Amid a historic pandemic, Dr. Rochelle Walensky stepped into an unexpected role as US CDC Director, driven by a lifelong belief that people—and how we treat them—matter most. From bedside care during the AIDS crisis to guiding the nation through COVID-19, she reminds us that in our darkest hours, service and compassion define who we are.Dr. Rochelle Walensky served as the 19th Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Walensky is an infectious disease clinician whose research and over 350 publications are focused on infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS policy, including cost-effective strategies for HIV screening, treatment, and prevention, in the U.S. and around the globe. While at the CDC, Dr. Walensky led the nation - and the world - through unprecedented times, navigating the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple other infectious and non-infectious threats.Dr. Walensky received her BA from Washington University, St. Louis; her MD from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and her MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and her Infectious Disease fellowship at the Massachusetts General/Brigham and Women’s Hospital program.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 TEDx Talk, Heather Sundell makes the case for “micro-stories”—those small, often-overlooked moments of daily life—as the key to deeper human connection and leadership effectiveness. Drawing on psychological theory and creative storytelling practices, Heather Sundell challenges the overreliance on dramatic 'trigger events' and offers a fresh storytelling strategy that anyone can use to build trust and resonance in their work and relationships.Heather is a Los Angeles-based writer, storyteller, communications expert, and Ph.D. student in Positive Organizational Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. With over 15 years of experience telling internal and external stories for brands and executive leaders, she is a sharp communicator and facilitator who uses her extensive background in narrative storytelling to meet creative business objectives, build positive cultures, and develop emerging and established leaders.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

Samantha Hurley takes the stage to share how photography enabled her to embrace the power of her unique perspective, inspiring others to do the same. Her talk encourages us to imagine what is possible when we act as experts in our own stories, shaping our narratives around our experience over expectations.As a legally blind photojournalism student, Samantha has brought a unique perspective to the field that redefines perception and proves that there is no singular way of seeing the world. She has brought new perspectives to various publications, including her coverage of the Paris Paralympics for the Associated Press and contributions to The New York Times and The Guardian.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

Can putting on a character help you reveal your truest self? Heather Witherden—mother of three, comedian, and burlesque emcee—shares her powerful journey from suburban mom to stage persona Your Mom Kathy. Through comedy and glitter, Heather sheds the expectations placed on women, mothers, and aging bodies, reclaiming confidence, voice, and joy in unexpected places.From a keyboard in her basement to the spotlight of a burlesque stage, Heather uses storytelling, satire, and sensuality to challenge societal norms, celebrate identity, and create radical self-acceptance. This talk is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt unseen—and a call to let yourself be fully seen, sparkle and all. Heather Witherden, a mother and burlesque performer, has discovered the power of self-expression through this bold art form. Her talk will explores how burlesque inspires personal revelations and empowerment. 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 heartfelt talk, Françoise Jacob shares how her love for the natural world began underwater, among towering kelp forests and fragile marine life. Through awe and heartbreak, from ocean magic to ghost nets, she discovered the urgency of protecting biodiversity. Françoise invites us to rethink nature not as something distant or decorative, but as a vital system that sustains our lives. Drawing on decades of experience around the world, she invites us to shift our mindset, reconnect with nature, and recognize biodiversity not as a luxury, but as a foundation for life and resilience. Françoise was appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia in April 2024. With 30 years of experience in humanitarian and development work, she previously served as UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia and as UNOPS Representative to the EU in Brussels. She has held leadership roles across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with UNOPS, UNRWA, ECHO, NGOs, and the private sector. A strong advocate for climate action, biodiversity, and human rights, she also brings expertise in peacebuilding and governance. Françoise holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School and is a certified yoga teacher and avid mountaineer. 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 explores how modern life subtly conditions us to follow patterns—first in school, then at work—leading us into a survival mindset driven by routine and expectation. Over time, this leads to a gradual loss of awareness, where our actions become automatic rather than intentional. Drawing on personal insight, statistics, and ancient Eastern philosophies, Krish reflects on how we've become disconnected from conscious living. He invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover a deeper sense of awareness—the key to living beyond survival. Born to an American father and Indian mother, and raised in the UAE with a British education, Krish Thomas Guyer is currently pursuing the IB diploma. He believes life goes far beyond academics and work. Driven by curiosity, Krish is exploring how our consciousness shapes the way we experience life. Today, he shares his belief that no scientific proof can match the power of living consciously. 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