s needed most. An alumna of SRCC and FMS Delhi, and a certified Fintech expert from Harvard and Wharton, Deepti blends business acumen with deep emotional intelligence. Her voice resonates with authenticity, making her not just a seasoned strategist—but a storyteller who empowers others to turn adversity into strength. 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
- 8:23Beyond the Mold: Why Space Belongs to Everyone | Tomáš Dučai | TEDxDonauinselAs the world’s first analog parastronaut using a wheelchair, Tomas Ducai challenges our assumptions of who gets to go to space — and shows why true exploration demands inclusion, resilience, and new ways of thinking. Tomas Ducai is a molecular biology student, science communicator, and the world’s first wheelchair-using analog parastronaut. From NASA programs to international festivals, he shares his journey through space research and advocacy—championing inclusion, accessibility, and diversity within the space science community. 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
- 3:25Why kids need to learn about money before they can count it | Tetyana Kohansal | TEDxDonauinselMost money habits are formed by the age of seven, long before kids can confidently count coins—yet we often delay talking to them about finances. In this talk, you’ll learn why it’s crucial to start teaching children about money early, and how simple, everyday moments can help them build confidence, understand value, and make smart financial choices for life. Tetyana Kohansal is a mathematician, author, and managing partner at ks actuaries. She’s passionate about finance, investing, and youth empowerment. Her latest book introduces kids to financial education and entrepreneurship, making big ideas simple, fun, and inspiring. 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
