What if robots could learn the way we do by reflecting, adapting, and figuring things out as they go? Too often, I’ve watched them stuck in rigid routines, breaking down the moment something unexpected happens. In this talk, I’ll show you how we can teach robots to learn on the job, transforming them from pre-programmed tools into evolving partners who grow and navigate the world alongside us. Dr. Xuesu Xiao leads the RobotiXX Lab, where humans ("XX-Men"/"XX-Women") and robots ("XX-Bots") develop intelligent, real-world-ready mobile robots with minimal human supervision. His work has powered field missions in the Mexico City earthquake, Greece refugee crisis, Fukushima nuclear disaster, and U.S. search-and-rescue ops. Featured in The New York Times, Google AI Blog, IEEE Spectrum, and WIRED, Dr. Xiao has received the GMU Presidential Award for Research Excellence and the 2025 Faculty Excellence Award 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

Exploring how indigenous wisdom—rooted in sustainability, culture, and community—offers innovative solutions to global challenges. The talk highlights the relevance of traditional practices in modern contexts like environment, health, education, and leadership, showing how local insights can inspire worldwide impact. With over five years of experience in shaping minds and voices, Shubham Kumar Nath has been a dynamic force in English language and literature education, with expertise in Language & Literature Facilitation, Public Speaking, Elocution, Interview and Group Discussion Training, and Company-Specific Placement Coaching. Having mentored learners from primary school students to professionals, he brings rare versatility and depth to the art of communication. His intellectual pursuits span non-fiction, history, political literature, geopolitical analysis, and Indian Knowledge Systems and Mythological Studies. A passionate orator and lifelong learner, he continues to devote himself to words, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to the craft of speech. 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 decade in the classroom has been more than teaching—it has been a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. This talk reflects on the invaluable lessons students teach their teachers, the evolution of education beyond textbooks, and how ten years of experience can shape perspectives on resilience, empathy, and lifelong learning. Sucheta Mukherjee is a Computer Science educator with over 10 years of experience, known for her ability to connect instantly with people. More than a teacher, she is a mentor and communicator who creates spaces where learning transforms into meaningful conversations. A lover of books, dance, and travel, Sucheta draws inspiration from diverse experiences that shape her unique approach to teaching and storytelling. Passionate about lifelong learning, she believes in sharing ideas that spark curiosity, encourage reflection, and inspire 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

This talk explores how innovation and reinvention empower industries and individuals to stay relevant, resilient, and impactful in a rapidly evolving digital age. Siddharth Pathak is a visionary, a strategic entrepreneur and fourth-year B. Com Entrepreneurship & Innovation student at the University of Alberta. Known for building ventures and fostering relationships that blend strategy, disruption, and creativity, he’s on a mission to challenge norms and shape the future of business—one unconventional idea 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

Beyond the Binary explores the spaces in between the categories we often take for granted — rich and poor, rural and urban, health and illness, male and female, past and future. This event brings together voices from diverse backgrounds to challenge conventional boundaries and spark new ways of thinking. From personal journeys of resilience and survival to insights into government, community, and innovation, Beyond the Binary invites us to imagine possibilities that emerge when we move past either/or thinking. Hari Prasad Renganathan is a Data Scientist, entrepreneur, and educator passionate about helping people turn ideas into real products. He has built AI-driven solutions for sales, marketing, and finance teams, and co-founded startups that reached over 15,000 users. Hari is also the founder of MyRealProduct and JotterWolf, where he guides aspiring engineers and job seekers to build, launch, and showcase impactful projects. His content on AI, careers, and product-building has reached over 10 million people worldwide. Featured in Columbia Startups, Times Square, NBC, ABC, and AP News for his work in AI education & innovation, Hari combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking to inspire others to create value beyond the binary.Sohan Sethi is a Data Analytics Manager and serial entrepreneur, experienced in solving high impact business problems. Sihan co-founded two startups by the age of 20. He is proficient at implementing data science techniques to forecast business trends and providing business recommendations based on statistical data analysis.He has been featured on CNBC, Fox 21 News, Business Insider and Many More!Marcelle LaBrecque is a theatrical creative working and performing in NYC under their drag persona, “Marilyn Monhoe”, delivering emotion filled show-stopping theatrical performances inspired by their originally staged productions.Marilyn’s rise to fame and popularity came to fruition after seeing “Kinky Boots” in 2017. Beyond motivated and inspired, Marcelle began to actively train as an up and coming drag performer, donning the name “Marilyn Monhoe” (after their admiration for Megan Hilty’s portrayal in the NBC TV Show, SMASH!) taking tip spots, and guest performance slots to learn and experience what it was like working as a drag artist. After seeing their impact, and hearing the response as being one of the few biPOC drag queens who only performed musical theatre numbers, Marcelle began to shift their focus from being a musical theatre creative, to working full-time as Marilyn Monhoe; bringing the magic of authentic live theatrical performances to spaces where live theatre wasn’t a staple.Marilyn Monhoe has been a featured performer at Firefly Music Festival, alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Scarlett Envy, and Jasmine Kennedy; and even made a guest appearance as the drag “Karen Huger” on Watch What Happens LIVE! with Andy Cohen. Marilyn Monhoe is currently working on headlining their FOURTH regional production of “Kinky Boots”, after making their international theatrical debut in England in 2022.Today? Marcelle is a strong advocate for authentic representation within the theatrical arts, and beyond. Marilyn is working closely with Ramapo College (New Jersey) and Hampshire College (Massachusetts) as their spokeswoman, and educator for creating and maintaining queer safe-spaces. Marilyn is known for their collaborations with local theatrical businesses, and is currently the spokeswoman for Planet Pepper NYC (a drag queen hip-pad company) and for BraTenders NYC (an undergarment company for on and Off- Broadway and film/television). 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

Roop’s story is one of courage and survival. Losing her mother at an early age and facing rejection, abuse, and countless hardships, she endured struggles that could have broken anyone. Yet, instead of letting her circumstances define her, Roop found the inner strength to rise above them. Through resilience, self-belief, and determination, she turned her challenges into stepping stones toward a brighter future. Her talk is a heartfelt reminder that no matter how dark life may seem, hope and strength can lead us to light—and that every setback has the power to shape us into who we are meant to become. Rupa is a courageous woman who transformed adversity into achievement. A valued team member at Sheroes Hangout Café in Agra, she is admired for her warmth, resilience, and leadership. With a passion for fashion, she has established herself as a talented dress designer, using creativity as a means of empowerment and self-expression.Dreaming bigger, Rupa plans to launch her own online design portal and a skill development school for women to foster financial independence and confidence. Her journey from pain to purpose makes her a true role model for anyone seeking strength, self-worth, and success against the odds. 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