What if the biggest enemy we face isn’t each other but division itself?In this heartfelt and hopeful talk, Newton Cheng a mental health advocate, father, and global leader shares a simple yet transformative truth: connection begins when we dare to be human with one another. Drawing from his own experience navigating depression and anxiety, Newton reveals how vulnerability became his most powerful tool for healing, understanding, and bridging divides.Through one unexpected encounter in a small-town diner and years of work helping people open up about their mental health, Newton shows that empathy isn’t weakness it’s a solution. By choosing connection over conflict and truth over performance, we can turn division into dialogue and fear into understanding.Watch this talk to learn how the courage to share your story could be the first step toward healing our world. Newton Cheng is a husband and father, champion powerlifter, and is Director of Health + Performance at Google. Defying conventional business leadership practices, Newton has risked his professional reputation by sharing openly about his struggles with mental health and burnout in order to demonstrate that vulnerability and exceptional achievement go hand in hand.Drawing on his unique background at Google as well as his journey to becoming a world champion athlete, he models and teaches a unique performance-oriented approach to vulnerable leadership that he’s developed throughout his career. His goal is to dismantle the stigma around mental health in the workplace and beyond so that we can achieve our most ambitious goals without sacrificing our ability to take care of ourselves and each other.He’s spent his 16-year career at Google developing, launching and scaling global programs aimed at helping Googlers to thrive. Today he oversees a global portfolio of Google’s physical and digital health & wellbeing amenities. He spends much of his time exploring how Google can leverage spaces and services, community, culture and technology to support the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of Googlers, their families, and our neighbors.As a powerlifter, he has set multiple world, US, and California state records, and is a world, US national, and California state champion multiple times over.Newton was born and raised in Macomb, IL. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from University of California, Berkeley. 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

R&B soulstress Morgan Taylor Jones returns to the TEDxInglewood stage with a radiant live performance of her original song, “Shine.” Backed by the talented Jeremiah Gardner on keyboards and Joshua Smith on drums, Morgan delivers a soulful, heartfelt reminder of the power of strength, resilience, and perseverance.Watch this performance to experience the warmth, honesty, and energy that define Morgan’s artistry—and be reminded to let your own light shine. R&B soulstress Morgan Taylor Jones is a multi-talented singer & songwriter who has graced stages all across the US. Her vocal skills have taken her far, with performances at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City, on platforms such as Sofar Sounds, alongside artists like Andra Day and DJ Quik, at the 2023 inaugural TEDxInglewood. conference. In 2023, Morgan created her very own live music showcase, An Evening with Morgan Taylor Jones. Still an active platform of which Morgan executive produces, the event takes place at The LINE Hotel in Los Angeles and has excitingly expanded to additional cities in 2025, including her hometown of Durham, North Carolina, with additional cities on the horizon. A thoughtfully curated experience, the event, now called The Morgan Taylor Jones Experience, is centered around two things dear to this soulful singer and songwriter - music and community. Filled with passion and intention, the night features live performances from local artists, and of course, Morgan herself. In 2024, Morgan graduated from the very first Vocal Production and Performance program at 1500 Sound Academy, a multidisciplinary educational institution founded by a collective of GRAMMY Award winning producers, songwriters, and musicians. Continuing her relationship with the collective, in 2025 Morgan performed in the annual “1500 or Nothin’ Day” in Inglewood, CA which honored 20 years of the band and also served as a benefit concert for Los Angeles wildfire relief. To keep up with Morgan, be sure to follow her on Instagram, as @MsMorganTaylor. 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 if aging wasn’t something to fear but something to celebrate?In this insightful and refreshingly honest talk, Melody Martinez, one of the youngest speakers on the TEDxInglewood stage, explores how society’s obsession with youth is shaping how even teenagers view themselves. From ancient beauty rituals to modern-day “anti-aging” trends fueled by 13-year-olds on social media, Melody uncovers how deep our fear of time really runs.With humor, curiosity, and wisdom beyond her years, she challenges us to rethink what it means to grow older. Aging, she reminds us, isn’t a flaw it’s a privilege. Each wrinkle, scar, and laugh line tells a story of life lived fully.Watch this talk to be reminded that the most beautiful thing we can become is ourselves, at every age. Melody Martinez is a determined and Driven student at STEAM Virtual Academy. She is passionate about Creativity and innovation, she also thrives in artistic and storytelling domains in which she tries to blend these two passions to inspire herself and others. As a tech ambassador for the South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center, Melody helps to build the community; she motivates and empower her peers to get active in the tech world and try new things. In her capacity, she has assisted community projects such as food drives and giveaways to the community's needs, showcasing the talent of her community and empowering others. Melody believes that collaboration is key; she strives for teamwork and wants to build an environment where all people can reach their potential. Besides her community work, she is an advocate for the inclusion of diverse voices in tech. She speaks at community events , encouraging her peers to engage in the technology and art fields. As a next-generation change-maker, she aims to practice her skills and passions for the benefit of her community by helping them reach their creative aspirations and goals. She sees a future where creativity and community engagement can be put together, she is determined to be a person for positive change within her community. