'Thoughtfully questioning what is being learned', and 'critically and creatively evaluating information such as AI' (Kennedy 2024) in our personal and professionals lives is what is required for us to think effectively. In other words, allowing ourselves to question, participate, and evaluate, is the way forward to participating in society. Yet, as we have more and more aids and services in achieving this compared to previous generations, can Gen Z thrive, or survive in a space of increasing information pressure and cognitive load? This talk looks at the impact of technology on future-making through future thinking. Luciana is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University, where she leads the Intelligent Automation Systems (IAS) Lab. She has worked in the public, private and third sector for 12 years before moving to academia. She is a committee member of the BCS Chartered Institute for IT in Edinburgh, and a contributor to the Scottish AI Playbook. Her research investigates Intelligent Automation systems (including AI, RPA and chatbots) and their impact on organisational behaviour, reuniting findings from science and technology studies, business management and computing science 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 does it take to keep going when your world falls apart? Kevin shares how showing up, asking for help, and embracing perseverance can help us rebuild hope, love, and joy—even in the darkest moments. For nearly three decades, Kevin Kay has proven to have the Midas touch. During his long tenure at media-giant Viacom, he was responsible for creating and developing award-winning, cultural-driving, distinctive global franchises that entertained millions and added billions in revenue to Viacom’s balance sheet.Kay’s wealth of experience as a media executive includes leading Nickelodeon Development and Production with content that solidified Nickelodeon as the #1 kids network, overseeing the launch and extraordinary growth of Spike TV as President, and ultimately, serving as President of Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT. Among the enduring franchises for Viacom he shepherded include “Yellowstone” “The UFC”, “Lip Sync Battle” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” These franchises were not only mega hits on television, but created licensing and merchandising gold.As President of Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT Kay led the day-to-day management of the overall growth strategy and creative direction for all three business units directly reporting to the CEO of Viacom. Combining his passion for great storytelling and music with an emphasis on creativity, Kay directed all aspects of original programming and specials, marketing/creative, research, scheduling, digital/social, corporate communications, music strategy and collaboration with ad sales and affiliate relations executives and branded content teams. He led the charge on Paramount Network’s launch in January 2018, featuring premium original scripted and non-scripted programming, while guiding the success of TV Land and CMT; both of which enjoyed unprecedented ratings and revenue growth throughout his tenure.Prior to the rebranding of Paramount Network, Kay’s accomplishments as President of Spike included successfully shifting the network’s focus to target a more gender-balanced audience with brand-defining original hit series which resulted in dramatic revenue growth for Viacom building distribution to 98 million homes at its peak. Most notably, this includes the five-time Emmy-nominated and critically-acclaimed multi-platform mega-hit series, “Lip Sync Battle,” hosted by LL COOL J and Chrissy Teigen.In the sports arena, Kay was responsible for bringing the UFC to Spike and was named in USA Today’s list of “Most Powerful Men in Mixed Martial Arts,” overseeing the development and production of the fastest rising sports franchise on television. Kay developed and green lit the hit series “The Ultimate Fighter” which lasted 14 seasons on Spike and helped to propel the UFC into a 4.2 billion dollar sale. Before joining Spike in 2003, Kay served as Executive Vice President, Production and Original Series Development for Nickelodeon, Nick At Nite and TV Land. He was responsible for Nickelodeon’s program development and current series production activities. He oversaw the development of many Nickelodeon franchise hits, including the animated smash hit “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “The Fairly OddParents” as well as “All That” and “Kenan and Kel.”Not one to rest in transition, Kay launched DJKay Entertainment, a full-service multi-platform production company focused on scripted and non-fiction programming. Recent series include Nickelodeon’s “All That”, “Warped” and “Weed Rescue” as well as the documentaries “Comedy Against the Odds” and “Virtual Insanity.” 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

