Anthony’s journey is a testament to the power of transformation—from battling crippling social anxiety, deep self-doubt, and personal tragedy to stepping into a life of confidence, connection, and purpose. In this heartfelt and dynamic talk, Anthony shares how a devastating loss and a lifelong struggle with mindset led him to a moment of reinvention.Blending personal storytelling, lessons from the military, the art of magic, and the elegance of Argentine Tango, Anthony introduces his powerful AWE Framework: Awareness, Winning Mindset, and Empowerment. Through this lens, he shows audiences how to catch the thoughts that hold us back, reframe them, and lead our lives from a place of inner strength.Anthony’s message is clear: You already have what you need. Your Talents, Abilities, Gifts, and Strengths—your TAGS—are your tools for transformation."Your mind is the greatest magic trick you will ever master,” Anthony reminds us. “And when you do… that’s when your dreams become your reality.” Anthony Ware is dedicated to helping professionals on the cusp of leadership redefine their limits and step into their most empowered selves. A U.S. Army veteran, he understands the power of discipline, resilience, and strategic action—principles that have guided his own journey of transformation. His story is one of overcoming the odds. From battling crippling social anxiety and surviving kidney cancer to enduring personal loss and building a thriving entertainment business, he has turned adversity into fuel for growth. His signature AWAREof 2.0 framework is a powerful blueprint for breaking through self-doubt, overcoming perfectionism, and creating lasting change—with an essential ingredient: fun. With a unique blend of strategic coaching, real-world experience, and a touch of magic, Anthony empowers others to take decisive action toward their goals. His talk will reveal the mindset shifts and practical steps that create unstoppable personal transformation—one bold step at a time. 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

Elena Manjavacas was born in a farmer’s family in Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca, Spain), a small town in the area of La Mancha. She graduated in 2010 in Physics from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain). In 2011, she obtained her Master in Astrophysics from the Universidad Complutense and Autonoma de Madrid (Spain). While continuing studies 2011 to 2015 at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (Heidelberg, Germany), she completed her PhD thesis in the field of Low-Mass Stars, Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets. Returning to Spain in 2015, she held her first postdoctoral position at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC), where she worked on Astronomical Instrumentation. In 2016 she accepted her second postdoctoral position, which brought her to the United States, working at the University of Arizona, where she worked on characterizing the clouds in Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets’ atmospheres. At the conclusion of her postdoctoral position in late 2018, she transitioned to a position as Staff Astronomer at the W. M. Keck Observatory, in Hawaii, which she held from January 2019 through October 2020. Presently, Dr. Manjavacas resides in Baltimore, MD and is the ESA/AURA Astronomer at STScI for the NIRSpec instrument, onboard the JWST telescope. Elena Manjavacas was born in a farmer’s family in Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca, Spain), a small town in the area of La Mancha. She graduated in 2010 in Physics from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain). In 2011, she obtained her Master in Astrophysics from the Universidad Complutense and Autonoma de Madrid (Spain). While continuing studies 2011 to 2015 at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (Heidelberg, Germany), she completed her PhD thesis in the field of Low-Mass Stars, Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets. Returning to Spain in 2015, she held her first postdoctoral position at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC). In 2016 she accepted her second postdoctoral position, working at the University of Arizona, where she worked on characterizing the clouds in Brown Dwarfs and exoplanets. In late 2018, she transitioned to a position as Staff Astronomer at the W. M. Keck Observatory, in Hawaii, which she held from January 2019 through October 2020. 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

Rosslyn is the Director at the Franciscan Center of Baltimore, where she leads with compassion, conviction, and a deep commitment to human dignity. With years of experience in social work and community outreach, Rosslyn has become a powerful advocate for those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Baltimore City.In her talk, “More Than a Meal: The Humanity We Share at the Table,” Rosslyn reflects on the lessons she’s learned while serving thousands of meals—and engaging in thousands of conversations—at the heart of a community in need. She shares powerful insights about the necessity of a warm meal, but more importantly, the need to be seen, heard, and valued.Charismatic, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in purpose, Rosslyn reminds us that the simple act of sharing food can build bridges, restore hope, and affirm our shared humanity. Rosslyn Green is a dedicated social worker who cares deeply about social justice, community development, and client support. She strives to meet her clients' needs with compassion and commitment, always looking for ways to make a difference. A strong advocate for battling food insecurity, Rosslyn believes that access to nutritious food is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for growth. Through her work, she helps individuals and families navigate food assistance programs while promoting long-term, sustainable solutions. Rosslyn is always learning, collaborating, and working toward a future where everyone has the resources they need to thrive. 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 2018, Philip was battling anxiety and self-doubt, struggling to find his place and confidence. Today, he's known on campus as the “Unofficial Mayor of Mason”—a title he gave himself, but more importantly, a persona that helped him grow into the confident, connected leader he is now. In this inspiring talk, Philip shares how adopting a new identity rooted in Persona, Purpose, and Perseverance helped him transform not only how others saw him, but how he saw himself. His story is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to reshape our narrative, define our path, and grow into the person we aspire to be—one choice, one conversation, one day at a time. Earlier in 2024, Philip was nominated as the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s “Mentor of the Year” for supporting other higher education professionals throughout the country by demonstrating leadership and providing exceptional support his mentee(s). Additionally, he received the “Pillar Award,” which recognizes a GMU staff member who supports Black students. Most recently, he was honored with the Spirit of Giving Award from GMU Advancement for his dedication to fostering community and philanthropy. Philip is also a published author of the book Forty Years of Advice and serves as the faculty advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the GMU NAACP chapter. In his free time, he hosts a podcast called Positive Philter, which focuses on well-being and Toastmasters. He is married to Maggie Wilkerson, LCSW (JMU Class of 2007, Social Work), and is the proud father of two boys, Bennett and Miles. 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 one phone call could change a life or even save it?In this honest and compassionate talk, psychology student and Nightline director Katerina Bénier explores the overlooked power of helplines in a crumbling mental health system. With personal insight and powerful data, she explains how helplines fill urgent gaps in care, break stigma, and support those who feel voiceless. More than just a “band aid,” helplines offer human connection in moments when it matters most. Kat reminds us that we don’t have to be therapists, politicians, or heroes to change the world sometimes, it starts with simply listening. Katerina Benier is a psychology undergraduate and mental health advocate committed to improving public healthcare, especially in community mental health support. As External Director at Lancaster Nightline, she leads volunteer-driven efforts to provide essential support through helplines like Nightline and Samaritans.In her TEDxLancasterU talk, Katerina will explore the vital role volunteer-run helplines play in addressing the mental health crisis. Drawing from her experience at Lancaster Nightline, she will highlight the importance of helplines, their limitations, and their potential in shaping the future of mental health care.Katerina’s unique combination of academic knowledge and hands-on leadership provides her with a valuable perspective on how volunteer work is integral to the mental health landscape. 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 a single note could shift your entire perspective? In this talk, Vismaya reveals how music can really impact one's life. She invites us to explore the transformative power of music—one note at a time. Vismaya Yogesh is passionate musician, aspiring engineer, and dedicated volunteer for the community as a sophomore at Neuqua Valley High School. She is an Indian Classically trained singer, and believes that music is more than just entertainment—It is a universal language that has the power to influence, heal, inspire, and most importantly, connect people together. In her talk, Vismaya hopes to use her passion as her melody, and purpose as her rhythm to allow others to see how music has impacted her, and explore the wonders that music can offer. Music has a groundbreaking capability of changing our perspective of the universe—One note at a time. 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