More Than Just a Joke: The True Harm of Microaggressions in Our Everyday Language" by Samantha Clark examines how subtle remarks and “jokes” can cause lasting harm, reinforce stereotypes, and impact mental well-being. Samantha challenges audiences to recognize these everyday moments, understand their deeper consequences, and commit to more mindful, inclusive communication. Samantha Clark is a Junior at Rocky Mountain High School. She is an active member of her school's Speech and Debate Team and a Youth REP at the WCA! She loves being an advocate for change, and working to inspire others to be the same. 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

The Hidden Power of Everyday Connection" by Sunshray Kukutla reveals how small, everyday moments of genuine connection can transform relationships, build community, and create lasting impact. With warmth and insight, Sunshray highlights the often-overlooked power of simple interactions in shaping a more meaningful impact. Sanshray Kukutla is a 20-year-old climate organizer with the Sunrise Movement and a political science student at Purdue University. He’s been involved in climate justice work since middle school, driven by a belief that young people have the power to shape a better future. Inspired by Celeste Headlee’s TED Talk “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation,” Sanshray focuses on making conversations more grounded, thoughtful, and action-driven. 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 powerful TEDx talk, Kaleb shares his story of recovery following the devastating The Humboldt Broncos bus crash is a story that captured hearts across Canada. But this isn’t just a survival story. It’s about how small acts, daily habits, and seemingly minor choices can lead to massive healing. Kaleb Dahlgren is a Canadian gem. He is an inspiring community leader, mental wellness advocate, and survivor. Kaleb has an inexplicable ability to connect with any audience as he invites them to revisit the challenges of his past and share the valuable lessons he has learned from them. From a young age, Kaleb has been forced to be resilient.His hockey career was threatened before it started with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at four years old. Yet Kaleb proved his doctors and coaches wrong by going on to play hockey at an elite level. During his career, he played for the Humboldt Broncos, a team that made national news when their bus collided with a transport truck.He is the National Ambassador for two non-profit organizations and the founder of his own, Dahlgren’s Diabeauties - a mentorship program developed to help connect children with Type 1 diabetes to role models that can help provide guidance and support. 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

Unfiltered & Unmasked: The Journey to True Belonging" by Amy Price explores the power of authenticity and vulnerability in a world that often pressures us to hide behind masks. Through personal stories and insights, Amy invites audiences to shed perfection, embrace their true selves, and discover deeper connection and belonging. Amy Price is a native of southeast Idaho, and has lived in three other states. She is married and has a three-year-old son. Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in secondary education, along with advanced graduate coursework in psychology, her teaching career now spans middle school, high school, and community college. She has taught psychology and IB sociocultural anthropology and is currently a teacher in the West Ada school district. She also serve as a co-advisor for her school’s National Honor Society.With 17 years of experience as an educator, she is passionate about fostering belonging and authentic identity in the classroom; she intentionally works to create learning environments where every student feels recognized, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves to the classroom. Through her work, she inspires others to embrace authenticity and build communities where everyone can thrive. 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 sending a text was as simple as thinking it? This talk by Varsha Amirthraj explores the world of Brain-Chip Interfaces (BCI)—from today’s breakthroughs helping people with paralysis speak and move prosthetics, to future possibilities like thought-to-thought communication. Blending real-world applications, cutting-edge research, and big questions about accessibility and ethics, Varsha Amirthraj reveals how BCI could reshape the way we live, connect, and imagine the future. Varsha Amirthraj is a 15-year-old student from Round Rock High school who aspires to go into the engineering field. Inspired by the ways that technology can benefit people across the world, she decided to make a speech to inform people of the power of BCI. She loves combining theoretical knowledge with creativity to produce new and inspiring ideas. Along with her passion for math and the sciences, Varsha enjoys playing guitar, drawing, reading, and going on hikes. 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 consumed by screens, two teens discovered that a simple pencil and paper could be more powerful than endless scrolling. Through drawing, calligraphy, and creative outlets, they found calm, confidence, and community—and launched Digital Detoxopedia to help others reclaim balance. This talk by Durga Sahil Thota blends personal stories with research to reveal how small creative pauses can counter screen addiction and restore well-being. Durga Sahil Thota, a young artist with a deep love for drawing, discovered that creating art brought him a sense of peace and calm. He began to see drawing as a mindful alternative to the endless scrolling that filled much of his time. Through this quiet practice, Sahil changed the way he viewed art: not just as a product, but as a calming process. 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