Ever wonder what it really costs to “fit in”? For many neurodivergent people, the price of masking is exhaustion, isolation, and even lost identity. This talk reveals the hidden toll of constantly camouflaging who you are just to belong Jalonni Weaver is a storyteller, speaker, and recruiter who’s spent years challenging hiring myths, championing equity, and building community. With experience in high-volume recruiting for one of the nation’s largest insurance companies, she’s reviewed thousands of resumes, extended hundreds of offers, and helped job seekers land roles they didn’t think were possible.As a neurodiverse Black woman, Jalonni has navigated corporate spaces where she was often the only one in the room. Her lived experience with masking, imposter syndrome, and motherhood fuels her passion for authenticity, mental health, and inclusive hiring.Known online for her unfiltered voice and faith-rooted encouragement, Jalonni reaches over 300,000 people across platforms. Whether uplifting job seekers or calling out performative culture, she speaks for the overlooked, the underestimated, and those still figuring it out—reminding them that their story matters. 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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- 15:31Have You Landed or Have You Arrived? Redefining Life's Goals | Dr Thimappa Hegde | TEDxRUASHe emphasizes that health, family, and relationships are often sacrificed in the pursuit of wealth and power. The talk outlines a framework for a fulfilling life, which includes living in the present moment, continuously learning, giving and receiving love, and leaving a legacy of contribution. He shares the wisdom of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who said that a dream is not what you see while sleeping, but what keeps you from sleeping. Dr. Thimappa Hegde is a distinguished neurosurgeon, and is presently working as the Director of Narayana Institute of Neurosciences, Bangalore. He finished his neurosurgery residency from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore. He continued as a faculty at Department of Neurosurgery, NIMHANS till 2003, where he was instrumental in starting Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. In 2004 he founded the Narayana Institute of Neurosciences which has now become one of the finest centres for Neurology and Neurosurgery service with an excellent training program. Dr. Thimappa was recognized by the Lions Club, Bengaluru, as an 'Outstanding Citizen' and visited USA & Canada on a special exchange program from the Rotary International. He was invited by the Vatican to speak at an International Meeting at the Vatican City and had a special audience with the POPE His Holiness John Paul II. With his keen interest in spirituality and overall personality development, Dr. Hegde has scaled new heights, despite having a very busy neurosurgical practice. 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
- 12:05Choose hope, overcome fear, defeat cancer | Dr. Wasim Phoplunkar | TEDxMaharashtra College#tedxmaharashtracollege #MaharashtraCollege #DrwasimPhoplunkar #oncologist Dr. Wasim S. Phoplunkar is a globally acclaimed Radiation Oncologist , with 25+ years of global experience across India, Canada and Saudi Arabia. From cutting-edge treatments like IMRT, IGRT & RapidArc to humanizing the cancer care journey, Dr. Phoplunkar is redefining healing with both technology and compassion 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
- 13:38The Silent Crisis: Rethinking Men’s Health | Raman Tanwar | TEDxMoulsari AvenueThe talk unpacks the hidden struggles men face—from societal expectations to overlooked medical conditions. Drawing on science and lived realities, he challenges stereotypes, raises awareness on men’s health, and urges collective action to improve both longevity and quality of life. Dr. Raman Tanwar is an internationally renowned Urologist, Andrologist, and Men’s Health specialist who has been playing leadership roles in shaping national standards in men’s health as the Secretary General of the Men’s Health Society of India and author national guideline on Male Infertility, Sexual Dysfunction and Men’s Health. Dr. Tanwar has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards and accolades, scores of national and international honors, including the British Medical Association and International Society of Sexual Medicine along with 5 Gold medals in Urology and authorship of 5 books, alongside over 50 publications and 100+ research presentations in urological and andrological sciences. Dr Tanwar is also the fellowship director for Andrology fellowship training and the editor in chief of Best for Him Magazine, an initiative to make men aware about health and lifestyle. 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
- 11:47History and hope along the Chicago River | Dr. Shawn Bailey | TEDxYouth@IMSAEver think a city river could tell a story? Our next speaker shows how human choices—some made over a century ago—still shape the world around us. In this talk, Dr. Bailey explores the hidden ripple effects of history on the Chicago River and what that says about people, nature, and the future of urban life. Our second speaker is Dr. Shawn Bailey, a member of the History/Social Science faculty here at IMSA. Dr. Bailey has a strong background in history, earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Montana. His research focuses on the intersection of modern U.S. history and environmental history, specifically looking at public land use and national parks, and is currently working on a book titled Worth a Dam: Glacier View and the Preservation of Wild America. Dr. Bailey recently contributed a chapter titled “Neon River” to the book Rewilding the Urban Frontier (2024), which forms the basis for his talk today. Dr. Bailey’s talk will explore the history and environmental impact of the Chicago River, delving into the lasting consequences of human action in the early 1900s and how it continues to shape the river’s ecological health. This discussion will tie into the theme of “Ripple,” showing how decisions made long ago still affect us today. Please welcome Dr. Shawn Bailey with his talk titled “Neon River: Rethinking Chicago Environmental History and Hope in the Age of Humans.” 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
- 9:46The Art of Starting Small | Luke YIn | TEDxYouth@IMSAEver feel like it’s too late to make a change? Our next speaker is here to prove otherwise. Luke Yin shares how one small decision—buying a ping-pong table—sparked a ripple effect that reshaped his health, confidence, and perspective. This talk is about how starting small can still lead to big change, and how even the tiniest shift can change everything Our first student speaker for tonight is Luke Yin. Luke is a junior at IMSA and discovered a passion for tennis after buying a ping-pong table during the pandemic. He’s involved in several activities at IMSA, but he particularly enjoys being a part of the IMSA tennis team, something that began with something that began with a simple, spontaneous decision to try something new. What started as a small decision ended up transforming his health, confidence, and life in ways he never expected. In his talk, Luke will show us how even the smallest choices can spark big changes and challenge the idea that it’s too late to start something new. Please join me in welcoming Luke to the stage with “The Art of Starting Small.” 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
- 17:59I Failed, I Fell, and Then I Laughed | Evelyn Hutani | TEDxUniversitas Ciputra SurabayaWhat if failure became your funniest punchline? Evelyn Hutani’s talk, “I Failed, I Fell, and Then I Laughed”, celebrates the power of humor in overcoming life’s messiness. As a content creator, stand-up comedian, and mental health advocate, she shares how turning vulnerability into laughter can heal and empower us to rise stronger after every fall. Join her to embrace failure with a smile. Evelyn Hutani is a digital creator and speaker who blends humor, culture, and authenticity to connect with millions.Experiences: Comedy content creator with 3.9M+ followers on TikTok and 791K+ on Instagram Active as a speaker and educator on personal branding in the digital ageShe has also expanded into public speaking and acting, including a role in the film “Bila Esok Ibu Tiada”. 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
