Director and animator Alexa Trayanova shares her vision at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025, with a thought-provoking talk on “The Courage to Think Differently.” Alexa takes us into the world of storytelling and animation, showing how imagination and courage can bring new ideas to life. Alexa Trayanova is a Bulgarian director, animator, and video editor. She has created music videos for artists like Kerana & The Cosmonauts and Stefan Valdobrev, and is the author of award-winning short films selected at international festivals such as Anibar and Animest. She works in animation and digital media, blending storytelling with innovative visuals. 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

Volleyball champion Nikola Konstantinov delivers a motivating talk on “The Courage to Think Differently” at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025. In his lecture, Nikola shares valuable lessons from the world of sports, revealing how determination, bold thinking, and teamwork can inspire us to challenge limitations and embrace new perspectives in life. Nikola Konstantinov is an 18-year-old volleyball player for Levski Sofia, one of Bulgaria’s most prominent sports clubs. A four-time national champion with Levski’s youth teams, he has also represented Bulgaria internationally, becoming both Balkan champion and European vice-champion with the national team. Passionate about volleyball and personal growth, Nikola aims to continue his athletic and academic journey in the United States, where he believes sport and education can thrive together at the highest level. 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

Olympic silver medalist Boryana Kaleyn delivers an inspiring talk on “The Courage to Think Differently” at TEDxIlinden on September 29, 2025. In her lecture, Boryana shares powerful insights from her journey in rhythmic gymnastics, exploring how resilience, creativity, and courage can help us break boundaries and redefine success—both in sports and in life. Boryana Kaleyn is an Olympic silver medalist, world-class rhythmic gymnast, and multiple-time European and World Championship medalist. Renowned for her artistry, discipline, and emotional performances, she embodies the spirit of dedication and excellence. Today, she shares her inspiring journey of perseverance, passion, and self-expression beyond the gym floor. 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

Adaptation to Climate Change: In this compelling talk, Dr. Jaikumar highlights the urgent need for adaptation to climate change, showcasing the transformative initiatives undertaken by HITS to create a green campus. He explains how climate change has triggered environmental challenges, necessitating innovative solutions. Through a groundbreaking collaboration between the International Urban and Rural Cooperation, Trier University, and Chennai city, HITS established a sustainable ecosystem powered by solar electricity and a biofuel plant that fuels campus kitchens and hostels. Dr. Jaikumar concludes by celebrating the success of these efforts, which have transformed the Bay Range Campus into a zero-emission model of sustainability. Join us to explore how collective action and innovative partnerships can pave the way for a greener, more resilient planet. Dr. M. Jaikumar, a senior academician and researcher, is a trailblazer in automotive innovation and education. With a Ph.D. from Anna University and over two decades of experience, he drives advancements in eco-friendly vehicle technologies. His leadership shapes future engineers, fostering sustainable solutions for global mobility challenges. Dr. Jaikumar’s research focuses on optimizing automotive systems for efficiency and environmental impact, earning him recognition across academic and industrial circles. As a mentor, he inspires students to innovate responsibly, blending technical expertise with a vision for a greener future. With 227 LinkedIn connections, his influence extends globally, engaging professionals in engineering and sustainability. His TEDx idea worth spreading is empowering the next generation to design vehicles that harmonize technology with environmental stewardship, revolutionizing transportation for a sustainable world. Dr. Jaikumar’s dynamic teaching and research continue to redefine automotive engineering, inspiring actionable change in industry and academia. 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

Never Assume Something is not Achievable (NASA): In this dynamic talk, Dr. Ravi Margasahayam, a NASA expert, kicks off with an engaging icebreaker exercise to distinguish truth from lies, illustrating the power of questioning to spark innovation. He encourages students to explore endless possibilities, urging them to dream big and believe in their potential to drive groundbreaking change. Dr. Margasahayam emphasizes that innovation stems from curiosity and the courage to challenge assumptions. He concludes by inspiring the audience to find their own "peak" and create a personal acronym for NASA, symbolizing their unique journey toward achieving the seemingly impossible. Join us to discover how embracing bold ideas and relentless curiosity can lead to extraordinary innovation. Dr. Ravi N. Margasahayam, a retired NASA engineer with over 28 years of service, is a Solar System Ambassador and docent at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. He uniquely worked on both launch pads (39A/39B) for Apollo Moon missions and was instrumental in over 100 Space Shuttle missions, launching 700+ astronauts, including Kalpana Chawla. As Co-Chair of NASA’s Ground Safety Review Panel, he ensured the safe launch of 400+ payloads to the International Space Station. A global expert in rocket-induced noise and vibration, Ravi designed structures to measure acoustic loads, earning NASA’s Silver Snoopy Award. With a Mechanical Engineering degree from India, Master’s degrees in Aerospace and Business Administration, and a Doctorate, he has authored 50+ peer-reviewed papers and lectured in 50+ countries. As a mentor, he inspires youth through the National Space Society to pursue STEM and space exploration. His TEDx idea champions shaping tomorrow’s leaders by fostering innovation and resilience through the lens of space exploration, uniting humanity for a shared cosmic future. 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

"Claudia Marcelle, artista visionaria karibe-dominicana, arteterapeuta y cineasta. Ha dedicado su vida a explorar el poder del arte como lenguaje de acción del alma. Hoy viene a abrir un espacio que nos invita a ser los artistas de nuestra propia vida." Claudia Marcelle es una artista multidisciplinaria, ilustradora y diseñadora con una trayectoria en las artes visuales que abarca el cine, la ilustración y el diseño editorial. Su enfoque se ha expandido hacia el arte como una herramienta de autoconocimiento y evolución personal, incorporando elementos de la arteterapia dentro del campo de las terapias expresivas. En esta fase, Claudia utiliza el arte como una herramienta de manifestación, creando imágenes que materializan intenciones y alinean la mente con nuevas posibilidades. Su obra trasciende lo estético para convertirse en un puente entre la visión interna y la realidad, haciendo de la creatividad un acto consciente de cambio. A través de la facilitación de círculos creativos, explora la relación entre la creatividad y el bienestar emocional, utilizando el arte como medio para fortalecer la conciencia emocional y fomentar procesos de introspección y expresión auténtica. 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