Discover why protecting a child's right to play might be one of the most powerful ways to prepare them for an uncertain, AI-shaped future. In this TEDx talk, Ana argues that unstructured, free play isn’t a distraction from “real learning” but essential for developing connections, problem-solving, emotional resilience, and creativity. Through personal story, professional experience and insights from early years research, Ana invites us to rethink play from being a fun pass time to being vital for the well-being and evolution of the next generation. Ana is a proud mother of three, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. Since 2007, Ana has worked in various capacities in the early years field to support children, families and educators. Ana has a background in ECE, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Youth Care, a Master’s Degree in Professional Education in Early Childhood 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

Many people have a lot of a dreams or ideas in life but hesitated to start because they do not have the courage to say "Yes" first before they are ready. The fearful feeling of uncertainties and over analysis often paralyzed us from taking action. Saying "Yes" first doesn't mean commit blindly, it means open up the door to possibilities and personal growth. It's a movement to choose growth over comfort for breakthroughs in life. From the mic to the stage, Mannisa Lee is someone who boldly says "Yes" to possibilities and growth.Her courage to embrace challenges has enriched her journey - earning her 3rd Place at the Area C5 Evaluation Contest (Toastmasters) and recognition as a Trilingual Children's Storyteller.She shares how choosing growth over comfort unlocks doors to new value, purpose, and endless potential 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

As a notary, Shiva sees people scrutinize every clause before signing life-changing documents, yet in their own lives, many accept invisible “contracts” that quietly diminish them. In this reflective talk on self-worth and boundaries, she explores how we unconsciously agree to unfair terms in work, relationships, and self-belief, and how rewriting those life contracts can restore balance, growth, and authenticity. Shiva is a notary and entrepreneur who brings both legal expertise and a deeply human-centered lens to her work. With a Sociology degree from UBC and a Master of Applied Arts in Legal Studies from SFU, she gained extensive experience working with lawyers, notaries, and real estate professionals across the Tri-Cities and North Shore before establishing her own thriving practice. Today, she is known for educating her community and guiding clients through life’s most significant legal commitments with clarity, empathy, and integrity. 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 her presentation, Quynh Thu guided the audience from very ordinary situations – when children choose kindness because it makes them feel better – to mature reflections on how kindness sometimes needs to be learned, from adults, from the way they treat each other. Quynh Thu raised a question that many adults have also asked themselves: Is kindness innate, or is it something that needs to be nurtured every day? “Is kindness natural or something we learn?” ask 9 years old, Mira. She wants to remind everyone that kindness isn’t just the thing we already have, but practicing help us become kinder and help us rediscover what it means to be human. She is very kind, caring and helpful. She always finds the joy in her life. With a happy heart, Mira enjoys singing, dancing, drawing, traveling, and more. She also has a TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook channel, where she shares about her daily life and inspire others. 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

Grade 7 student, Khanh An delivered an emotional presentation addressing the question: “How can love be a gift instead of a burden?” Khanh An gently spoke about the invisible expectations that parents sometimes place on their children. Love, if not accompanied by listening and understanding, can easily turn into pressure. She wishes to be loved in the way she needs, to be understood instead of just receiving expectations. Khanh An opened up a nuanced perspective on family love – where true love will be the most precious gift if given in the right way. Hello there! I'm Hồ Phùng Khánh An, but most people know me as Nova (born in 2012). At the moment, I'm passionate about creating and sharing ideas that inspire others. Whenever I'm on stage, I can feel the energy from everyone around me, and it makes me so excited. What makes me even happier is when the things I say or do can make people smile. I love spreading happiness because seeing people smile truly warms my heart. It's one of the best feelings ever. For now, I think my purpose is to create, connect, and spread joy wherever I go. 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

Hai Sa offers a unique perspective on philosophy through the question: "How can philosophy help you step into the light?" and opened up interesting questions surrounding how philosophy helps us find our way and step into the light. With her speech, Hai Sa sparked curiosity and exploration in the audience about how philosophy is not something distant, but a journey of understanding oneself and the world around us. Hải Sa is a Grade 5 student who is passionate about philosophy. She enjoys reading and letting her mind wander, coming up with questions that some might dismiss as "crazy". But according to Hải Sa, this is where the most interesting ideas come from. 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

