In a world trained to scroll past pain and celebrate perfection, Kapil Raj brings attention to the quiet suffering we often overlook. A bestselling author and corporate leader, Kapil shares how storytelling became his way of witnessing the unheard, the unseen, and the unspoken. Through deeply personal narratives—of abuse, shame, unmet dreams, and quiet resilience—he explores how silence distorts our understanding of reality, and how breaking that silence can begin the process of healing. With raw vulnerability, he reflects on the emotional toll of writing stories without happy endings, and the profound connection that happens when someone simply feels seen. This talk is a call to listen deeply, speak bravely, and hold space for the truths we’ve long been taught to hide. Kapil Raj is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and writer-activist whose work blends storytelling, emotional truth, and social impact. A corporate leader at a Fortune 150 organization, he drives large-scale transformation while championing the power of narrative to spotlight unheard voices. His novel Endurer and Change Stories series (Kuroopa, A Gutterful Life, A Mother by the Window) explore mental health, identity, and silence with psychological depth. Kapil speaks at global forums and universities on the healing power of uncomfortable stories, emotional intelligence in leadership. 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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- 17:43Do you know if your lungs are healthy? | Jean Wright | TEDxUNCCharlotteChronic respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the United States and yet they are often under-tested and given less attention than other causes. It's imperative that we invest in lung health equity. Dr. Jean Wright shares why we need to start providing individuals with lung health metrics, including a lung health number, to better understand their own lung health.Jean Wright is a physician and CEO of the COPD Foundation (COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). She became CEO after retiring as the Chief Innovation Officer at Atrium Health (now Advocate). She has brought the passion of innovation into an organization that advocates for 30 million people with COPD in the US, and 300 million worldwide. While once thought of as the smokers' disease, we now know COPD can be genetic, environmental, related to childhood asthma and a risk to first responders. In 2020, Dr. Wright gave a TedxCLT talk about the Invisible Epidemic of COPD. In that talk, the 'invisible epidemic' of COPD was brought to light.Dr. Wright has also served as Chief Medical Officer for several Atrium Hospitals, an Executive Director for a women's and children's hospital in Savannah, and a clinician, a clinical scientist and an academic leader at Emory University. Clinically, Jean is an anesthesiologist and critical physician.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
- 10:16You've Been Lied To About Success | Bismah Ahmed | TEDxFoggyBottomWhat if everything you know about success is wrong? Bismah Ahmed reveals the life-changing truth and secrets to achieving authentic success, breaking the mold, and finding lasting fulfillment. As Vice President of Government Affairs for the Apartment and Office Building Association, Bismah Ahmed champions pro-business policies, shapes economic development, and amplifies the voices of entrepreneurs and industry leaders. In 2026, she will be the first woman of color to chair the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Bismah began her career in politics, working for Virginia’s Governor and Attorney General, before diving into lobbying, where she established herself in legislative advocacy. In 2022, she became the first South Asian, Muslim, and Pakistani woman to be crowned Miss DC for America, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and encourage women to embrace their multifaceted identities. Additionally, she is a regular commentator on FOX5 and NBC12 and was a contestant on the reality TV show The Anonymous on USA Network & Peacock. 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
- 12:41How leaders navigate tough times | Randy Clarke | TEDxFoggyBottomAs the General Manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Randy Clarke constantly experiences the unique complexities and challenges of being a leader. In his talk, Randy Clarke dissects what it means to demonstrate great leadership and how to prepare for the unexpected. Randy Clarke, General Manager & CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming America’s Metro System. Clarke has been relentless in continuous improvements and delivering service excellence, which has led to two consecutive years in ridership growth and recovery. He is focused on being fiscally responsible while working with the WMATA Board to deliver a balanced budget and reduce management costs. The Strategic Transformation Plan, Metro’s guiding priorities, focuses on making Metro a world-class system. Prior to Metro, Clarke led Capital Metro in Austin, securing one of the largest transit referendums in U.S. history. He also held key roles at APTA and MBTA, shaping public transit nationwide. Originally from Nova Scotia, he earned degrees from Acadia University and the University of Southern Maine. Clarke and his wife, both transit enthusiasts, love exploring the region alongside their two dogs, Pepper and Jelly. 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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- 19:30The complicated history of race and fashion | Kimberly Jenkins | TEDxFoggyBottomAt the intersection of race, fashion, and history, lies Kimberly Jenkins's expertise. In this talk, she explores the profound historical and social impact of race on fashion, from its use in oppression to its role in cultural identity and personal dignity. Kimberly M. Jenkins has spent over twelve years studying the impact of our clothes and how we express ourselves, with a mission to help us think more deeply about dress. Kim is the Founder and Director of Artis Solomon, a fashion academia company that powers platforms teaching fashion history and cultural awareness. The company’s most effective platform is The Fashion and Race Database®️, the first and most trusted online resource that reveals how the construct of race has shaped aesthetics, worldviews and industry practices. Kim’s work in bridging fashion academia with positive impact in the fashion industry has led to partnerships with Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Holt Renfrew, Instagram Design, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others. Kim formerly held the position of Assistant Professor of Fashion Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, Part-time Lecturer at Parsons School of Design and Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute. 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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