This talk explores how innovation and reinvention empower industries and individuals to stay relevant, resilient, and impactful in a rapidly evolving digital age. Siddharth Pathak is a visionary, a strategic entrepreneur and fourth-year B. Com Entrepreneurship & Innovation student at the University of Alberta. Known for building ventures and fostering relationships that blend strategy, disruption, and creativity, he’s on a mission to challenge norms and shape the future of business—one unconventional idea at a time. 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

Beyond the Binary explores the spaces in between the categories we often take for granted — rich and poor, rural and urban, health and illness, male and female, past and future. This event brings together voices from diverse backgrounds to challenge conventional boundaries and spark new ways of thinking. From personal journeys of resilience and survival to insights into government, community, and innovation, Beyond the Binary invites us to imagine possibilities that emerge when we move past either/or thinking. Hari Prasad Renganathan is a Data Scientist, entrepreneur, and educator passionate about helping people turn ideas into real products. He has built AI-driven solutions for sales, marketing, and finance teams, and co-founded startups that reached over 15,000 users. Hari is also the founder of MyRealProduct and JotterWolf, where he guides aspiring engineers and job seekers to build, launch, and showcase impactful projects. His content on AI, careers, and product-building has reached over 10 million people worldwide. Featured in Columbia Startups, Times Square, NBC, ABC, and AP News for his work in AI education & innovation, Hari combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking to inspire others to create value beyond the binary.Sohan Sethi is a Data Analytics Manager and serial entrepreneur, experienced in solving high impact business problems. Sihan co-founded two startups by the age of 20. He is proficient at implementing data science techniques to forecast business trends and providing business recommendations based on statistical data analysis.He has been featured on CNBC, Fox 21 News, Business Insider and Many More!Marcelle LaBrecque is a theatrical creative working and performing in NYC under their drag persona, “Marilyn Monhoe”, delivering emotion filled show-stopping theatrical performances inspired by their originally staged productions.Marilyn’s rise to fame and popularity came to fruition after seeing “Kinky Boots” in 2017. Beyond motivated and inspired, Marcelle began to actively train as an up and coming drag performer, donning the name “Marilyn Monhoe” (after their admiration for Megan Hilty’s portrayal in the NBC TV Show, SMASH!) taking tip spots, and guest performance slots to learn and experience what it was like working as a drag artist. After seeing their impact, and hearing the response as being one of the few biPOC drag queens who only performed musical theatre numbers, Marcelle began to shift their focus from being a musical theatre creative, to working full-time as Marilyn Monhoe; bringing the magic of authentic live theatrical performances to spaces where live theatre wasn’t a staple.Marilyn Monhoe has been a featured performer at Firefly Music Festival, alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Scarlett Envy, and Jasmine Kennedy; and even made a guest appearance as the drag “Karen Huger” on Watch What Happens LIVE! with Andy Cohen. Marilyn Monhoe is currently working on headlining their FOURTH regional production of “Kinky Boots”, after making their international theatrical debut in England in 2022.Today? Marcelle is a strong advocate for authentic representation within the theatrical arts, and beyond. Marilyn is working closely with Ramapo College (New Jersey) and Hampshire College (Massachusetts) as their spokeswoman, and educator for creating and maintaining queer safe-spaces. Marilyn is known for their collaborations with local theatrical businesses, and is currently the spokeswoman for Planet Pepper NYC (a drag queen hip-pad company) and for BraTenders NYC (an undergarment company for on and Off- Broadway and film/television). 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

Roop’s story is one of courage and survival. Losing her mother at an early age and facing rejection, abuse, and countless hardships, she endured struggles that could have broken anyone. Yet, instead of letting her circumstances define her, Roop found the inner strength to rise above them. Through resilience, self-belief, and determination, she turned her challenges into stepping stones toward a brighter future. Her talk is a heartfelt reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, hope and strength can lead us to light—and that every setback has the power to shape us into who we are meant to become. Rupa is a courageous woman who transformed adversity into achievement. A valued team member at Sheroes Hangout Café in Agra, she is admired for her warmth, resilience, and leadership. With a passion for fashion, she has established herself as a talented dress designer, using creativity as a means of empowerment and self-expression.Dreaming bigger, Rupa plans to launch her own online design portal and a skill development school for women to foster financial independence and confidence. Her journey from pain to purpose makes her a true role model for anyone seeking strength, self-worth, and success against the odds. 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

