Ann will address our current crisis of accountability through the lens of restorative justice, and how, as individuals and as a society, we can enact accountability, make amends, and restore and repair our frayed social fabric. Ann is a facilitative leader, nonprofit strategist, and consensus builder. She joined Consensus Council as executive director in 2020. Her career has prioritized ecumenical and interfaith relations, including roles at the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Temple Israel Boston. A Texas native, Ann holds a bachelor’s degree from Austin College and a master’s degree from Emerson College in Boston. She presented “Building Consensus Across Differences” at TEDxAustinCollege in 2021. Ann is a council member of Heart River Lutheran Church, which meets at the ND Heart River Correctional Center. She is an Aspen Institute Better Arguments Ambassador, former board officer of Humanities North Dakota, and a strong proponent of civic engagement, restorative practices, and participatory decision-making. Ann lives in Bismarck with her family. 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

En esta charla, Javier Ramírez “El Chá” nos muestra cómo la colaboración, la empatía y la diversidad de talentos son esenciales para alcanzar el éxito. Desde su experiencia como músico, diseñador y actor, comparte lecciones sobre trabajo en equipo, creatividad y aprendizaje continuo.Una reflexión inspiradora sobre cómo ningún logro se alcanza solo y por qué cada aporte cuenta. Músico, diseñador, locutor y empresario creativo, Javier Ramírez “Cha!” ha marcado la cultura pop mexicana desde distintos frentes. Bajista fundador de Fobia, Moderatto y Gran Sur, su talento trasciende la música: creó el estudio de diseño Hula-Hula y la galería Gurú, que por más de dos décadas han impulsado la creatividad independiente y colaborado con artistas y marcas globales como MTV, Sony y Walmart. Su obra ha llegado a galerías en Nueva York, Los Ángeles y Ciudad de México. En medios, forma parte de Convoy Network con el programa en vivo Poderoso y participa en La Hora Nacional. Recientemente debutó como actor en ¿Quién lo mató? (Amazon Prime Video), la producción más vista de la plataforma en México, interpretando a Benito C. Cha! encarna el espíritu creativo sin etiquetas: ideas, formas y sonidos que conectan con distintas generaciones desde el arte, el humor y la autenticidad. 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

En “La mentira más poderosa que me conté”, Andrea Bazarte nos invita a mirar de frente a nuestra inseguridad y a cuestionar las creencias que nos hacen sentir “no suficientes”. A través de sus experiencias en la televisión, los concursos de belleza y su vida personal, comparte una poderosa reflexión sobre el origen de la verdadera seguridad: actuar “como si” hasta convertirnos en nuestra mejor versión.Inspirada por la actuación, la psicología y la transformación de identidad, Andrea nos enseña a crear nuestro propio “alter ego”, una versión audaz, segura y auténtica que nos acompañe en los momentos más desafiantes.Una charla sobre amor propio, disciplina y la valentía de convertirse en quien siempre hemos querido ser. Comunicadora multifacética originaria de Monterrey, Nuevo León. Licenciada en Mercadotecnia, ha destacado como conductora, modelo, creadora de contenido y conferencista. Actualmente es conductora de WWE Español en medios digitales y ha sido parte del programa matutino Sale el Sol en Imagen Televisión, además de participar en el reality Miss Universe Latina para Telemundo. Ha representado a marcas globales como Delta Airlines, Nescafé, KIA y Coca-Cola, y su experiencia en certámenes de belleza nacionales e internacionales como MXU, NBL y RH le brindó una perspectiva profunda sobre autenticidad y empoderamiento. Como conferencista, transmite mensajes sobre amor propio en universidades y asociaciones, mientras que en redes sociales inspira a miles de personas con contenido motivacional. Su carisma, autenticidad y compromiso con el bienestar emocional la han convertido en una voz influyente en el entretenimiento y el desarrollo personal. 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 that often labels sensitivity as a weakness, Ekta Bhanushali chose to see it as her greatest power. Once overwhelmed by emotions and self-doubt, she transformed her heightened sensitivity into a tool for understanding human behavior leading her to become a psychologist who helps others embrace their authentic selves.In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, Ekta shares her journey of defying odds, learning to listen to her emotions rather than suppress them, and turning her vulnerability into a force of empathy and connection. Through her story, she reminds us that our greatest challenges can become the very foundation of our strength if we dare to see them differently. Ekta Bhanushali is a dynamic psychologist, relationship coach, and educator whose mission is to simplify the most complex human emotion connection. With her warm, empathetic approach and research-backed methods, she has helped countless individuals and couples strengthen bonds, nurture self-awareness, and embrace authenticity in every sphere of life. Her work blends psychology with practical life tools, making emotional well-being accessible, relatable, and transformative. Ekta has also been featured as a guest on The Ranveer Show (TRS), one of India’s most influential podcasts, where she shared her expertise on relationships, mental health, and human behavior with a global audience. Her appearance resonated widely, earning her recognition as a fresh, insightful voice who isn’t afraid to challenge stereotypes and start bold conversations. At TEDxMAIMS, Ekta will bring this unique blend of academic depth and real-world wisdom to the stage. 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

This talk explores what it truly means to rise when life keeps pushing you down. Through moments of loss, guilt, and societal pressure, it delves into how self-belief, purpose, and persistence can turn obstacles into stepping stones. From breaking patriarchal expectations to finding strength in vulnerability, it captures the essence of becoming unstoppable, not by avoiding struggle, but by embracing it.A reminder that defying the odds isn’t about perfection, it’s about perseverance. Nandini Sharma, widely known by her digital persona “This is Alaska,” is a creator, storyteller, and creative strategist who uses her art to blend emotion with aesthetics. Through her unique content style a mix of poetry, visual storytelling, and introspective narratives she has built a space that inspires thousands to embrace self-expression and vulnerability online.Beyond her digital identity, Nandini is a creative voice for authenticity, using her platform to talk about identity, purpose, and the beauty of human emotion. With her distinctive storytelling and relatable depth, she continues to redefine what it means to be a creator in the age of noise proving that real stories still matter. 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 fills space? Stars, planets, asteroids, and comets are not the only things out there. In David’s talk he will discuss the obvious and the not-so obvious answers to what has been discovered in space. David Whelan’s first job out of college was with a space mission team. This experience opened his eyes to the sometimes peculiar properties of interstellar matter. His work now mostly revolves around teaching and research in physics and astronomy, but he keeps his eyes peeled for interstellar discoveries. David is an Associate Professor of Physics at Austin College and co-director of the Adams Observatory. 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