Finding 'True North' — Embracing Life's Highs and Lows Through Jazz | Sunny Sumter | TEDxMidAtlantic
Join Sunny Sumter as she takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through the lens of her personal experiences and the transformative power of jazz, she explores the concept of finding your 'True North.' Discover how music guided her through life's greatest challenges and taught her to live each day as if it were her last. This talk is a heartfelt ode to the highs and lows of life, the beauty of harmony in chaos, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose and authenticity.
Sunny Sumter is President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF). DCJF's signature programs include the annual DC JazzFest, the year-round DCJF Education Program, and the Charles Fishman Embassy Series. DCJF is the recipient of the DC Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Creative Industries. Prior to her tenure at the DC Jazz Festival, Sumter held management/director positions with the Aspen Institute, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.Sumter earned her bachelor’s degree in music business from Howard University where she minored in jazz voice. She is a recipient of a Howard University Benny Golson Award, the Sitar Arts Center Visionary Award, a DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship, and a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award. As a professional vocalist, Sumter has performed at festivals, and clubs internationally. 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
More from TED
- 3:34Imagination | Iris Koumantaki | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthIris explores how imagination shapes our childhood, creativity, and even problem-solving. Through stories and questions, she reminds us that imagination doesn’t fade—it just needs a little spark. I am Iris, and I am 10 years old. If I have to describe my character, I will tell you that I am kind, polite and sometimes a little messy. My hobbies are drawing and playing games with roles. In order to do my hobbies, I have to use something that I call imagination. 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
- 3:23Growing Up with a Pet | Eva Petropoulou | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthEva talks about how pets teach kids responsibility, empathy, and confidence. She reminds us that a pet can bring joy, love, and valuable life lessons to any family. Hi, my name is Eva, and I am fourteen years old! My hobbies are dancing and tennis because that’s where I get all my anxiety and stress relieved. I love animals so much, especially pets. My dream is to be a vet when I grow up. 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
- 3:13Healthy Friendships | Angeliki Fouraki | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthAggeliki explores what makes a friendship truly strong and meaningful. Through her talk, she reminds us that healthy friendships are built on respect, trust, communication, and space. By being kind, honest, and supportive, we can create bonds that help us grow and become the best version of ourselves. Hello, my name is Angeliki, and I am 16 years old. In my free time, I like drawing as well as making puzzles with 1000 or more pieces. 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
- 3:12The Art of Feeling | Chanioti Theodora | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthTheodora shares how drawing can become a powerful way to express emotions and connect with others. Through lines, colors, and honesty, she shows that art isn’t just seen— it’s felt. I am Theodora Chanioti and I am 11 years old. I like drawing anime, dancing, listening to K-pop and doing rhythmic gymnastics. Animals love me because I love them first. 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
- 3:22The Life of a Teenager | Alex Petropoulos | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthAlex will talk about a time of life that’s exciting, confusing, and sometimes really tough — the teenage years. In his speech, he shares what many young people experience and how we can grow stronger through it all. my name is Alex and I’m twelve years old. I live in Athens with my parents and two older sisters. I am keen on tennis, and I also like playing football with my friends at the weekends. In addition, I love reading specific books which give me some information or details about our life or people, like Encyclopedias. Furthermore, I feel happy when I travel to different, beautiful places with my family and my friends too. 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
- 12:58Από την Πληροφορία στη Σοφία με Πυξίδα την Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη | Maria Leontiou | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthMaria Leontiou, a leader in digital innovation, shares how AI can help us move beyond data and transform information into real wisdom. Drawing on her experience in finance, technology, and startup mentoring, she highlights the power of curiosity, community, and innovation in shaping a smarter, more inclusive future. An engineer by degree, a Financial Services executive by profession, and an innovation enthusiast by nature, Maria Leontiou is the Head of Eurobank Next – Digital Growth & Future Competitiveness at Eurobank. Maria holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and has over 24 years of experience. Her curiosity for anything new fuels her passion for innovation, an interest cultivated through her involvement with the organizing team of TEDxAthens and later brought to life in her role as Head of Eurobank’s Innovation Center. She is closely connected to the startup community, which she supports as a mentor or judge in various programs and initiatives. Maria believes in the power of community, actively champions the gender equality agenda, and is a strong advocate of the idea that “sharing is caring.” She enjoys creating and sharing engaging content on digital media platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and spark meaningful conversations. 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