En “Reescribirse en braille”, Rafa Jaime nos guía por el trayecto más desafiante de su vida: el proceso de quedarse ciego y el camino —físico y emocional— que lo llevó a convertirse en el primer ciego iberoamericano en escalar el Everest. Con una mezcla de vulnerabilidad y determinación, Rafa revela cómo transformó la pérdida en motor, redefinió sus límites y construyó nuevas herramientas para triunfar. Esta charla invita a mirar la adversidad con otros ojos, a escribir —o reescribir— nuestra historia desde el sentido y la acción. Rafa Jaime es un empresario mexicano, atleta y alpinista que ha enfrentado grandes desafíos a lo largo de su vida. Ha luchado dos veces contra el cáncer y ha aprendido a adaptarse a un mundo en la oscuridad, siendo la única persona ciega en terminar un Ultraman en el mundo (515 km) y el primer ciego iberoamericano en escalar la montaña más alta del planeta: el Everest. Cree firmemente que la vida requiere mucha resiliencia y la capacidad de adaptarse a los cambios y circunstancias que se presentan. En el deporte, Rafa encontró valores fundamentales y una manera de romper paradigmas, llevándolo a tomar el deporte como un aliado para impactar positivamente a las personas que lo rodean. Su objetivo es trascender en la historia de México y del mundo, transformando el pensamiento positivo en acción, con el propósito de empoderar a las personas y convertirse en un factor de cambio. 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

Life hands us pain—but comedy gives us the power to transform it. Corey Martin Craig shares how laughter can turn scars into stories and struggles into strength. Corey Martin Craig is a 4-time TEDx speaker—including “Zen in the Art of Troublemaking” at TEDxLincoln—an award-winning producer and director, and the founder of Cool Beans Comedy, Los Angeles’ premiere stand-up comedy brand. As a sought-after comedy coach, he has helped performers from ages 8 to 80 refine their craft, discover their unique voice, and elevate their stage presence.A true champion of the underdog, Corey believes in the power of heartfelt and hilarious comedy to connect people and heal through laughter. His work spans stage and screen, with appearances on Nickelodeon, FOX, ABC, NBC, Showtime, TNT, and Netflix.With a career at the intersection of performance, mentorship, and entertainment, Corey Martin Craig continues to shape the future of comedy by inspiring the next generation of performers to boldly find their voice. 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

Emilie Robinson invites us to reimagine end-of-life care. With older adults soon to outnumber children in the U.S., she urges us to plan ahead, share our wishes, and build supportive networks with loved ones, healthcare professionals, and death doulas, ensuring that life’s final chapter is met with dignity and humanity. Emilie Robinson, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, is a licensed physical therapist, certified lymphedema therapist through the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA), and a certified Pilates instructor. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Nova Southeastern University and has been immersed in the field for over a decade. Emilie is the founder of a Pilates studio, where she specializes in sessions focused on mobility, lymphedema management, chronic illness, and end-of-life care. She also works as a physical therapist with a leading healthcare provider nationwide, extending her commitment to evidence-based and compassionate care.Her practice is grounded in connection and respect for the body’s wisdom. Emilie was honored with the Making a Difference Award from the Women in Healthcare Organization. Through intentional movement and education, she empowers people to move through recovery, aging, and transitions—including death—with strength, dignity, and purpose. 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 if your child’s future was determined not by their brilliance or determination, but by their zip code? In this talk, Jillyan McKinney exposes the hidden barriers that lock millions of students out of opportunity and shares powerful stories of what happens when inclusion and belonging open the door instead. With heartfelt urgency and practical insight, she calls for transformative action, reminding us that when every child is seen, valued, and supported, our entire society benefits. Jillyan McKinney is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience advancing equity and inclusion across K-12 public education systems. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Inclusive Practices and Integrated Systems at the Sacramento County Office of Education, where she leads initiatives that foster inclusive learning environments and promote academic and social-emotional success for all students, particularly those with disabilities and students from underserved and under-resourced communities.Whether serving as a Senior Director for the Equity and Wellness Institute, piloting an Ethnic Studies program, or facilitating global education initiatives in Ghana, Jillyan brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and practical expertise to the transformative work of systems change. Her mission is simple but powerful: to build spaces where every story is valued, voice is heard, and equity is standard. 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