Dr. Matthew Dempsey wants to change the way we talk about community college. He debunks common myths and shows how two-year colleges are transforming lives and driving innovation. Dr. Matthew Dempsey is president of Lone Star College–University Park and a seasoned higher education leader with nearly 30 years of experience in community colleges. He previously served as vice president of instruction at Lone Star College–CyFair and held key academic leadership roles at Dallas College. In addition to his administrative work, he has served as an adjunct professor of biology for more than 20 years. Dr. Dempsey holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech, with earlier degrees from the University of North Texas, UCLA, and Saddleback College. He champions student success, academic innovation, and the development of strong educational communities. 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
More from TED
- 16:52Finding your True Self | Anjum Moudgil | TEDxPECThis talk explores the journey of self-discovery beyond the pursuit of external validation. Drawing from personal experiences in competitive sports, Anjum shares how breaking free from self-imposed limitations led to a deeper understanding of identity and purpose."|| Edited By: Mayank Bhatnagar || Organisers: Akhil Makkar, Arpit Singhal || An initiative by CDGC (TnP PEC) || Location: Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh ||Anjum Moudgil is a prominent Indian sport shooter who specializes in the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events. A talented and consistent performer, she has represented India at numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and ISSF World Cups. Moudgil has secured several medals throughout her career, showcasing her skill and dedication to the sport, and is also known for her artistic pursuits outside of shooting. 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
- 8:50The Next Big Thing is Indian Traditional Superfoods | Kiru Maikapillai | TEDxVelammal Global SchoolThe Next Big Thing isn’t futuristic: it’s ancient. In this talk, Kiru Maikapillai uncovers the power of Indian traditional superfoods like turmeric and moringa, showing how age-old wisdom holds the key to a healthier tomorrow. Kiru Maikkapillai is the Founder & CEO of The Divine Foods, one of India’s fastest-growing D2C food brands, trusted by over 300,000 customers across multiple countries.Started from a humble 10x10 room in rural Salem, The Divine Foods is on a mission to take native Tamil Nadu food to the global stage. Known for superfoods like ABC Mix, Millet Meal, and Paruthi Paal, the brand is built on simplicity, heritage, and health.With 40% repeat customers — a rare feat in D2C — it has become a benchmark in loyalty and product quality while creating rural impact through jobs and empowerment. Recognised as the Fastest Growing D2C Brand by YourStory and funded by the Tamil Nadu government, The Divine Foods is also backed by celebrity investors Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan.Blending ancient Indian wisdom with modern convenience, it continues to redefine clean eating and wellness — a truly global brand born in rural India. 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
- 10:59Harmony Beyond Words | Aben Jotham | TEDxVelammal Global SchoolIn this TEDx performance, musician Aben Jotham takes the audience on a soulful journey through the enchanting sounds of the flute and the saxophone. With seamless transitions and heartfelt expression, he creates an atmosphere where music speaks louder than words. His performance is not just a display of technical skill, but a conversation of emotions - calmness, depth, and passion flowing together in harmony. This instrumental reminds us of the timeless power of music to move hearts and connect souls. Aben Jotham is a highly versatile multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his mastery of woodwind instruments. With a remarkable 30 years of professional experience, he has contributed to over 4,000 studio recordings and graced the stage in more than 2,000 live performances at concerts, events, and various venues.Renowned among music producers as the go‑to session musician, Jotham’s proficiency spans a wide sonic spectrum - from the depths of Indian classical music, through the precision of Western classical, to the energy of modern genres. His adaptability and artistry make him a seamless collaborator in any musical setting. 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
- 15:23What If Forgetting Is the Future? | Ganesh Thirunavukkarasu | TEDxVelammal Global SchoolWhat if forgetting, not learning, is the real superpower of the future? In this TEDx talk, Ganesh Thirunavukkarasu, a talent strategist and academic mentor, explores the power of unlearning - the ability to let go of outdated knowledge, habits and assumptions to make space for reinvention. From Kodak and Nokia’s failures to Nvidia’s reinvention, from students chasing placements to careers that now demand agility, this talk reframes success in an age where technology, AI and industries evolve faster than degrees. With insights from shaping the future of work and bridging academia with industry, Ganesh shows why adaptability, career agility and lifelong employability will define tomorrow’s leaders. The next big thing is not just technology - it’s us, and our courage to unlearn. Ganesh Thirunavukkarasu is a Talent Acquisition leader turned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of education and industry. During his 19-year tenure at Tata Consultancy Services, he led the hiring of 42,000+ graduates and engaged with over 150 engineering institutions, gaining deep insights into talent pipelines and campus dynamics. Today, as the Founder of UniqShift Ventures, he reimagines how students, academic institutions and companies prepare for the future of work, designing sustainable strategies that align students, faculty and businesses with evolving workforce needs. Recognized as a trusted voice in talent strategy, early careers recruitment and industry-academia collaboration, Ganesh brings real-world insights that build future-ready talent pipelines while shifting the focus from first jobs to lifelong employability and career agility. 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
- 13:06El cervell decideix abans que tu: el costat invisible del consum | Pilar Navarro Muñoz | TEDxReusEl cervell ha pres la decisió abans que tu en siguis conscient. La Pilar Navarro, s endinsa dintre de les claus del neuro marketing per explicarnos les claus en desicions de compres i com creiem que moltes de les desicions racionals són realment inconscients. Pilar Navarro Muñoz és doctora en Comunicació i directora d’Innovació a Fenin (Federación Española de Empresas de Tecnología Sanitari). Especialista en neuromàrqueting, combina la seva activitat professional amb la docència i la recerca sobre com decidim i com la intel•ligència artificial pot predir el comportament del consumidor. Amb experiència en sectors com les ciències de la vida, la tecnologia i el consum, col•labora amb universitats i empreses per impulsar la innovació en comunicació estratègica. Pilar creu en el poder de la ciència i la tecnologia per connectar millor amb les persones i repensar com comuniquem en un món cada cop més complex. 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
- 13:14I si planifiquéssim la vida com planifiquem l'èxit? | Mireia Trepat Martí | TEDxReusLa Mireia ens fa reflexionar sobre la nostra visió de vida. Tenim clars els nostres objectius? La planifiquem per tal que aquests es complexin? Mireia Trepat Martí és cofundadora de Freshly Cosmetics, la marca de cosmètica natural que va revolucionar el sector a través del digital. Després de liderar-ne el creixement exponencial, avui acompanya startups i emprenedors com a consultora i mentora, ajudant-los a construir marques amb propòsit i a connectar de forma real amb les persones. Apassionada pel màrqueting, la innovació i la sostenibilitat, entén l’emprenedoria com una eina per transformar el món. La seva mirada estratègica i humana inspira una nova manera de fer negocis: més honestos, més conscients i més compromesos amb el futur. 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
