Aya Kiyosawa shares her personal experience of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as a seven-year-old in Sendai, and how the disaster shaped her perspective on daily life, resilience, and human connection. From the fear and uncertainty of losing familiar comforts to the kindness of neighbors who shared their hot water, these memories continue to influence how she views relationships and community today. She reflects on the importance of telling such stories—not only to preserve the memory of the disaster, but also to remind us that everyday life is precious, and that bonds with others can be the strongest support in times of hardship. Aya Kiyosawa is a 21-year-old student at Akita International University, originally from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Having lived through the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake at the age of seven, she has since been committed to sharing her story as a way to preserve memory and foster resilience in others. Aya is passionate about languages and music—she has studied English and Korean, participated in a study-abroad program in Seoul, and now composes and performs with her band near campus. Through her studies, her music, and her storytelling, Aya continues to explore how human connection and community can help us overcome hardship and cherish everyday life. 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

[TEDxKHU 2025 Summer Event 파동: 그 속에서 가능성을 관측하다] 좋은 경험을 통해 공감을 만들어내고, 그 공감을 통해 브랜딩의 파동을 일으켜 세상을 움직이는 허준 연사님의 강연을 만나보세요! Creating empathy through meaningful experiences and sparking a wave of branding that moves the world. Join June Heo’s talk on branding that connects deeply with people. CEO of June&Good / Former CMO of GFFG, 8meals, GLOW SEOUL / Author of [I Am a Branding Person] 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

My talk addresses the global talent shortage we face today. Worldwide, 75% of employers struggle to hire—three out of every four. In Brazil, the scarcity is even higher at 81%. But this raises an important question: what gender and skin color are these “talents” employers are truly looking for? Sonia is an Associate Professor at the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA) and the first Black woman in Brazil to earn a PhD in Physics (University of Manchester, 1989). In 1993, she became ITA’s first Black woman professor, at a time when women were not yet admitted as students. With over 30 years of academic contributions, she has been recognized with the Santos Dumont Medal of Honor (2023), named one of Latin America’s 100 most innovative people by Bloomberg Línea (2023), and listed among Forbes Brazil’s Most Powerful Women (2025). In the same year, she was honored as one of the 35 leaders of IT Forum Mulheres and received the Inspiring Women Award from the Brazilian Institute of Petroleum and Gas. 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 there's a different way to think about the future? In this talk, trend researcher Gabi Terra introduces the concept of the "nowist", someone who doesn’t reject the future but chooses to shape it by staying grounded in the present. It’s a call to slow down, look around and act from where we are. With over 20 years of experience in Branding, Advertising, Insights, and Innovation, Gabi Terra is a senior strategist and founder of Go Magenta. She has led strategy and research teams for multinational and Fortune 500 brands such as Amazon, Warner Brothers, Volkswagen, Accorhotels, Oreo, Itaú, Braskem, Johnson & Johnson, Volvo, Discovery Networks, Oi, O Boticário, and Vivo.At Go Magenta, she integrates insights and strategy, focusing on diagnosis, critical thinking, scenario planning, and problem-solving to create actionable and impactful strategies. Gabi considers herself not only a strategist but also a cultural researcher eager to help brands design strategies grounded in genuine insights. 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 recent years, the wellness industry has become one of the most profitable sectors of the global economy. But is this market creating problems just to sell overly simple solutions to highly complex issues? When in doubt: be skeptical! Content creator and influencer since 2020, Mari Krüger, a Biology graduate, built her community through videos that blend science, humor, creativity, and lifestyle.Mari began creating videos during the forced pause of the 2020 pandemic, combining her knowledge in biology with her experience as an actress—a path she has pursued since the age of 18. Her videos are grounded in scientific knowledge, aiming to inform and debunk unfounded theories.With over 3 million followers across her social media platforms, she promotes responsible influence, real life, and science in a light, engaging, and humorous way. 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. Saji Varghese, Associate Professor of English and Coordinator of the Social Entrepreneurship Wing at Christ University, Bangalore, developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves—India’s fastest patent grant in 2018. In his TEDx talk, he shares how a kitchen experiment grew into a global social enterprise that tackles environmental challenges while creating livelihoods for rural women. His innovation has earned international recognition, including the UNDP Global Honeybee Award, MassChallenge Switzerland Award, and a felicitation by the United Nations on World Environment Day. In 2019, he was also part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to the Philippines.Dr Saji Varghese is Associate Professor, Department of English and Coordinator, Social Entrepreneurship Wing of Christ Incubation Centre at Christ University, Bangalore. He developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves, an innovation that got the fastest patent granted in India in 2018. His commitment to sustainability combined with his innovative use of materials and processes has not just reduced plastic waste but also empowered urban poor and rural women who are employed at his venture. He is the Founder of Sunbird Straws which he started with two of his students and his start up now employs 118 women in coastal India. Dr. Saji Varghese was invited to be part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to Philippines in October 2019 and has won several national and international accolades such as the Global Honeybee Network Creativity and Inclusivity Innovation Appreciation Award organized through UNDP, the Mass Challenge Switzerland Award. He was Felicitated by United Nations in New Delhi on World Environment Day for his contribution to Social Impact and Sustainability. 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