Annika’s speech was based on her own aversion to uncertainty, a discomfort she often dismissed until realizing how deeply it shaped her decisions. Curious about why she and her peers hesitated to take risks, challenge change, or cling to familiar paths, she began digging deeper. Through this journey, she uncovered eight main powerful cognitive biases, which distorted how individuals lead, choose, and relate to others. In The Puppeteer’s Illusion, Annika walks audiences through these hidden forces, revealing how these biases already influence school leadership, friendships, innovation, and self-worth, and often without our awareness. Annika invites listeners to recognize the strings, question them, and ultimately rewire how we think in order to transform leadership practices into more conscious, inclusive, and collaborative decisions. Annika’s speech was based on her own aversion to uncertainty, a discomfort she often dismissed until realizing how deeply it shaped her decisions. Curious about why she and her peers hesitated to take risks, challenge change, or cling to familiar paths, she began digging deeper. Through this journey, she uncovered eight main powerful cognitive biases, which distorted how individuals lead, choose, and relate to others. In The Puppeteer’s Illusion, Annika walks audiences through these hidden forces, revealing how these biases already influence school leadership, friendships, innovation, and self-worth, and often without our awareness. Annika invites listeners to recognize the strings, question them, and ultimately rewire how we think in order to transform leadership practices into more conscious, inclusive, and collaborative decisions. 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 speech, Katherine Wang explores the interplay between ‘fitting in’ and ‘standing out’; a tension that defines so much of our social lives. Society tells us to stand out, yet punishes us when we actually do. Opening with a humorous anecdote about her own failed teenage rebellion, Katherine then reveals a counterintuitive truth: real change doesn’t always occur on the grand stage or with outright rebellion. It happens through strategic conformity; knowing when it is best to resist the norm and when to follow. Katherine Wang is a 10th grade student in Calgary, Alberta. As a keen observer of youth behavior, she’s learned a hidden superpower: knowing how to balance the two seemingly conflicting ideas of blending in and rebelling. Katherine is a passionate debater and enjoys volunteering at a local senior home. When she’s not giving a speech, she can be found reading, ice skating, or listening to keshi. 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 TEDxWilmingtonSalon talk, Autumn Tuxward challenges the notion that national revival depends solely on policy. Drawing from her years of experience as a first responder, she reveals how everyday people—through small acts of courage and care—can lead powerful change. If you’ve ever asked, “What can I do?” this talk delivers a compelling answer and leaves you with a renewed sense of your personal influence. Autumn Tuxward is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for youth development, currently serving as the Director of Youth Programs at Code Differently. With nearly two decades of public service—including 18 years as a Paramedic Lieutenant—Autumn brings unmatched experience in leadership, crisis response, and program strategy. A 2023 Leadership Delaware Fellow and recipient of the Jefferson Award, she is committed to community impact, equity, and opportunity. Autumn also serves on advisory boards for Wilmington University and the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay. Her work empowers young people to build meaningful futures through tech, education, and purpose-driven 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

Awaou Tigana, 21 ans, est une étudiante brillante et engagée, passionnée par la communication et les droits en santé sexuelle et reproductive. Membre fondatrice de l'ONG Youth Health, elle mène des campagnes de sensibilisation pour garantir aux jeunes un accès équitable à l'information en matière de santé. En 2023 et 2024, elle a été reconnue comme la deuxième puis meilleure productrice de podcasts dans le cadre du programme Jeunes Blogueurs de l’Unicef. Cependant À l'âge de 17 ans, Awaou a failli être contrainte d’interrompre ses études lorsqu’elle avait été promise en mariage. Grâce au soutien de sa communauté et de ses professeurs, elle a échappé à ce mariage forcé. Forte de cette expérience, elle lutte aujourd'hui pour briser les barrières éducatives et sociales qui freinent les jeunes filles. À travers ses podcasts et ses actions de terrain, elle sensibilise sur la santé sexuelle et reproductive tout en promouvant l'égalité des genres. Etudiante, lauréate du premier prix de la catégorie podcast du programme Jeunes Blogueurs Côte d'Ivoire de l’UNICEF. 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

Shameca Tankerson is a powerhouse business strategist, bestselling author, and award-winning entrepreneur who believes that building wealth is not about hustle, it's about identity. In this electrifying talk, she dismantles the myths around money and success, and shares how courage, not just strategy, is the key to unlocking massive financial breakthroughs. With her signature methodology, Sovereign Selling™, Shameca has guided clients to million-dollar years, months, and even days. A woman on a mission to make Millions is the Minimum™, the new standard, she reminds us: making millions isn’t just about income, it’s about who you become, and the lives you’re meant to impact along the way. Shameca Tankerson is a globally recognized business strategist, bestselling author, and award-winning entrepreneur known for shattering revenue ceilings and defying the impossible. As CEO of Shameca International, she led her company to rank #310 on the Inc. 5000 list with an astounding 1,836% growth rate. A trailblazer in high-level sales and wealth creation, she’s helped entrepreneurs achieve million-dollar years, months, and even days—proving financial success is a standard, not a stretch. Named one of Success Magazine’s Women of Influence, Shameca’s methodologies in Sovereign Selling™ and identity-driven business growth are sought after by leaders worldwide. Her work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Inc. Magazine, and she’s on a mission to redefine wealth creation. Her message is simple yet radical: Millions is the Minimum™—because breaking financial limits isn’t just about numbers, it’s about who you become and who you impact in the process. 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

Renowned photojournalist and humanitarian Reza takes us on a powerful visual journey across conflict zones, revolutions, and moments of quiet resilience, captured through the lens of empathy. In this deeply moving talk, Reza reveals how photography transcends borders and languages, becoming a universal tool to awaken conscience, preserve dignity, and foster renewed humanity. With decades of experience in over 100 countries and credits in National Geographic, Time, and Paris Match, Reza shares the stories behind the images, and the lives transformed by telling them. From training youth and women in war-torn regions to founding global initiatives like Aina World and Reza Visual Academy, he reminds us that every human being is a storyteller, and every image is a call for connection. Reza is a renowned photojournalist, humanitarian, and visual storyteller whose work spans over 100 countries. Born in Iran and trained as an architect, he turned to photography in 1979, capturing pivotal moments of conflict, revolution, natural disaster, and human resilience. His images, published in National Geographic, Time, Stern, Paris Match, and others, reflect his mission: to show the power of photography in telling human stories. Reza also teaches photography to youth and women in conflict zones through his non-profits Aina World and Reza Visual Academy. A documentary filmmaker and author of 40 books, he has received honors from World Press Photo, ICP (Infinity Award), Lucy Awards, and HIPA, among others. He is a Chevalier of France’s National Order of Merit, an Ashoka Fellow, and holds honorary degrees from leading institutions. Reza lives in Paris, continuing to empower others to become storytellers of their own lives. 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