Environmental damage isn’t just an ecological issue—it’s a growing public health crisis. In this policy-focused talk, Maya Kalender explores how chemical toxins and environmental dysregulation are endangering our waterways and our well-being. Drawing on years of research and advocacy, she makes the case for stronger regulations and more informed public action. Her talk challenges us to see environmental protection as essential to human health. Maya Kalender is a high school senior passionate about Science Research and environmental protection. Over the past few years, she has learned about the significant damage chemical toxins have done to our waterways, empowering her to take action. Maya has previously done two TED talks, both centered around environmental issues. In this talk, which she developed with her advisor, Joseph McMenamin she takes a policy-centered approach. She will speak about the public health crisis that has erupted due to environmental dysregulation. 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
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- 16:36How Gen Z can build financial confidence | Mercedes Gaztambide | TEDxTorontoMetUMercedes Gaztambide is a reporter at CBC Toronto. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Journalism and began her media career through a work-study position producing student recruitment content. That role sparked her interest in on-camera storytelling and led to opportunities in both digital and broadcast media.In 2020, she became blogTO’s first TikTok host and producer, helping grow the outlet’s reach with original, youth-focused content. She later joined CBC to host and edit the reboot of Street Cents, a financial literacy show for teens. She has hosted live award shows, co-hosted CBC Marketplace, earned a Webby nomination, won a Kidscreen Award, and worked as a producer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.Mercedes combines storytelling, education, and authentic connection to inspire the next generation of journalists and creatives. She hopes to empower others to embrace curiosity, take risks, and tell stories that matter. Mercedes Gaztambide is a reporter at CBC Toronto. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Journalism and began her media career through a work-study position producing student recruitment content. That role sparked her interest in on-camera storytelling and led to opportunities in both digital and broadcast media.In 2020, she became blogTO’s first TikTok host and producer, helping grow the outlet’s reach with original, youth-focused content. She later joined CBC to host and edit the reboot of Street Cents, a financial literacy show for teens. She has hosted live award shows, co-hosted CBC Marketplace, earned a Webby nomination, won a Kidscreen Award, and worked as a producer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.Mercedes combines storytelling, education, and authentic connection to inspire the next generation of journalists and creatives. She hopes to empower others to embrace curiosity, take risks, and tell stories that matter. 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
- 10:47Pixels and Perspectives: Finding Meaning in the Details | Daniyal Harris | TEDxIBAWhat if the smallest, most overlooked moments in your life held the key to who you're meant to become? In this talk, Daniyal Haris explores how life’s tiniest “pixels”—the hardships, rejections, and quiet victories—can come together to form a meaningful picture. Drawing from his journey as a filmmaker and student, Daniyal argues that it's not about fitting into someone else’s frame—it's about building your own image, one pixel at a time. This talk is a reminder that no one else defines your potential, and sometimes, the clearest perspective comes from the blurriest beginnings. [Filmmaker - Storyteller]An IBA student with a filmmaker's soul, Daniyal Harris crafts stories that blur the line between memory and magic. His nostalgic style of filmmaking doesn't just tell a story - it transports you into it. 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
