Harvard was never supposed to be part of Gustavo Luna’s story. As a teenager, he became an “unofficial foster youth” and later faced housing insecurity. Through the support of caring adults and mentors, he not only persevered but went on to earn two degrees from Harvard University, including a Doctor of Education. In this talk, Gustavo introduces audiences to the concept of collective impact, a movement designed to support young people from cradle to career. His message is clear: “You don’t need a fancy title or resources; you just need a caring heart.” His powerful words move audiences to action. He encourages organizations to collaborate in building systems of support within communities, and individuals to answer the call to mentorship. This talk reminds us that kindness, connection, and collective effort can change lives. Dr. Gustavo Luna is recent Doctoral graduate (EdLD) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). HGSE is also where I earned a Master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology. Previously, he founded two education companies and led one non-profit. 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 artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, its environmental cost is coming into sharp focus; yet so too is its potential to drive transformative solutions for sustainability. At the heart of this paradox stands Generation Z: the first truly digital-native cohort, and the most climate-conscious in history. Far from being passive users, Gen Z are creators, watchdogs, and reformers, demanding that technology serves both people and planet. This talk explores how Gen Z is uniquely redefining the intersection of AI and sustainability. It examines the hidden environmental footprint of AI, from surging energy use to water-intensive data centres, and how these challenges are being confronted by a generation unwilling to accept business as usual. Through vivid case studies, the talk will spotlight youth-led climate tech startups, digital activism campaigns, and innovative uses of AI for environmental good, from precision agriculture to real-time climate monitoring. It will also discuss how Gen Z’s consumer choices and workplace activism are compelling multinational corporations to prioritise transparency, ethical AI, and sustainable design. As Gen Z’s economic and cultural influence grows, their values are reshaping not only the narrative but the very infrastructure of the digital revolution. Gen Z is not just responding to the challenges of AI—they are rewriting the rules by blending technological fluency with a deep sense of environmental responsibility. This talk will offer actionable insights for how all stakeholders can support and amplify Gen Z’s leadership, ensuring that the digital revolution becomes a force for a greener, more equitable future. Jil Sheth is a researcher and partnerships professional with over seven years’ experience at the intersection of technology, urban planning, and net-zero innovation. As Partnerships and Engagement Manager at the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), she manages collaborations with over 1,000 organisations and 243 industry partners, supporting the UK’s industrial transition to net zero. An avid user of technology, Jil frequently delivers lectures on AI and digital transformation in sustainable development. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Studies at Heriot-Watt University, focusing on policy transfer in land-use planning, and has been recognised with the British Council Anniversary and James Watt Scholarships. Jil is an active advocate for sustainability, volunteering in various roles with the United Nations and global initiatives. She is a member of over 35 professional organisations and is dedicated to mentoring students and promoting diversity in STEM. 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

Reena Jotwani shares her insights on Strength in Self-Worth, highlighting how believing in ourselves becomes the foundation for resilience, growth, and true success. Through her words, she inspires us to rise above self-doubt, embrace inner confidence, and unlock the power that lies within. Reena Jotwani is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader, known for her vision to empower local businesses, promote cultural heritage, and foster professional growth. She is the Founder of Let’s Travel (since 2010), a leading travel agency recognized for exceptional leisure and corporate travel experiences. She also serves as the Treasurer of Chhattisgarh Travel Trade Association (2025–2027), and is the Founder Director of Apasmin Technologies Pvt. Ltd., where she spearheads IKAIi—a digital platform designed to uplift local businesses and drive digital transformation. Beyond business, Reena is deeply committed to cultural preservation as the Founder of Raag Mandal, a non-profit initiative promoting Indian classical music in Chhattisgarh. She also plays a vital role in professional networking as the Launch Director of Corporate Connections, Raipur, connecting leaders and entrepreneurs for mutual growth. 