When professional dog trainer Nicole Ellis lost her Altadena home in the Eaton Fire, she found that the lessons she’d spent years teaching others—patience, consistency, and compassion—were the same ones she needed to rebuild her life. In this heartfelt and often humorous talk, Nicole shares how dogs model resilience better than humans ever could, reminding us that progress is built one small reward—and one wagging tail—at a time. Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, FFCP-T, is a celebrity dog trainer, author, and pet lifestyle expert behind the brand @TailsWithNicole. Seen on Amazon’s The Pack, she’s trained everything from bears to rescue dogs and helps people—from Hollywood stars to everyday pet parents—do more with their dogs through positive reinforcement. Her dogs, Maggie and Rossi, work in film, therapy, and public demos—showcasing the fun andpossibilities of life with a dog. After she and her husband lost their home in the Eaton Canyon fire, they launched @TailsOfRebuilding to share their journey of resilience, community, and rebuilding. 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

After losing her home in the Eaton Fire, Katie Clark realized that rebuilding isn’t just about structures—it’s about systems. In this urgent and visionary talk, she applies the principles of universal design to disaster recovery, asking: what if recovery worked for everyone, not just the most resourced? From tenants to longtime homeowners, Katie outlines a model where equity, dignity, and accessibility guide how communities truly rebuild—together. Dr. Katie Clark is a longtime Altadena renter, organizer, and local elected official. She has served as an elected Trustee of the Altadena Library District since 2018, and is one of the founders of the Altadena Tenants Union, created to ensure that renters had a voice in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. She is a steering committee member for the Altadena Earthseed Community Land Trust, working towards community ownership and permanently affordable housing in Altadena. An Oxford-trained historian, she is also the founder and principal of The Applied Humanities, a creative consulting firm serving nonprofits locally and nationwide. 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 happens when a lifelong content creator starts to hate content? Jim Caddick, known online as “Caddicarus,” takes a brutally honest look at burnout, authenticity, and creativity in the digital age.His talk explores how chasing views can kill passion - and how rediscovering joy can bring it back. Jim, known online as “Caddicarus” or “Caddy,” is a pioneering YouTuber famed for his sharp wit, dark humour, and cinematic absurdity. Since 2011, he’s grown a loyal global following with over 1.1 million subscribers and 350 million views, influencing the evolution of long-form gaming comedy on YouTube.Despite releasing 600+ videos in his first nine years, over 30% of his total views came from just 29 videos in the last five years—prompting a powerful question: what truly drives connection and impact online? This exploration now shapes his creative philosophy as he navigates how creators evolve and thrive in a fast-changing digital world.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

Financial literacy isn't just about numbers-it's about confidence, freedom, and a future women fully own. Stacey is a seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of experience. She began her career at Ernst & Young before moving to Oracle Corporation in CA and in 2019, she joined Infinity Strategic Partners (ISP). Appointed as a trustee to the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI) where she played a key role in overseeing the management of more that $23 Billion in state pension assets. A Michigan native, Stacey earned her BBA in accounting and finance from the University of Michigan and she is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Stacey currently resides in Wilmette with her husband and two sons and their playful dog, Nala Grace. 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 understanding our unique, complex brains can give us a new way of looking at the world — and each other. Tara May is a visionary, charismatic leader who transforms legacy organizations into thriving, future-focused digital properties. In her career in media and tech, Tara has masterfully revolutionized companies by leading cultural shifts, innovating new products and introducing new technology to result in dramatic revenue growth. She is CEO of Aspiritech, a revolutionary tech company with a mission of meaningful employment for autistic team members. She sits on the Board of Directors of Neurowrx and HAAPE advocating for neurodiversity and employment both nationally and internationally and is a renowned speaker championing embracing neurodiversity, mental health, and most of all kindness, 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

We are the wells that sustain one another. Here’s how to tend them with care. Gizelle L. Clemens is a disruptor of norms and a champion for equity-driven futures, shaped by both personal adversity and a commitment to systemic change. After experiencing a spinal cord injury and confronting ableism firsthand, she dedicated her career to challenging inequities and fostering true inclusion. As Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Impact at National Medical Fellowships, she builds networks of underrepresented physicians and medical students to improve national health outcomes. Through her consultancy, She Sparks Genius, and her initiative, Pretty Ugly Grief, she helps individuals and organizations address systemic inequities with empathy while redefining how communities navigate loss and healing. Whether leading philanthropic efforts, engaging in participatory grantmaking, or using storytelling as a tool for empowerment, Gizelle’s work proves that profound challenges can inspire transformative action. 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