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects, she looks forward to inspiring others to recognize their potential, and ultimately make a supportive environment that encourages personal growth. 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 if your emotions weren’t obstacles to overcome but messages to be understood?In this illuminating and heartfelt talk, Dr. Joi Madison invites us to reconnect with the wisdom that lives within our bodies. Through personal reflection and insight, she explores how modern society often praises intellect while dismissing emotion and how that disconnection silences one of our most powerful forms of intelligence.Dr. Joi reveals that emotions are not weaknesses or distractions; they are data. By honoring our feelings rather than judging them, we open the door to deeper self-awareness, collective healing, and authentic leadership.Watch this talk to rediscover what your body already knows and learn how feeling deeply can be the most intelligent act of all. Dr. Joi K. Madison is an international coach, consultant, and speaker whose impact spans at least four continents. With a background in biomechanics, as a collegiate All-American athlete and the former owner of functional fitness company Eat.Sleep.Sweat., Dr. Joi’s methods for mastering emotional intelligence and enhancing emotional well-being highlight and value the importance of the mind-body connection. Her signature coaching programs provide self-guided online courses which promote socio-emotional skills. In 2020, Dr. Joi further solidified her role as an educator, becoming a graduate professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy at The Chicago School where he taught Diversity in Psychotherapy as well as Assessments in Marriage and Family Therapy. In her role as Program Manager for Sisters Mentally Mobilized at the California Black Women’s Health Project, Dr. Joi was responsible for the design and implementation of curriculum related to increasing awareness, decreasing stigma, and promoting advocacy around issues impacting and impeding the mental well-being of Black women and girls across the state of California. In the Fall of 2021, Dr. Joi began an ongoing collaborative effort with SEIU United Healthcare Workers union to create a mental and emotional wellness curriculum centering and serving the needs of over 120,000 healthcare workers. Dr. Joi previously served on the board of Color the Water, a non-profit organization intent on reclaiming the history of, and representing diversity in, surf culture through lessons, education, and media. She continues to seek opportunities to innovate and serve in an effort to contribute to a society which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. Through curiosity, creativity, and community, she uses every medium at her disposal to elaborate on ideas about how to define, assess, and prioritize wellness, for all. 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 do you do when your body gives out but your spirit refuses to quit?In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Paralympic medalist Jamal Hill shares his journey from being paralyzed at age ten to standing on the world stage as one of Team USA’s top swimmers. Diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular condition that left him with almost no nerve function in his legs, Jamal had every reason to give up. Instead, he found a new kind of power, energy born from stillness, faith, and self-belief.Through humor, vulnerability, and grit, Jamal reminds us that true strength isn’t about speed, medals, or proving our worth. It’s about choosing to believe when everything says you can’t and learning to create energy even when you’re running on empty.Watch this talk to rediscover what’s possible when belief outlasts exhaustion and purpose becomes the fuel that keeps you moving. Jamal Hill is a Paralympic swimmer, social entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to breaking barriers in aquatics, accessibility, and community development. Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Jamal’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and impact. Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neuromuscular condition, he defied expectations to become a bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and a two-time Team USA Paralympian, now training for LA28. Beyond the pool, Jamal is the founder of the Swim Up Hill Foundation, a global initiative dedicated to teaching one million people annually how to swim by 2028. His work extends into social enterprise and public service, driving innovation at the intersection of aquatics, non-profits, and technology. His efforts have led to partnerships with organizations like the United Nations, LA County, and global brands, focusing on accessibility, water safety, and education. Jamal is also the founder of Swim Up Hill Consulting, where he provides expert guidance on aquatics business, accessibility, and community impact. Through consulting, advocacy, and content creation, he amplifies aquatic sports, water safety, and sustainable solutions for organizations worldwide. Now, as a TEDx Inglewood 2025 speaker, Jamal is bringing his story full circle, sharing how the energy we harness—physically, emotionally, and mentally—shapes our ability to overcome challenges and drive change. From humble beginnings in Inglewood to the global stage, his story embodies the city’s spirit: one of resilience, ambition, and transformation. 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

A story of perseverance, lessons, and self-discovery. This talk takes us through the ups and downs of one individual’s journey. It reminds us that our experiences, no matter how difficult, can become the foundation for who we are meant to be. Rakesh Kurapati is the Founder of Fast Tracks Car Care, a venture dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable automotive solutions. With his entrepreneurial vision, he has built a brand that stands for quality, trust, and customer-focused service in the automobile industry. 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