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 ancient times the Roman Forum was the beating heart of public life and it served as the site of civic life as well. With users turning to social media as a preferred site to access news, entertainment and information social media has become the major site of public life for the modern world – for good or ill. Generation Z are the first generational cohort to be born as ‘digital natives’ which means they are uniquely susceptible to the influence of social media but are also uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities it offers. This talk will explore social media in the context of digital marketing, sharing insights from digital marketing research to present the challenges and opportunities for Generation Z to critically explore what role social media will play for this generation in the future – and what role Gen Z might take in shaping the future of social media Kristen Marshall is a Digital Marketing Lecturer at Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh campus. Her research broadly focuses on the impact of social media, the interplay between online and offline habits and how consumers engage with social media around their values and identities. She has a wide range of experience teaching across marketing related courses – most recently Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Metrics, Digital Customer Experience, Contemporary Issues in Marketing and the Marketing Dissertation. She is passionate about embedding real-world, industry-led experience into Higher Education while creating extra-curricular opportunities for students. She grew up in Canada and lives in Scotland with her husband, three children and labradoodle. 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

Sports promote health, enhance well-being and connect people. Whether at the gym, in a swimming group, or on a soccer field - sports are an essential part of life for many. But what about those who don’t have the same opportunities to participate?     People with disabilities face numerous barriers, from inaccessible infrastructure to societal attitudes and a lack of awareness. However, inclusion in sports goes beyond accessibility - it requires a fundamental shift in how we design, teach, and think about sports.     What needs to happen that inclusion can fully be possible?  How can we create environments where everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome and empowered? What role do coaches, institutions, and society play in shaping a truly inclusive sports culture?    In this engaging talk, Elena Reimchen will examine the key differences between inclusion and integration, highlighting their impact on sports. She will share insights into the transformative power of sports by addressing challenges, opportunities, and real-world examples of making sports inclusive. By adopting adaptive strategies, innovative approaches, and a change in mindset, sports can become accessible to all - creating not just participation but a stronger, more connected society.    Join the talk to discover how inclusion in sports can make a difference and why it should matter to everyone.  She is a former competitive synchronized swimmer and professionally trained ballet dancer. Motivated by her passion for movement, she decided to study sports science and later health science at the Technical University of Munich. While working as a research assistant, she faced the challenges that prevent people with disabilities from participating in sports. This encouraged her to specialize in inclusive sports, researching how children with and without disabilities learn to swim together. She explored the attitudes of swimming instructors towards inclusion and identified the competencies required to create inclusive swimming courses. Drawing on the determination and endurance she developed in competitive sports, Elena Reimchen is now dedicated to making sports accessible to everyone, regardless of physical and mental abilities. Her work focuses on creating equal opportunities for participation and social interaction through everyday sports, helping to foster a more inclusive society. 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 19, my life changed in an instant. One moment, I was playing a soccer game in Munich - strong, athletic, carefree. The next, I was unconscious on the floor, struck in the head by a bicycle kick, with a severe brain hemorrhage that nearly ended my life. I spent three weeks in a coma. When I woke up, I couldn’t walk, speak, breathe on my own, or move the right side of my body.I was a baby in the body of a 19-year-old.This talk isn’t just about what happened to me - it’s about what I did next.I had to relearn everything: how to walk, how to write (this time with my left hand), how to live in a body that no longer did what I told it to. I finished school. I got my driver’s license again. I went to university. Today, I work full time, train regularly, ride my racing bike, and do stand-up paddling. I live - fully and consciously.In this talk, I’ll share how I turned my greatest setback into my greatest strength. No self-pity. No “why me.” Just a relentless decision to keep going.If you’re in a dark place, I want you to know: falling is human. But rising - that’s where your story begins. When Dennis Faltermeier woke up from a 3-week coma in January 2009, things looked bad - the then 19-year-old had previously suffered an accident with severe craniocerebral trauma, cerebral haemorrhage and right-sided paralysis. He was 100% dependent on a wheelchair & the help of others and was unable to swallow, speak or think independently - the brain haemorrhage had destroyed large parts of his brain. Today he has studied, got his driving licence again, currently works at a Max Planck Institute, goes to the gym three to four times a week, outruns his father on his bike and simply enjoys the life he can lead again. 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