Khanh Linh presented a fresh and thought-provoking perspective through the question: “Do we really need school?” Without denying the role of school, Khanh Linh skillfully raised concerns about whether schools today truly nurture the curiosity, passion, and individuality of each student. She dreams of a school where she can learn meaningful things, freely explore without being constrained by the pressure of grades. Khanh Linh asks us to pause to reflect on the role of education. Khánh Linh is a Grade 4 student who is passionate about creativity, artificial intelligence, and learning new things. When she is not on the TEDx stage, she is working on her YouTube channel or creating new games and stories with her friends. 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 topic touched on childhood trauma that shaped my life in negative way. However, with strength and awareness, I overcame the trauma to emerge a stronger and more resilient person. This to inspire the attendees to have the courage to face their own trauma. Educator, Corporate Speaker & Passionate Public Speaking Coach for kids and teens.From District 102 International Speech Finalist (2020) to training at AIESEC Nottingham and Fairview International School, she brings heart and strategy to every stage.Her core belief: 'Change your mindset, change your 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

This talk delves into the transformative power of systemic decision-making, illustrating how structured visualization and stakeholder engagement can reshape both personal and professional trajectories. Cho draws on six pivotal moments—selecting a middle school in 2013, choosing an international university in 2019, taking a leave of absence during the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea, founding a tele-robotics startup in 2023, and returning to the University of Toronto in 2024—to demonstrate how a flowchart-based framework mitigates cognitive biases, facilitates reflective dialogue, and builds resilience. He shares a compelling narrative from his entrepreneurial journey and a reflective account of his service experience, underscoring the concrete benefits of deliberate decision structures. The talk concludes with an inspiring call to action, inviting participants to adopt systemic decision-making as a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and sustained growth in the face of life’s complexities. Jae Hyun Cho is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto, double-majoring in Political Science and Public Policy with a minor in Public Law. He has presented research at the American Political Science Association annual conference and published an article on electoral integrity in the age of artificial intelligence. Cho has served in leadership roles as President of the Korean Students’ Association at UTSC, Mock trial director of the Political Science Students’ Association, and External Editor for the Law Society of UTSC. During a leave of absence, he completed military service in South Korea and gained industry experience in the manufacturing and robotics sectors. Passionate about decision theory and visual problem-solving, Cho empowers others to approach complex choices methodically and with confidence. 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

Adnan Kılıç, "Geleceğin Kodlayanlar mı Yönetecek?" sorusu ekseninde, "Yarının İzinde" etkinliğinin teması altında, Kriptografi ve Bilgi Güvenliği alanındaki yeni nesil liderleri başarılı yapacak ortak özellikleri (etik, yaratıcılık, vizyon) ve bu büyük dönüşümün tek kelimelik özeti olan ''GÜVEN'' kavramını anlatıyor. Dr. Adnan Kılıç, ODTÜ'den Bilgisayar Mühendisliği alanında doktora derecesine sahip bir Siber Güvenlik Mimarıdır. Ocak 2022'den bu yana ASELSAN'da Siber Güvenlik Mimarı olarak çalışmaktadır. Burada temel görevleri askeri ve kurumsal düzeyde güvenlik sistemlerini tasarlamak, zafiyet testleri yapmak ve güvenlik mimarisini güçlendirmektir. Kariyerinde ayrıca SOMERA'da Kıdemli DevOps Mühendisi (CI/CD, Kubernetes) , ODTÜ'de Araştırma Görevlisi & Sistem Yöneticisi (BT hizmetleri, HPC yönetimi) ve Labris Networks'te Ağ Güvenlik Mühendisi pozisyonlarında görev almıştır. OSCP, CKA ve CCSK gibi önemli güvenlik ve bulut sertifikalarına sahiptir. 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