Inclusion practices that help everyone feel seen, heard and empowered to fully participate aren’t just a “nice-to-have” — they’re essential for the thriving of individuals, relationships, organizations and communities. In this talk, I’ll spotlight the “why” of inclusion, share deliberate and concrete practices exemplars use at the workplace, challenge common misconceptions and offer actionable guidance to help everyone become a contributor and beneficiary of inclusion. Dr. Wei Zheng is the Richard R. Roscitt Endowed Chair Professor in Leadership at Stevens Institute of Technology. Her research, teaching, and practice focus on leadership development and inclusion, addressing questions such as how people grow into leaders, how women leaders thrive in organizations, and what inclusive leaders do. Dr. Zheng has studied leadership in corporate, entrepreneurial, national laboratory, and faith-based organizations, and has conducted in-depth interviews with 150+ top-level executives in the US. Her research work has appeared in top scholarly outlets as well as practitioner ones such as the Harvard Business Review. She has given invited talks and workshops on leadership to companies such as Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Hartford, Securian, ITT, Safran, and SUEZ. At Stevens, Dr. Zheng leads leadership education initiatives, including the Stevens Inclusive Leadership Certificate Program. Her thought leadership earned her recognition as a finalist for the 2021 Thinkers50 Distinguished Achievement Award for Leadership. Dr. Zheng received her PhD degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota, her master’s degree in Comparative and International Development Education from the University of Minnesota, and Bachelor’s Degrees in English Language and Literature and in Economics from Peking University. 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

College is often portrayed as the best time of your life, but sometimes it can feel like a chaotic, overwhelming mess. Have no fear, because being a "hot mess" during your college years is actually a beautiful thing. Embracing imperfection allows students to learn, grow and discover who they truly are. Grounded in the psychosocial, cognitive and moral developmental theories, this talk will highlight how the messiest moments are at the heart of a college education. By encouraging and embracing the mess, we can better understand how it plays a critical role in a transformative college experience.   Dr. Sara Klein is the inaugural Vice President for Student Affairs at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she leads campus-wide efforts to foster a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for students. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Sara has served in leadership roles across student affairs, including Dean of Campus Life, Title IX Coordinator, and Director of Residential Education. A two-time graduate of NYU, where she earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Higher Education, Sara is also an adjunct professor and published scholar, with work appearing in national journals and higher education texts. Her early career included time at Goldman Sachs—an unexpected stop that shaped her multidimensional approach to leadership. Sara is passionate about student development, psychosocial identities, and creating communities where people feel they truly belong. Outside of her work, she’s a devoted teacher, mentor, and musical theater enthusiast who believes deeply in the transformative power of education—and in showing up with both heart and hustle. 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