A Parent’s Journey from Advocate to Activist. A generational talk about the everyday struggles of indigenous families within the educational systems and how today's parents are breaking the cycles to advocate for their Children. Rachel holds a Master of Education and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy, with research grounded in Indigenous education, governance, and the principles of the 1972 Indian Control of Indian Education policy paper. Her work emphasizes community-driven, culturally grounded approaches to learning, advocating for education that reflects Indigenous worldviews while equipping students for success in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous contexts. Passionate about bridging systemic gaps, Rachel speaks openly about the realities of ongoing colonization in education and the need for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous systems to learn, unlearn, and rebuild relationships. She continues to work with local, provincial, and federal partners to ensure that Indigenous Nations move from being “consulted” to being in full control of their children’s education — as promised more than 50 years ago. 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 Operating Room to Boardroom The benefits of working within a high functioning team. The universal language of problem solving through collaboration. The Idea of creating high functioning teams and their benefits, no matter in business or health care. Dr. Julian Sernik is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower extremity reconstruction and trauma, with additional training in healthcare leadership, quality improvement, and team-based systems design. For over a decade, he has worked with specialist teams, hospital leaders, and quality experts to build collaborative workflows in high-stakes environments. Julian is passionate about understanding how high-performing teams can improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes—anywhere people work together.Outside the clinic and OR, Julian brings the same focus on teamwork to the mountains. In summer, he explores British Columbia’s backcountry on horseback. In winter, he draws on decades of mountain experience as a ski patroller and mountain doctor—and recently became a certified ski guide. He gravitates toward environments where trust, communication, and coordinated action are as vital as they are in the operating room. 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

Diba Zahedi, talks about the many facets of a person’s character. She reflects on how understanding these layers can deeply influence our perception and relationships. She studied Architecture and later pursued her passion for the arts, becoming an Iranian actress known for her roles in various series and films. 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

How to Create Space for Peace is about intentionally craving a place for space to exercise actionable peace in everyday life Dr. Akemi Bailey-Haynie, as a native of Gary, Indiana, is a renowned author, educator, and international consultant with over 40 years of experience in peace education, diversity and inclusion, and multicultural training. As the Founder and President of Global Educational Consultants, Inc., she has empowered over two million professionals—including educators, executives, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders—across the U.S. and globally. Her work spans continents, with impactful training initiatives in London, Korea, Japan, Vienna, and throughout Asia, including collaborations with the United Nations, United States Institute of Peace, National Alliance of Mental Illness, ASPD, and University of Massachusetts Global, Midwest Express Airlines. She has served as a professor at the University of Chicago, Northern Illinois University, University of St. Francis, and Brandman University, mentoring future educational leaders in cross-cultural education and ELL certification. 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 this captivating TED Talk, Kalyan S Rathore explores the deep connection between patterns, thought, and the world around us. Journey from the pre-verbal thinking of babies to the wonders of tessellations in geometry and nature, discovering how patterns shape not just our perceptions, but also the building blocks of art, science, and society. From Platonic and Archimedean solids to fractal geometry, and nature’s ingenious designs—from pomegranates to nautilus shells—this talk reveals the beauty and efficiency of repeated forms and the cosmic order they represent. Learn how these patterns transcend language and connect us to a universal logic present in everything from leaves to families, cities, and beyond. Guinness World Record–holding sculptor merging geometry, nature, and public art. 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

How The Arts Will Revitalize Gary is about how investing in the rebuilding of an arts based and focused school would assist the city's revitalization comeback Altovise Ferguson is a performing artist, actress, author, speaker, model, choreographer, make-up artist, licensed cosmetologist, wife, and mother. She is a native of Gary, Indiana. She began her career as a dancer under the instruction of the late Corine Morse Williams and became a student teacher at age 11. Altovise discovered the world of modeling at John Robert Powers in Chicago, Illinois. She was chosen to participate in the International Talent & Modeling Association in New York and placed 4th runner-up for “Talent of the Year. After graduating from Emerson Visual & Performing Arts High School in 1994, she pursued a career in cosmetology. Altovise also became an actress with the West Side Theatre Guild and has starred in numerous stage productions and films for the last 25 years. She has opened for the late Coretta Scott King and the late Michael Jackson. Altovise was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 27. She wrote a book about her experience. 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 Transformative Power of “Hello” is about how greetings are really affirmations and acknowledgement of one's existence, of one's presence and can alter the course of a day and even a relationship Sandra Carr is the Student Support Specialist in the Office of Student & Community Engagement Programming at Indiana University Northwest. After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from Indiana State University, Sandra went on to work for a newspaper, a PBS television station, and a local radio station. Sandra later earned a Master of Science Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Chicago’s Roosevelt University and spent nearly a decade working for non-profit organizations. Sandra began working in higher education at The American College of Financial Service where she earned a Master of Science in Management and became the College’s first Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Sandra is a lifelong learner and believes it is important to nourish the mind, body, and soul. She has a passion for mentoring women and helping them discover their personal, professional, and spiritual potential. 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

How to Transform Loneliness into Connection is about how to create the space to become who you would like to become through intentional actionsKristy Carreon is a senior at Indiana University Northwest and president of the campus chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Passionate about storytelling and connection, she uses creativity to reimagine the spaces where people share ideas and challenge expectations of what a communicator can be. Studying Communications with a minor in Business and Spanish, Kristy is building a career in public relations and content creation, with a focus on sparking meaningful conversations. Currently interning at NUVEW Web Solutions in Crown Point, Indiana, she brings fresh ideas to social media marketing, turning every post into an opportunity to connect people, perspectives, and possibilities. 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

Under the TEDx Zaria theme “Tunanin Aiki Chanji” — Thinking, Action, Change — Zainab Baba Aliyu highlights how journalists can become powerful advocates for climate change awareness, especially when they communicate in local languages like Hausa. By simplifying complex climate issues and connecting them to people’s daily lives, she shows how media can inspire action, change mindsets, and protect our shared future. Zainab Baba Aliyu is a skilled multimedia journalist, producer, and climate communicator dedicated to using storytelling as a tool for impact. With over six years of experience in broadcast media, she serves as a climate change producer and presenter at Arewa24, where she translates complex environmental issues into engaging stories for Northern Nigerian audiences. She holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Bayero University Kano and has contributed to national projects in media, gender advocacy, and the creative economy. Her work includes producing climate-focused content, facilitating expert interviews, and supporting and volunteering for the ShesIncluded Gender Conference.She believes media is a catalyst for social change and is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices. 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 explores how journaling can serve as an intentional, creative practice that builds lasting internal happiness. The talk frames happiness as something we can transcribe, observe, record, and better understand through reflection. Chinenye Ofor is a junior at Towson University, double-majoring in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biochemistry (MB3) and Communication Studies. With a wide range of interests, she’s driven by a desire to understand the world around her and connect with others through science and storytelling. Her research experience ranges from small proteins to gender dynamics within the Black community and women’s microplastic consumption. Outside of academics, Chinenye serves as the Student Director of Marketing for the Honors College and the Community Relations Chair of the Undergraduate Research Club. She is also a proud Hill-Lopes Scholar. At her core, Chinenye believes that knowledge should be accessible to all and that understanding the world around us is necessary for meaningful, positive change. 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