This inspiring speech encourages young minds to embrace curiosity, resilience, and purpose as they navigate their personal and professional journeys in science and innovation. Drawing from the speaker’s own unconventional path from dentistry to biotech, it delivers ten powerful lessons—from embracing failure as data and thinking beyond the lab, to prioritizing ethics, equity, and ommunication. The core message is clear: you don’t need to be a genius or wear a lab coat to change the world—you just need the courage to ask the right questions and the drive to serve others. With humility and hope, the speaker reminds us that the future of healthcare and innovation lies not just in technology, but in the hands of those who lead with purpose and compassion. Dr. Rasha Msallam is a pluri-disciplinary scientist, entrepreneur, and science communicator whose career spans dentistry, biomedical research, and biotech consulting worldwide. She began her journey as a dentist, establishing her own clinic in Syria before pursuing a PhD in Immunology at Paris Descartes (Sorbonne-Cité). Her academic path led her to A*STAR Singapore, where she worked on pioneering projects that explored the origins of the immune system in human and lab models, mechanisms of allergic diseases in newborns, and precision medicine strategies for cancer patients. Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Msallam has played influential roles in fostering gender equity in STEM. As an active member of Singapore Women in Science (SgWIS), she organized impactful initiatives to support women researchers and co-led key discussions at the Gender Summit 2018, amplifying the voices of women in biomedical research. 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

How much do you really know about the tea in your cup? In this evocative talk, a third-generation tea entrepreneur and former human rights lawyer challenges how we value tea—and the women who grow it. She takes us from the misty tea fields of East Africa and South Asia to the supermarket shelves where quality is often sacrificed for price. Through vivid storytelling, she reveals how hand-plucked tea—crafted with care and passed down through generations—is being undervalued and overlooked. But there is hope: technology and conscious consumerism can restore visibility, value, and agency to the women behind our brews. It all starts with two leaves and a bud—and a more mindful cup of tea. "Trained in criminal defence law and human rights, Zahra channels her passion for safeguarding fundamental freedoms into the family tea business and spearheads initiatives to instil responsible business practices to protect the most vulnerable in the tea supply chain. Her commitment to long term impact and addressing real needs has led to nutrition projects, sanitation programs and widened access to education – benefiting communities, not only within the tea industry, but beyond. Her efforts helped earn Ahmad Tea the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2024. Called to Bar, Masters at London School of Economics, Bristol University LLB. 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 the quietest places in our towns held the loudest lessons? In this moving and deeply personal talk, Megan Barnes invites us on a journey that begins in an old cemetery—and leads to a powerful revelation about legacy, memory, and the people who shaped the very ground we walk on. While exploring headstones and histories, one name stood out: Myrtilla Miner. A forgotten educator who defied the norms of her time. Through Myrtilla’s life, and the lives of countless others buried beneath our feet, Megan reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling, and that the best way to honor the past is to live a life worth remembering. “Live like someone is going to tell your story someday.” Megan Barnes never expected to go viral when she started cleaning headstones in Central New York’s cemeteries, but her passion for preservation has now introduced millions of people to the forgotten histories of surrounding tiny towns. An Earth Science teacher at Madison Central School, Megan began documenting her work—restoring graves and uncovering the stories behind them—on TikTok. What started as a small project quickly gained traction, with her most-watched video surpassing 20 million views.Using meticulous research and careful restoration techniques, Megan has revitalized nearly 500 headstones, ensuring that the early settlers and everyday people who shaped her community are not lost to time. Her work not only honors the past but also sparks conversations about history, memory, and the way we care for those who came before us. 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 pollution could be transformed into profit—and climate action into a trillion-dollar economy?In this bold talk, Shuvasish Bhowmick unveils the untapped potential of carbon credits, where every ton of CO₂ reduced sparks financial and environmental value. From Tesla’s $1.6 billion carbon windfall to startups like ATEC’s Cook-to-Earn model, he reveals how businesses are turning emissions into opportunity—projecting the market to explode from $2B today to $250B by 2030.Discover how:Climate action fuels capitalism: Companies like Microsoft and Delta buy credits to meet net-zero goals while strengthening brands.Innovation thrives: Blockchain, apps, and community projects monetize "spare carbon" like Airbnb monetized spare rooms.You can participate: Whether by tracking household emissions or training farmers in methane-reducing techniques, billion-dollar ideas start small.Shuvasish’s vision? A world where profit and purpose collide, proving that saving the planet isn’t just ethical—it’s exceptionally good business. Shuvasish Bhowmick is a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the energy sector, known for driving innovation, sustainability, and social impact. He serves as Managing Director of ATEC Australia International Ltd (Bangladesh), leading clean cooking solutions through patented biodigesters and IoT-enabled stoves. His “Cook to Earn” model helps rural households reduce indoor air pollution while earning carbon credits. Shuvasish holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Renewable Energy) and an MBA in Marketing, along with certifications in supply chain, carbon management, and project leadership. He was named “Most Influential Marketing Leader” by CMO Asia and is the only Bangladeshi recipient of the 2025 CHIEF Scholarship from WMI Singapore. Beyond his corporate role, he is a content creator with 1M+ followers and the author of Cockroach Startup, a book promoting resilient, impact-driven entrepreneurship. 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

AI is fast, precise, and data-driven—but lacks common sense. Humans have empathy and intuition, but we're flawed. Dr. Petrilli explores why together, we're better. Christopher Petrilli, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Senior Director of Revenue Cycle Operations Management at NYU Langone Health. 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

Today, our attention is constantly under attack. Phones, notifications, and social media make it harder than ever to stay focused. The problem isn’t within us, but around us. Focus means giving your full attention to one thing, and it can be trained. By putting the phone aside, creating a simple workspace, and practicing short periods of deep work, we can start to rebuild it. We don’t need to reject technology, but we must take control of how we use it. In a world full of noise and distraction, the real power lies in being able to think clearly and focus deeply. Hüsnü Alper is a dedicated and multi-talented 10th-grade student with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and the arts. As a key member of the mechanical team in the VEX Robotics Competition held in Turkey, he has demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and a keen interest in engineering. His global outlook was further enriched through his participation in a student exchange program between Türkiye and Latvia, where he engaged in cross-cultural dialogue and academic exchange.Beyond academics, Hüsnü is an active contributor to his school community. He is a committed athlete on the school’s basketball team and a proud member of the school marching band, balancing both intellectual and creative pursuits. His diverse experiences reflect a well-rounded individual driven by curiosity, discipline, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. 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