This talk takes the audience on a reflective journey about the complexity of making life choices by personifying three inner characters: Desire, the adventurous childlike spirit that fuels joy and creativity; Moral, the disciplined voice shaped by family and society that pushes responsibility and control; and Awareness, the wise mediator that balances both sides and makes conscious decisions. Through personal stories, metaphors, and even parallels to Freud’s Id, Superego, and Ego, the speaker reveals how living on “autopilot” — ruled only by desire or moral duty — leads to dissatisfaction, burnout, or resentment. Instead, by recognizing and engaging these inner characters, we can take ownership of our decisions, live more intentionally, and discover our true “person” who guides us in navigating life’s toughest choices. An award-winning illustrator whose work blends emotion, identity, and adventure. From Singapore to Florida, and working with clients like The New York Times and National Geographic, Dion’s illustrations tell stories that resonate deeply. With accolades like the Silver Award from the Japan Illustrators’ Association and Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators, Dion continues to inspire through his work and his school, Ilustrasee, empowering the next generation of creatives. 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

From waving at airplanes in her small West Bengal town to standing on global stages, this deeply personal talk explores what it means to dream boldly—and confront the silent voices that tell us we can’t. Through humor, nostalgia, and raw emotion, a former banker and communication expert revisits her childhood dream of becoming a pilot and the moment it collided with rejection. But this is not a story of defeat. It’s a powerful reflection on self-belief, invisible barriers, and the courage to rewrite the script society hands us. Inspiring and introspective, it invites you to revisit your own “impossible” dreams—and to chase them with conviction. Banasri Brandon is a Dubai-based ex-banker, passionate public speaker, and two-time DTAC International Speech Contest finalist. With 15+ years of experience in the banking sector, she brings sharp insights in communication, leadership, and strategy.Banasri inspires audiences with her journey from a vernacular school in India to global stages. She’s also a strong advocate for families with special needs, drawing from her experience as a mother to champion empathy, inclusion, and resilience. 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

Ο Σταύρος Παναγιωτίδης μέσα από μύθους και αλήθειες για την ελληνική ιστορία μας έφερε σε επαφή με ερμηνείες και παρερμηνείες. Με μυθεύματα και επιστημονικά τεκμήρια. Μας εξήγησε ότι οι ιστορικοί μύθοι γεννιούνται μέσα από την ανάγκη ανθρώπων και εξουσιών να κάνουν ένα επιτυχημένο προξενιό ανάμεσα στο παρελθόν και στο παρόν τους. Ποιος είναι ο ρόλος του κράτους στη διαμόρφωση της ιστορικής αντίληψης; Ποιος είναι ο ρόλος του παρόντος στη διάπλαση της ιστορικής πραγματικότητας. Με εξαιρετική άνεση να παρουσιάζει αλήθειες και μύθους μας προκάλεσε να έχουμε μια σκωπτική ματιά απέναντι στην ιστορία. Stavros Panagiotidis was born in 1982 in Thessaloniki and lives in Athens. He studied Sociology at Panteion University and holds a PhD in History. He is a member of the Collaborative Academic Staff at the Hellenic Open University and a scientific collaborator for the magazine Hot Doc History.From Kedros Publications have been released his works "Myths, Misunderstandings and Uncomfortable Truths of Greek History" (2023) and "Myths, Misunderstandings and Uncomfortable Truths of Greek History 2" (2024). He has also authored the study "The Red January" (Papazisis, 2024), as well as the volume "Ioannis Kapodistrias – His Personality and Governance", part of the series "The Liberation of a Nation – From the Greek Revolution to the Foundation of the Greek State" (Ellinika Grammata, 2022).Also, from Kedros Publications, his novel "The Weary Honey" has been published. 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