A single positive action by a stranger changed my outlook on life. I had no idea then just how lasting that change would be. Inayath Mohamed is a pragmatic, die hard optimist with a global outlook for whom the glass is always half full. An elementary school teacher in the Mission School District, Inayath refuses to believe that the world sucks! He has come to this conclusion based on the positive (and often humorous) events he has experienced while living and working as an elementary school teacher in Indonesia, Oman, Singapore, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and now back home in Canada. Inayath was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada. 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, Stephen talks about how we need to stop trying to fix people and instead support them to build a better life. Rooted in Positive Psychology research, the most effective way is to build on gratitude and seeing that happiness is hard work, but better than the alternative. Steve’s philosophy is based on the fundamental belief that problems and failure are important experiences of life. People who are recovering failures, are in fact, succeeding. Success requires failure. Steve has been a social worker for over 35 years and has practised in England, Scotland and British Columbia. He served as a director for PLEA, a large non-profit, where he built a database that was designed to track and improve services for community charities which earned him “The Most Inspiring Social Worker of the Year” in 2015 from the University of British Columbia Social Work Department and the British Columbia Association of Social Workers. 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 illustrated in Justin's story, passion doesn’t need to be present to have a purpose. Throughout his journey, it was the acceptance of his pain and suffering that ultimately led him to discover his purpose. His commitment to facing and overcoming his struggles revealed a deeper, more meaningful path, even when passion seemed absent. This underscores the idea that purpose can emerge from the most challenging experiences, not necessarily from moments of passion. Unconditional, loving acceptance of pain and suffering, no matter how hard it may be, is necessary to live a meaningful, purposeful life. Justin Brien is a mental health advocate, passionate author, captivating keynote speaker, and empathetic coach dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. With a deep understanding of mental illness and drug abuse, Justin uses his personal experiences to inspire and guide individuals towards healing and transformation. Through his powerful words and engaging presentations, he sheds light on the challenges faced by those struggling with these issues, offering practical strategies and hope for recovery. Beyond his professional pursuits, Justin cherishes his role as a loving husband and father, finding immense joy and fulfilment in nurturing his family and creating a nurturing home environment. 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

The power of witnessing 10 years of human canine partnership work alongside two helping dogs as a canine practitioner across therapeutic and community development work has changes my life and my career. It can change yours too and even the world if we get curious enough to let it. Kirsten Hargreaves is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and an Assistant Professor in the Child Youth and Family Studies Department at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada. 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 began as a difficult, unconventional project evolved into a sustainable solution that conserved water and cut costs. It proved that treating sewage as a “permanent river” can transform long-term survival into long-term success. Mr. Chaitanya Dipesh Shroff, Executive Director of Agrocel Industries Pvt. Ltd. since 2016, is a respected business leader with over 20 years of experience in the industrial and agrochemical sector. Under his leadership, Agrocel, a key company of the Shroff Group with a turnover of over ₹1200 crores, has strengthened its presence as a leading manufacturer of bromine, derivatives, and industrial salt in both domestic and international markets. A graduate in Agriculture from Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Mr. Shroff combines his technical knowledge with a deep empathy for rural development, which reflects in his business decisions and philanthropic initiatives. Belonging to the renowned Shroff family, known for pioneering contributions to the agrochemical industry and philanthropy, he also serves as Director across several group companies including Transchem Ltd., Solaris Chemtech, Vantage Chemical, and 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

This talk explores how AI reshapes accessibility through technology that empowers participation. From assistive technologies that enable communication and creativity to AI-driven tools that foster global collaboration, we’ll uncover how AI is redefining what it means to contribute and connect in today’s world. Marva Bailer is a board director and global executive with deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and go-to-market strategy. She has led over $1B in revenue and supported Mergers and Acquisitions integrations totalling more than $20B across Fortune 500 and high-growth tech companies. A member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, she serves on the Board of Women in Technology and advises multiple startups. Marva was named a 2025 Women of Influence by Success Magazine, contributes to national media, including Fox News, NBC, and TMZ, and frequently publishes on business and technology. She holds an MS in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, a BA in Business Communications from the University of Maryland, and has completed Harvard Executive Education’s Competing in the Age of AI program. Marva lives between Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC, with her husband of 33 years, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ruby, their son and daughter-in-law, and their daughter. 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