Seeing the Unseen explores the power of human connection in street medicine, where healing begins with trust, compassion, and meeting people where they are. Through firsthand stories, this piece highlights the harsh realities faced by the unhoused, from untreated infections to survival-driven substance use. It challenges misconceptions, shedding light on systemic barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty, addiction, and trauma. From a man seeking a prosthetic leg to a woman using substances out of fear for her safety, these stories reveal the stark realities of life on the streets—and the profound impact of showing up, listening, and providing care where it is needed most. Street medicine isn’t just about medical care—it’s about dignity, advocacy, and providing basic necessities often overlooked. Focusing on real experiences, this work calls for a redefinition of healthcare, urging society to see and acknowledge those who are too often invisible. Dr. Mo, (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is an award-winning lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. Melissa has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies, and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is an advocacy speaker, prevention specialist, and peer specialist. She is the CEO of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer specialists. Dr. Mo is the Executive Director of Midwest Street Medicine. She is a co-author of The Alcohol Reset. She conducts research in the areas of college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos as healing, and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery, and her mission is to empower individuals to learn and navigate their paths to recovery and well-being. 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 uncertainty wasn’t a threat, but an opportunity? In this deeply personal and eye-opening talk, futurist Dimitris Dimitriadis invites us to stop treating the future as a single straight line and start seeing it as a landscape of possibilities. From neurodivergent struggle to global strategy, he reveals how the power of foresight can help each of us become architects of our own future — not just survivors of someone else’s plan. Dimitris Dimitriadis is a futurist, keynote speaker, and author of 2049: A Hopeful Perspective on the Futures of Humanity. As the founder of TheFutureCats, a future-first consultancy, he advises institutions like the European Commission and leading brands on foresight and exponential technologies. Blending strategy with imagination, he empowers people to reframe uncertainty not as a problem, but as a tool for transformation. Diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD, he brings a unique, lived perspective on the power of thinking differently. 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

Have you ever felt like your career and life were defined by someone else? That the path you're on isn’t really yours? Theo felt as if he were in handcuffs—until he chose to break free and dive into uncharted waters. In this talk, he shares four lessons that shaped his growth mindset. Are you ready to hear about the Iguana Component, the Jane Approach, the Yiannis Mentality, and the Pushback Perspective? Theo Anagnostopoulos is a science communicator, social entrepreneur, and National Geographic Explorer who has travelled to 112 countries across six continents. He is the co-founder and general manager of SciCo, an international non-profit that promotes science education and public engagement with science. His work focuses on combating scientific illiteracy and empowering educators and students through large-scale STEM programs, particularly in under-resourced communities across Greece, Cyprus, the Eastern Balkans, Tanzania, and Nepal. Theo holds a Ph.D. in medical genetics from King’s College London and is an Ashoka Fellow. His impact has been recognized with awards from the British Council, Newcastle University, and the European Network of Science Centers and Museums. In 2022, The Explorers Club of New York named him one of the “50 People Changing the World”. 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 this moving TEDx talk, Air Force veteran Lisa Stein opens up about her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder—and the moment she and her care team forged a “Contract to Live.” From childhood anecdotes with her rescue dog Schroeder to soaring highs and devastating lows during the Gulf War, Lisa’s honest storytelling shows how manic creativity and crushing depression can collide without warning. When her diagnosis cost her the career she loved, she hit rock bottom—until she and her psychiatrist and therapist sat down and crafted a simple but powerful agreement: a roadmap of actions, coping strategies, and support systems designed to keep her safe. Today, Lisa shares how that Contract to Live became the cornerstone of her recovery and offers a blueprint for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. Whether you’re managing your own condition or supporting someone you love, this talk will inspire you to create commitments that transform survival into a life of purpose and connection.Lisa Stein, a retired US Air Force Captain and decorated Combat Veteran, piloted AWACS surveillance aircraft on global National Security and Desert Storm combat missions. A University of Miami graduate with degrees in both Mathematics and International Studies, a true trailblazer. 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 change isn’t something to fear—but an invitation to become the person you were always meant to be? In this talk, Bergsveinn Ólafsson shares his journey from professional athlete to psychologist and well-being advocate, exploring how the courage to reflect, adapt, and act can turn identity crises into breakthroughs. Bergsveinn Ólafsson is completing his PhD in Psychology at Claremont Graduate University, where he focuses on the intersection of well-being, coaching psychology, and AI. A former professional athlete, coach, speaker, and author of multiple books on living a meaningful life, his work blends science with lived experience. Through his social media, Bergsveinn has inspired millions with practical insights on personal growth. He helps people navigate change with responsibility, courage, and clarity. His mission is to help others unlock who they are meant to be—professionally, personally, and socially. 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 everything you’ve heard about Gen Z is wrong? In this engaging and stereotype-busting talk, Jennifer Caldwell challenges outdated assumptions about today’s youngest workers and changemakers. From championing diversity and mental health to redefining career paths and embracing digital fluency, Gen Z is not just following trends—they’re setting them. Drawing on research, personal experience, and a bit of TikTok humor, Caldwell introduces a new way to see and support this rising generation. Whether you're a fellow Gen Zer or a curious observer, this talk invites you to collaborate, learn, and be inspired by the trailblazers of tomorrow. Jennifer Caldwell is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for authenticity and empowerment. As the founder and CEO of UniquelyME Consulting, she is dedicated to helping individuals embrace their true selves and overcome obstacles that hinder their personal and professional growth. In addition, Jennifer serves as a Coordinator in Career Development at Heartland Community College. In this role, she supports students in their career journeys, helping them navigate their professional paths with purpose and resilience. 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

