How can acting help us navigate the storms of life? In this inspiring talk, actress Lan Phương explores the powerful connection between performance and emotional resilience. When the wheel of life feels off track, Lan Phương believes that the principles of acting can guide us to clarity, strength, and renewed confidence. - Winner of the “Impressive Actress” award at the VTV Awards for her role as Diệu in “Cả một đời ân oán” - “Star of the Year” – Film category, 2018 - Peace Ambassador of Vietnam in Fukuoka, Japan (1998 & 2008 Goodwill Ambassador for JICA Vietnam (2015–2020) 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

Dr.Susan Lin speaks about her inspirational experience donating bone marrow. Dr. Susan Lin, a learning specialist at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School, empowers others to reach their full potential. With 19 years of experience in education and a doctorate in education from the University of Washington, Susan has supported students from kindergarten through master’s level. Beyond her educational work, Susan is a dedicated Pilates practitioner and aspiring instructor. She honed her leadership and public speaking skills through active participation in her local Toastmasters Club, where she served as vice president of public relations. Passionate about personal development, Susan enjoys escaping into novels, staying active through exercise, exploring new cultures through travel, and pursuing a variety of artistic interests, including language learning, watercolor painting, and music. 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 his TEDx talk, How Inclusion Increases the Bottom Line, Zach Damon explores the intersection of media, storytelling, and disability advocacy—particularly within the context of corporate business. Drawing from his personal journey and professional experience, he highlights how inclusive representation in media can shape public perception, empower communities, and drive measurable success. Zach shares practical insights and an inspiring call to action for creators, broadcasters, and business leaders alike. Zach Damon is an award-winning professional actor, voice actor, and broadcaster. His voice can be heard on stations all across the United States and Canada. He is also the owner of Zach Damon Productions, LLC. The company produces local television, radio, and web-based media content for distribution. Since the early 1990s, Zach has been an advocate for disability issues through public speaking and media work. 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

Growth isn’t just about moving forward it’s about growing forward with intention. In this talk, Nyerere shares his personal journey of reinvention—challenging the idea of success as a straight line and offering a framework for embracing change, overcoming setbacks, and growing into your fullest potential. Nyerere Billups is a seasoned educator, speaker, and community builder with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations grow through change and purpose. Rooted in a lifelong commitment to social impact and personal transformation, his work spans from grassroots organizing to global leadership coaching. Nyerere brings a powerful mix of lived experience and deep insight to topics like healing, identity, and self-actualization. Through his speaking and mentorship, he challenges people to move beyond limitation and step fully into their potential—with clarity, courage, and intention. 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

Great leaders aren’t just defined by their titles they're remembered for the ideas they champion. In this talk, Shamilya explores how bold, visionary thinking fuels meaningful change—in schools, workplaces, and communities. Drawing from her own leadership journey, she shares how championing ideas can transform student success, family engagement, and school culture. Shamilya Woods-Pettis is a Chicago-born educator, speaker, and community leader dedicated to youth empowerment and mental wellness. She brings with her a deep passion to help young people realize their worth and potential. With over a decade of experience teaching in Chicago schools and as a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership, she combines academic insight with lived experience to inspire both students and educators. Shamilya believes that when young people know their worth, they don’t just survive, they thrive, and she’s committed to creating spaces where they can do exactly that. 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

Digital literacy is an overlooked but critical factor in health equity. In this talk, Tejas explores how empowering patients to navigate digital tools like electronic health records can improve outcomes, especially in emergency care, and why bridging the digital divide is a moral and medical imperative in today’s healthcare system. Tejas Sekhar is a medical student at Rush Medical College with a deep interest in patient advocacy and healthcare innovation. He brings experience in building digital health solutions aimed at streamlining patient intake and scheduling, through ventures supported by national organizations focused on public health and technology. With a background in AI-driven healthcare and venture development, he is committed to making digital tools more accessible and patient-centered, bridging the gap between technology and medicine to improve care delivery for all. 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