Bullying doesn’t end at the schoolyard; it lingers, shaping our mental health, self-worth, and even our workplace environments. In this heartfelt and empowering talk, speaker Teresa Robinson recounts her experience being ridiculed in school and how the affirmations instilled by her mother became the foundation of her healing and success. Drawing from personal narrative, science-backed research, and a bold call to action, Teresa explores how affirmations can rebuild identity, how bullying impacts global productivity, and how businesses can become powerful allies in the fight against bullying. Her message is clear: resilience is possible, affirmation is powerful, and collective action is necessary. Teresa "Rita" Robinson, a 56-year-old from Mount Vernon, New York, is a dedicated single mother who worked tirelessly to provide her son with the education and support he needed for success. She holds a Business Degree from the College of Westchester and has served for over 36 years as a civilian employee with the Town of Greenburgh Police Department. In addition to her professional work, Teresa has dedicated over a decade to helping adults with Autism, teaching them independence.Known for her passion and compassion, Teresa is a fierce advocate for her family, friends, and important causes. Her empowering talks focus on resilience and the power of positive affirmation. Having experienced bullying herself, Teresa’s powerful message encourages others to rise above adversity and no longer accept the victim mentality. Through her personal journey, she inspires audiences to use positive affirmations as a tool to navigate life’s challenges and overcome difficult times. 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
- 13:21Ethical AI: Why it Matters and What's at Stake | Dvija Mehta | TEDxYouth@PPSIJCIn this thought-provoking talk, Ms. Dvija Mehta unpacks the urgent need for ethical frameworks in artificial intelligence. Drawing on her experiences as a researcher, entrepreneur, and advisor, she demystifies the concept of AI ethics, bringing it down from abstract ideals to real-world impacts. With compelling stories, surprising insights, and a strong moral compass, Ms. Mehta walks the audience through the hidden biases in algorithms, the risks of unchecked automation, and the promise of designing AI that respects human dignity.This is not just a talk about technology, it’s a call to action for developers, business leaders, and young innovators to become ethical architects of our digital future. Ms. Mehta offers a powerful reminder that in the race for smarter machines, we must not lose sight of what it means to be truly human. Ms. Dvija Mehta is a leading voice in the global conversation on ethical artificial intelligence. As an AI ethicist and Founder & CEO of YOU AI, she is dedicated to building technologies that are not only intelligent but also aligned with human values. A graduate of the University of Cambridge and former fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, she works at the intersection of technology, philosophy, and policy. Ms. Mehta's research and insights have been featured on BBC Future and BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze. As a trusted advisor to startups and multinational organisations, she helps shape frameworks for Responsible AI Governance around the world. Through her writing, consulting, and public speaking, Ms. Mehta offers bold visions for a future where technology advances in harmony with societal good. With intellect, integrity, and imagination, she empowers audiences to think critically about the systems they create - and the futures they want to live in. 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
- 2:27The Interstitium: Your Body’s Hidden Superhighway | Emily Aguesse | TEDxYouth@SantiagoSTEAMWe think we know our bodies—but what if there’s something important we’ve missed? In this eye-opening talk, Emily uncovers a little-known part of the human body that’s changing how scientists think. It’s a reminder that curiosity can lead to discoveries in the most unexpected places. Emily is a sixth grade student at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School. As a two-time gold level President's Volunteer Service Award recipient, Emily knows the power of hard work and giving back to her community. She has dedicated countless hours to the building and tending of her school's gardens and she has supported numerous Santiago STEAM Green environmental initiatives. From working before school recycling drives to attending after school guest speaker sessions, Emily's support has been key in her school's success as a Green Ribbon School through both the CA and US Departments of Education. 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
