What if everything you know about success is wrong? Bismah Ahmed reveals the life-changing truth and secrets to achieving authentic success, breaking the mold, and finding lasting fulfillment. As Vice President of Government Affairs for the Apartment and Office Building Association, Bismah Ahmed champions pro-business policies, shapes economic development, and amplifies the voices of entrepreneurs and industry leaders. In 2026, she will be the first woman of color to chair the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Bismah began her career in politics, working for Virginia’s Governor and Attorney General, before diving into lobbying, where she established herself in legislative advocacy. In 2022, she became the first South Asian, Muslim, and Pakistani woman to be crowned Miss DC for America, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and encourage women to embrace their multifaceted identities. Additionally, she is a regular commentator on FOX5 and NBC12 and was a contestant on the reality TV show The Anonymous on USA Network & Peacock. 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

As the General Manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Randy Clarke constantly experiences the unique complexities and challenges of being a leader. In his talk, Randy Clarke dissects what it means to demonstrate great leadership and how to prepare for the unexpected. Randy Clarke, General Manager & CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming America’s Metro System. Clarke has been relentless in continuous improvements and delivering service excellence, which has led to two consecutive years in ridership growth and recovery. He is focused on being fiscally responsible while working with the WMATA Board to deliver a balanced budget and reduce management costs. The Strategic Transformation Plan, Metro’s guiding priorities, focuses on making Metro a world-class system. Prior to Metro, Clarke led Capital Metro in Austin, securing one of the largest transit referendums in U.S. history. He also held key roles at APTA and MBTA, shaping public transit nationwide. Originally from Nova Scotia, he earned degrees from Acadia University and the University of Southern Maine. Clarke and his wife, both transit enthusiasts, love exploring the region alongside their two dogs, Pepper and Jelly. 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

Looking beyond traditional aid approaches, Dr. Radha Rajkotia believes supply chain integration can unleash the potential of entrepreneurs and their communities, particularly those in conflict-affected regions. Dr. Radha Rajkotia is an entrepreneurial leader known for her unwavering commitment to driving innovation, impact, evidence, and positive change in international and economic development. As CEO of Building Markets, she champions market-based solutions for small businesses in economically vulnerable communities, facilitating their entry into sustainable and profitable supply chain opportunities. In her previous role as Chief Research and Policy Officer at Innovations for Poverty Action, she spearheaded the execution of IPA's strategy across 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, translating evidence into impactful practice and policy. Dr. Rajkotia spent eleven years as the Senior Director of Economic Recovery and Development at the International Rescue Committee, applying her creative thinking in delivering humanitarian aid and testing groundbreaking ideas on the ground, from cash-based relief to job creation in conflict settings. 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

At the intersection of race, fashion, and history, lies Kimberly Jenkins's expertise. In this talk, she explores the profound historical and social impact of race on fashion, from its use in oppression to its role in cultural identity and personal dignity. Kimberly M. Jenkins has spent over twelve years studying the impact of our clothes and how we express ourselves, with a mission to help us think more deeply about dress. Kim is the Founder and Director of Artis Solomon, a fashion academia company that powers platforms teaching fashion history and cultural awareness. The company’s most effective platform is The Fashion and Race Database®️, the first and most trusted online resource that reveals how the construct of race has shaped aesthetics, worldviews and industry practices. Kim’s work in bridging fashion academia with positive impact in the fashion industry has led to partnerships with Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Holt Renfrew, Instagram Design, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others. Kim formerly held the position of Assistant Professor of Fashion Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, Part-time Lecturer at Parsons School of Design and Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute. 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

Restaurateur and entrepreneur Dan Simons shares why mental health support at work drives performance and profit – and why it can’t be relegated to HR. From personal story to tactical playbook, he shows how addressing once-taboo topics strengthens culture, improves retention, and sharpens your competitive advantage. Dan Simons is regarded as a leading voice in mission-driven business practices, known for championing people-centric culture and responsible industry standards while developing systems that deliver profitability. He and his partner, Michael Vucurevich, are Co-Owners of Founding Farmers Restaurant Group in partnership with the North Dakota Farmers Union. Their goal is to generate profits for American family farmers, earn farmers a larger share of the food dollar, and influence the sourcing decisions of suppliers and others in the hospitality industry. They operate eight sustainably run restaurants, one DC-based distillery, and a full service catering and event design company. He teaches courses at The George Washington University, hosts a podcast (Founding DC), and sits on the advisory boards of the DC chapter of Conscious Capitalism, OpenTable, and the Health Action Alliance Women's Health at Work Program. He blogs at www.DanSimonsSays.com and is on most social media as @DanSimonsSays. 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

With a fascinating presentation titled "Small Sparks and Big Shifts," Dr. P.S. Harsha took the TEDxNPSITPLYouth audience on a compelling and thought provoking journey—from the chaos of everyday life to the serene landscapes of the awe-inspiring world of wild tigers. His narrative of how a deeply personal and poignant experience became the catalyst, giving him renewed purpose and a profound sense of mission-all about making a difference in the lives of the 'majestic guardians'-the TIGERS!. While tracking a tigress and her cubs—who sadly perished—Dr. Harsha encountered what he calls his “Buddha moment”- a revelation that transformed him from a passive observer into a committed conservationist.Inspired to learn more about the voiceless, Dr. Harsha undertook doctoral work in the Nilgiris—hubs of some of India's most critical tiger habitats. He spoke with clarity and urgency on the stark reality of tiger population falls, painting grim pictures of human versus tiger numbers that left the audience breathless.He presented forth the passionate in favor of conserving tigers—not only as a matter of ecological necessity, but as a moral imperative. The tiger, he reminded us, is not only an apex predator but a species umbrella—conserving it is saving entire ecosystems.Dr. Harsha highlighted the growing threats to tiger reserves—from poaching and illicit mining to encroaching infrastructure.He shared insights on increasing human-tiger conflicts, how camera tracks, ID mapping, and non-lethal ways of conflict management and conservation are carefully considered not just for survival, but to ensure the royal recognition and national conservation of these majestic creatures.With a strong call to action, Dr. Harsha implored the youth to become guardians of conservation. Saving the tiger is not only about wildlife, he contended, but about protecting national pride, ecological balance, and ensuring a future without environmental disaster-igniting the Small Sparks to Create Big Shifts!!! Dr. P S Harsha is a decorated IPS officer, medical doctor and tiger biologist known for his visionary leadership. A native of Chitradurga, Karnataka, he has held key roles including Commissioner of Police in Mangaluru, Director of KSRTC and Commissioner of Information and Public Relations. He has led reforms in crime control, transport and digital governance.He curbed organized crime in Gulbarga and eased communal tensions in Puttur. In Tumkur, he received the Chief Minister’s Award for innovation. In Bangalore City, he earned the Chief Minister’s Medal for improving public safety.As Mangaluru Police Commissioner, he launched “My Beat My Pride” and “Aashakirana” to fight drug abuse. He promoted tourism and mobility reform through leadership roles in KSTDC and KSRTC. Now focused on tiger conservation, he researches tiger population stability and human-wildlife conflict in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. He sees conservation as vital to protecting nature, clean air and life itself. 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