In this talk, Dr. Erland explores how plants adapt to changing climates and stressful environments. By looking at the role of phytohormones and other resilience mechanisms, the talk highlights what makes survival possible for plants in an increasingly unstable world. Dr. Lauren Erland is Canada Research Chair Tier II in Berry Horticulture and Assistant Professor in the Agriculture Department at the University of the Fraser Valley. Her Berry Environmental Resilience Research and Innovation (BERRI) Lab and Research Centre aim to enhance sustainability and resilience of berry horticultural systems in the Fraser Valley & beyond. 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 moving and reflective talk, Dr. Allyson Jule shares three stories of her life, one marked by loss, illness, and hardship, another filled with love, success, and joy, and a third where both truths coexist. She shows how gratitude is not about ignoring pain or exaggerating blessings, but about embracing the full picture of life. Drawing on personal experience and research, Dr. Jule demonstrates how living with both shadow and light creates resilience, optimism, and a profound appreciation for life as it really is. Allyson Jule is the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development. She was most recently the Dean of Education at TWU. She has been an educator for over 35 years, teaching English in high schools and colleges in Alberta, Ontario and BC before entering academia. She studied and worked in the UK for ten years. She is a Full Professor. 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 talk, Dr. Amber Gazso challenges the idea that family is everything. Drawing on her research with families experiencing poverty and social assistance in Canada, she reveals how survival, dignity, and hope often depend on wider networks of support such as caseworkers, counselors, community organizations, and chosen family. Through powerful personal stories, Dr. Gazso shows that expressive and instrumental support beyond the nuclear family can be just as vital as love at home. Her message is clear: no one thrives alone, and building networks of care is essential for resilience and recovery Amber Gazso is Professor of Sociology in the School of Social, Cultural, and Media Studies.Amber is a feminist sociologist and specializes in the following research and teaching areas: citizenship, sociology of the family and intimate relations, sociology of gender and critical sexualities, poverty, research methods, and social policy. Amber joined the School after spending some time with the Department of Sociology at York University (Toronto, Ontario). 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 today’s fast-paced medical world, advanced skills, technology, and precision often take center stage. Yet, what patients deeply desire is not only expert treatment but also to be seen, heard, and acknowledged as whole human beings. In this talk, Dr. Suman Bhandari reflects on stories from his own journey and his father’s legacy to highlight how compassion, empathy, and a healthy sense of self-identity are vital for a meaningful doctor–patient bond. Director Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI). He has vast experience in Interventional Cardiology exceeding 41 years and is a key opinion leader in this field having trained numerous fellows-both National & International over this period. 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 your next big idea is hiding inside your worst crisis? In this talk, Mark Johnson shares how a childhood accident - and the friend who saved him - revealed the three surprising ingredients of real innovation. The talk helps us learn how to use these principles to get unstuck in business and in life. Mark Johnson is a technology leader and co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, where he helps businesses develop cutting-edge software solutions. A LinkedIn Top Voice in AI and Forbes Technology Council member, he is a recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence and innovation.Mark’s passion for technology began at age 11 when he taught himself to code and sold his first website. He holds an MBA from Cornerstone University and a leadership certificate from Harvard. Beyond his work, he is committed to fostering innovation, building relationships, and creating a culture of excellence.When he's not shaping the future of AI, Mark enjoys sports, community engagement, and time with his wife and four daughters. 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

At TEDx, I bring a powerful message: when you choose small play, the world doesn’t just lose your growth—it loses the innovation, service, and leadership only you can bring. And that loss is too costly for all of us. "I am Tushar Chaudhari, on a mission to redefine our broken education system by empowering one million mid-career project professionals to overcome professional mediocrity and become influential leaders—leaders who can serve their families, teams, organizations, society, and nation effectively.* I began my career as a civil engineer, and for over 22 years, I built high-performing teams, PMOs, and delivered large-scale projects. But my real calling goes far beyond managing timelines and budgets. My turning point came in 2015, when a painful job loss shook my identity. For the first time, I felt invisible in the very system I had dedicated my life to. That moment of loss lit a fire in me—to ensure that no professional stays unseen, stuck, or unheard. Since then, my dharma has been clear: to bridge the gap between formal education and real-world leadership. 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