Imagine if we celebrated people’s identities the way we celebrate our favorite sports teams - not because they’re perfect, but because they’re ours. We wear the jerseys, learn the stats, defend them when they’re down, and cheer the loudest when they rise. In this TEDxOldHickory talk, Dr. Kevin Dyson explore this question..... What if we extended that same unwavering support to the people around us - not trying to change who they are, but seeing them, knowing them, and loving them fully for it? Kevin Dyson, the 16th pick of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Oilers, now Titans, also played for the Carolina Panthers, is currently the principal at Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee. Dr. Dyson is most famously known for the "Music City Miracle"; and "One Yard Short", two of the most famous plays in NFL history. Primarily raised by a single mother, he credits his upbringing for shaping him, as he promised his mother he'd play in the NBA and buy her a house, but she emphasized education. Dr. Dyson holds two master's degrees and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is a published author, hosts a podcast, serves as a radio analyst for the Tennessee Titans, and is a keynote speaker. Dr. Dyson believes true success lies in inspiring growth and navigating challenges, and the foundation for his leadership philosophy is based on the ability to LEAD with GRIT. 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. Gina Anderson explores how true transformation doesn't come from consuming more content, but from small, emotionally resonant moments of connection within ourselves. Blending the science of microlearning and immersing listeners into the learner to self interaction mode, she reveals how presence, purpose, and love in the tiniest moments can ignite powerful, lasting change. Dr. Gina Anderson is a learning scientist and the CEO and co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning, an award-winning learning company and a 2X recipient of the prestigious Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies award. Dr. Anderson is the author of Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward which launched as the #1 best-selling book in Neuroscience 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

Being neurodivergent isn’t an obstacle—it’s my superpower, and my story proves it." Shaun has launched companies, pioneered aerospace research, and worked with SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and the FAA—all by leveraging the very traits society sees as obstacles. This talk delivers a powerful message that challenges the stigma around autism, offering a deeply personal, inspiring perspective on how embracing neurodiversity fosters innovation, resilience, and success, inspiring those who feel different to reframe their struggles into strengths and boldly pursue their dream. Shaun Deardorff is the Founder and CEO of Airmage Media Productions, a nationwide drone and media production company, and a seasoned entrepreneur behind multiple other startups and ventures. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University. With work experience at SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and the FAA, he has earned prestigious fellowships and awards, including the Miller Fellowship 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

What if rethinking how we introduce ourselves is the spark we need to connect, collaborate, and lead in the age of AI? Marva Bailer makes complex things click-whether scaling a billion-dollar business or helping the next generation find their voice. A Women of Influence with 25 years in AI, cybersecurity, and global enterprise, she brings bold energy from the boardroom to the classroom. 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 this talk, Dr. Rita Renee challenges the status quo of DEI initiatives by advocating for a shift from checkbox diversity to true belonging, merit, and excellence. Her message is a bold call to prioritize qualifications, value diverse thought, and create spaces where everyone can rise on the strength of their contribution. Dr. Rita Renee is an international speaker, healthcare leader, and empowerment strategist who helps women “come off mute” by embracing their authentic voices with courage and clarity. She is the founder of Ultimate PowerHouse Coach. 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 a world where relentless marketing has turned our closets into battlegrounds for trends and superficial ideals, our mental health often pays the price. In this talk, marriage and family therapist Dr. Georgia Sewell explores how we can reclaim fashion as a tool for healing and identity, rather than a source of anxiety. Drawing on her research in fashion psychology and narrative inquiry, she demonstrates how reimagining our wardrobe choices as acts of self-care can empower us. Rather than being manipulated by seasonal trends, we can transform each outfit into a statement of authenticity, a personal manifesto that reflects our journey toward mental and emotional wellness. Imagine swapping out the stress of chasing fleeting trends for the joy of curating a wardrobe that celebrates your unique identity. Georgia Sewell is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer and researcher exploring the intersection of identity, relationships, and appearance. Through her private practice and podcast, she works with individuals and couples to navigate self-expression, self-worth, and intimacy. Georgia’s background in fashion psychology informs her unique lens on how what we wear both reflects and shapes our inner world. She is currently completing advanced training in Internal Family Systems and developing a non-fiction book on clothing, connection and Self. Her TEDx talk invites us to reconsider fashion as more than aesthetic- seeing it instead as a language of identity within relationships. 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