Ansh examines the impact of facing fears, using soccer and public speaking as examples of growth through challenge. Ansh Sinha is an 8th-grade student at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley with a strong passion for math and physics. He enjoys exploring problem-solving and analytical thinking in school and enjoys learning almost anything. In the future, he aspires to become a lawyer, engineer, or software developer. Beyond academics, Ansh loves helping others in any way he can. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and spending quality time with his family. 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

Krishna breaks down effective communication into three steps: contextualize, aim, and teach. He shows how we can simplify complex ideas into impactful messages. Krishna Bhatt is a nationally awarded high school researcher and writer who spends his time developing projects in the intersection of neuroscience and technology. Currently a sophomore at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he spent the last five years competing in research symposiums and business challenges–dedicating months to a project before presenting it in a few critical minutes. Krishna is highly engaged in the science fair community, co-founding the BISV Science Fair Club to guide middle schoolers, and is on a mission to ensure that his research will leave a positive and tangible impact for patients around the world. Outside of these activities, Krishna's free time is spent on track, karting, or with his family. 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

“The Blueprint” is a powerful story about breaking cycles and building financial freedom through knowledge, access, and community. His message is clear: wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about access, ownership, and passing the blueprint forward. This talk challenges us all to stop waiting for change and start writing the blueprint for the next generation AJ Stephens is a business strategist, certified financial educator, and founder of The Kaizen Agency—a consulting firm focused on transforming underserved communities through entrepreneurship, access to capital, and business development. A Birmingham native, AJ started as a part-time bank teller in 2020 and rose to Vice President of Community Lending at Valley Bank by 2023, breaking racial barriers in Alabama’s banking industry. He has helped clients secure over $2.5 million in funding and delivers financial education in schools, churches, housing communities, and Fortune 100 firms. A thought leader and Birmingham Business Journal contributor, AJ shares insights on business growth and financial literacy. He serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is a NextGenBHM honoree. Through Kaizen, he collaborates with nonprofits and agencies to create equity-centered, outcome-driven programs. AJ proves that when communities gain financial tools, they gain futures. 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

"Leading with Heart" addresses this urgent need by reframing compassion not as soft or sentimental, but as the most courageous and effective leadership strategy we have. Drawing on empirical research and lived experience, this talk reveals how compassionate leadership creates psychologically safe workplaces, boosts performance and retention, and ultimately transforms organizations from the inside out. Dr. C. Allen Gorman is an Associate Professor of Management in the Collat School of Business at UAB, where he teaches classes in Leadership and Human Resource Management. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Gorman provides consulting services within the domains of human resource management and organizational development, particularly in the areas of employee selection, performance management, and leadership development. His expertise and experience make him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the field. 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 “Redefining Career Success,” Dr. Bhagyashree Barhate explores how Generation Z is reshaping what it means to thrive at work. No longer driven solely by titles or promotions, Gen Z values authenticity, adaptability, and well-being as core measures of success. Through global research, Dr. Barhate reveals how this generation’s focus on self-awareness and purpose is transforming the traditional career ladder into a journey of personal alignment and fulfillment. Far from being entitled, Gen Z is modeling strategic self-preservation and emotional intelligence in a volatile world. Their message is clear: success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you become along the way. Dr. Bhagyashree Barhate is an Assistant Professor of Adult, Professional, and Community Education at Texas State University. Her research and teaching focus on how individuals construct meaningful careers in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. As a scholar, Dr. Barhate intends to bridge theory and practice to help individuals and organizations thrive amidst volatility. Her work advances human-centered approaches to career development, advocating for systems that honor identity, purpose, and sustainability in the workplace. 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 “Cognitive Dissonance: The Hidden Barrier to Learning and Change,” Dr. Tammy L. Hodo explores how deeply rooted beliefs shape our ability to learn, adapt, and connect across differences. Drawing on psychology and sociology, she reveals how conflicting ideas often trigger discomfort that prevents people from accepting new truths—especially about race, identity, and social systems. In a society still divided by neighborhoods, schools, and socioeconomic status, understanding cognitive dissonance is essential to disrupting bias and fostering genuine growth. Dr. Hodo challenges us to confront what we’ve been taught and embrace the tension of unlearning as a path toward progress and inclusion. Dr. Tammy L. Hodo is the founder and CEO of All Things Diverse LLC, a consulting firm that helps organizations build inclusive, high-performing cultures through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. With 20+ years in higher education and a Ph.D. in Urban Studies, she blends academic expertise and practical insight to drive institutional change. Her clients span government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, including DEI training for cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Sanford, as well as federal agencies like the VA. She co-authored How to Engage in Difficult Conversations on Identity, Race, and Politics in Higher Education and is contributing chapters on healthcare and justice for a forthcoming book on Race & Ethnicity. A U.S. Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and contributor to Vector Solutions, she creates workplace learning on microaggressions, cultural competency, and communication. Dr. Hodo helps clients align DEI with strategy and turn values into measurable outcomes. 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