For most of my career as a teacher, the 10 minutes prior to the beginning of class wasn’t just about getting my notes in order or setting up my technology; it was about chatting with students. We talked about our day, notable world events or recent upsets in sports. Today, students are more likely to ignore the people sitting next to them in favor of scrolling on their phones. But this comes at a cost: In our technology-driven world, the ability to converse and build social connections is as important as ever, but it seems to be a dying art. In this talk, we’ll explore creating tech-free spaces and how that opens up new possibilities for engagement, learning and pleasure. Michelle Y. Burke is an award-winning poet as well as a devoted teacher and mother. She is the author of the poetry collection Animal Purpose, winner of the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize, and her poetry has been featured on The Writer’s Almanac, American Life in Poetry, Best of the Net, and Poetry Out Loud. She’s received poetry prizes from the Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Memorial Fund, the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, and the American Literary Review, and fellowships from the MacDowell Colony, the Vermont Studio Center, and the Charles Phelps Taft Research Center. She holds a PhD from the University of Cincinnati, an MFA from the Ohio State University, and a BA from Loyola University Maryland and is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Foundations of Critical Inquiry Program at the Stevens Institute of Technology. At Stevens, she teaches courses that explore creativity and the intersection of technology and ethics. She believes in creating opportunities for screen-free conversation, especially for young people, and with the help of her daughter, she hosts regular knitting circles and nature outings for the tweens and teens in her community. 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

“Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” —Vince Lombardi.Manthan Shah is a globally-minded changemaker, Schwarzman Scholar, and author known for amplifying youth-driven impact. Through his book Unstoppable and the Planet Impact podcast, he brings forward stories of young trailblazers creating meaningful change. Passionate about leadership, sustainability, and global affairs, his journey reflects a deep commitment to purposeful storytelling and social progress. Manthan Shah, brings a fresh perspective fuelled by innovation and insight. A changemaker with a deep curiosity for how things work, Manthan is here to share a stom growth, discovery, and navigating the world with intent. 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

Meet Mohammed Al-Balushi—a visionary football coach, sport manager, and author whose career spans continents and cultures. With a Master’s from Real Madrid Graduate School and experience coaching in Oman, Yemen, and Brazil, he brings both technical brilliance and heartfelt dedication to the game. Fluent in four languages, he connects football worlds effortlessly, guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: Kick it with your heart. A visionary football coach, sport manager, and author whose career spans continents and cultures. With a Master’s from Real Madrid Graduate School and experience coaching in Oman, Yemen, and Brazil, he brings both technical brilliance and heartfelt dedication to the game. Fluent in four languages, he connects football worlds effortlessly, guided by a simple yet powerful philosophy: Kick it with your heart. 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

Meet Dr. Yanallah Al-Qurani, a distinguished professor at King Abdulaziz University's Graduate School of Education, where he leads efforts in curriculum innovation and creative learning solutions. With a career devoted to transforming education, he has trained diverse audiences—from academic professionals to community members—bridging theory and practice through dynamic teaching methods and impactful training initiatives. Recognized for his impactful role in educational reform, Dr. Al-Qurani has led curriculum design and institutional development efforts across a range of organizations. This year, Dr. Yanallah takes the TEDx stage to present his talk on cultivating awareness and rationalizing emotion, exploring how awareness bridges logic and emotion, guiding us with clarity and purpose. Dr. Yanallah Al-Qurani, a distinguished professor at King Abdulaziz University's Graduate School of Education, where he leads efforts in curriculum innovation and creative learning solutions. With a career devoted to transforming education, he has trained diverse audiences—from academic professionals to community members—bridging theory and practice through dynamic teaching methods and impactful training initiatives. Recognized for his impactful role in educational reform, Dr. Al-Qurani has led curriculum design and institutional development efforts across a range of organizations. This year, Dr. Yanallah takes the TEDx stage to present his talk on cultivating awareness and rationalizing emotion, exploring how awareness bridges logic and emotion, guiding us with clarity and purpose. 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

An Omani researcher and academic specializing in cancer prevention and AI applications in medicine. She holds dual PhDs from the United States and serves as an Assistant Professor at Sultan Qaboos University. Her work has earned her prestigious awards, including the King Hussein Cancer Research Award (2024) and the Women in AI Award (2023). She is also the founder of 'Siyaj,' a cancer awareness initiative, and is recognized as one of Oman’s most prominent female scientific figures. This year at TEDx, Dr. Athari will share her insights in an inspiring talk that empowers youth to take initiative and bridge generational gaps. An Omani researcher and academic specializing in cancer prevention and AI applications in medicine. She holds dual PhDs from the United States and serves as an Assistant Professor at Sultan Qaboos University. Her work has earned her prestigious awards, including the King Hussein Cancer Research Award (2024) and the Women in AI Award (2023). She is also the founder of 'Siyaj,' a cancer awareness initiative, and is recognized as one of Oman’s most prominent female scientific figures. This year at TEDx, Dr. Athari will share her insights in an inspiring talk that empowers youth to take initiative and bridge generational gaps. 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

Meet Sami – dynamic digital media influencer known for spreading positivity and optimism. Holding a BA in History from Sultan Qaboos University and an MA in International Relations from MUTH University, he shares motivational and social content with his followers. Sami will deliver an inspiring talk exploring how the right mindset elevates performance and why relentless effort is key to reaching our goals. Sami – dynamic digital media influencer known for spreading positivity and optimism. Holding a BA in History from Sultan Qaboos University and an MA in International Relations from MUTH University, he shares motivational and social content with his followers. Sami will deliver an inspiring talk exploring how the right mindset elevates performance and why relentless effort is key to reaching our goals. 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