How do you forgive someone who took everything from you? How do you move past the trauma and anger of being tortured through the twin experiments at Auschwitz? Dr. Alex Kor, the son of two Holocaust survivors, addresses these questions via his mother's unique journey of healing. Learn how his mother's highly personal choice to forgive the Nazis impacted and changed the lives of people along the way—including his own. Challenge yourself to apply forgiveness to your life and ask, “Who do you need to forgive?” From Terre Haute, Indiana, Dr. Alex Kor is the son of two Holocaust survivors (Michael and Eva Mozes Kor), and is a podiatrist for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville , Indiana. Knowing the importance of being the son of two Holocaust survivors who have both passed away in the last 5 1/2 years, Alex feels an obligation to tell their stories, and co-authored “A Blessing, Not a Burden” which tells the stories of his parents. 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 picture does Jamaica evoke in your mind? In this TEDx talk, you'll be urged to rethink as you gain an understanding of how tourism and architectural photography influence how we perceive place, identity, and culture. Through vivid imagery, Dahlia Nduom confronts the preconceptions present in travel media and urges us to reconsider the narrative we make and consume. Dahlia Nduom is a licensed architect and Associate Professor at Howard University. She was born and raised in Antigua, and this has shaped her work investigating architecture across the African Diaspora. Her work has been widely published and exhibited, including the recent Tourism, Tropicalization, and the Architectural Image at the Octagon Museum in Washington, DC. She received the 2022 AIA DC Architect Educator Award and the 2024 Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Emerging Scholar 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

A consistent and constant wonder of humanity is flight and how we, as humans, can take to the sky. From the pioneers of aviation, Orville and Wilbur Wright, all the way to developments made by Boeing and Airbus in creating transcontinental, fuel-efficient aircraft, the world of aviation has always been constantly evolving. In this talk with Dr. Laurence Audenard, he gives us a special look into the most prominent example of the future of aviation, which is the flying car! Using his background in engineering and research throughout his career, he gives us an insight into what the future of flying may look like. An exciting endeavor, explore the future of what our skies may look like with Dr. Audenard. With over 30 years of experience across air traffic management, transportation, space launch, and safety, Dr. Audenaerd leads multimodal transportation modeling, simulation, and engineering at MITRE. Their work supports key federal agencies, including the FAA, NASA, and the Department of Defense, focusing on systems engineering, policy, and strategic decision-making. Additionally, Dr. Audenaerd has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Northwestern University, contributing to the next generation of engineers in transportation and economics. 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 makes one story unforgettable and another instantly forgettable? In this funny, insightful, and deeply engaging talk, novelist John Duffy explores the hidden ingredient behind every great narrative. With examples that range from Die Hard to Toy Story and Mean Girls, John reveals how meaningful change is at the heart of every story that moves us. Whether you're a writer, a film lover, or just someone who tells stories at the dinner table, this talk will change the way you think about storytelling forever. John F. Duffy is a writer and journalist. He co-created the true crime podcast series After the Uprising, which has twice been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. His 2022 novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, was shortlisted for the Indiana Authors Award for fiction. In 2024 his second novel, Where When It Rains, was released, and made Independent Book Review's "Best of 20204" list. He lives in Bloomington with his wife and daughter. He is a BJJ purple belt. 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