How we perceive reality is shaped by the interactions between our memories, present sensations, and future expectations. How do our brains distinguish between reality and what we perceive as reality? Once we recognize how much control our brains exert over our beliefs about reality, we can empower ourselves and others to create the best version of it.Aleena is an assistant professor of neurobiology at Harvard Medical School. She studies how memory regulates the way auditory and visual information interact in the brain to create perception. Her research focuses on how the brain constructs memories and expectations through experience interacting with the world and then decides what it will do with its future, given what it already knows and predicts will happen.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 inspiring talk, Catherine Ducharme explores why appreciation is one of the most powerful yet overlooked resources in leadership and life. Drawing on research and real-world stories, she shows how genuine appreciation—seeing and valuing people for who they are, not just what they do—boosts engagement, strengthens culture, and fosters belonging. Catherine explains how leaders can shift from recognition and compliments to true appreciation, using her TAPS method: Timely, Authentic, Personal, and Specific. At a time when disconnection is rampant, she makes a compelling case that appreciation is abundant, renewable, and transformative. Catherine, Founder and Principal of Fluency Leadership, is a professional certified coach and facilitator with over 30 years of experience in communications and leadership. Catherine’s mission is to empower leaders to create thriving, appreciative workplaces and become the positive leaders they aspire to be. Through Fluency, she delivers programs, workshops and 1:1 coaching to leaders and their teams. She also loves sharing leadership insights and inspiring action through writing and speaking. 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

Chinatowns across the U.S. are vanishing, but what’s disappearing is more than real estate. In this deeply personal and historically grounded talk, Minjia Yan explores how these vibrant neighborhoods are being diminished by gentrification, cultural tokenism, and neglect. From D.C. to Philadelphia, and her own hometown of Las Vegas, she shows how Chinatowns stand as living testaments to immigrant resilience and why their disappearance matters to all of us.This isn’t just a talk about buildings. It’s about preserving culture, identity, and community for generations to come.About the Speaker: Minjia Yan is a cultural advocate, community strategist, and storyteller dedicated to preserving immigrant heritage through policy and public engagement. With experience collaborating across civic and nonprofit sectors, she brings a nuanced, intergenerational perspective to conversations on gentrification and preservation. Her work highlights grassroots movements and reframes cultural neighborhoods as dynamic, evolving hubs, not relics of the past. Minjia Yan is the Director of Millennium Commercial Properties, a Las Vegas-based commercial real estate firm. She is currently acting as a project consultant for the 3-mile long Spring Mountain Corridor/Chinatown Redevelopment Plan, a comprehensive redevelopment plan initiated by Clark County.Minjia is passionate about placemaking and community development. She began her career in doing affordable housing projects in downtown Las Vegas. She is a committee member on the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)’s Southern Nevada Strong Regional Plan and Transportation Resource Advisory Committee and the City of Henderson’s Henderson Strong Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder Group. She was honored by Business Insider as one of the "2020 Rising Stars of Real Estate" and by Commercial Property Executive magazine as one of the "Stars to Watch'' in 2022. 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

Redefining leadership means moving beyond titles and authority to embrace authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience. It is about being real in actions, raw in emotions, and ready to face challenges with adaptability. Leadership in this sense inspires others through genuineness and courage rather than position or power. I am Siji Varghese, a TEDx speaker, certified trainer, and international behavioral facilitator. My work focuses on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and women-centric programs like Leaders in Lipstick®, aimed at empowering individuals to lead with authenticity and purpose. 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

太鼓芸能集団「紬衣」：太鼓の響きで人びとの感情を呼び覚まし、つながりを創りなおすその昔、人びとが集まる合図であった太鼓。 音を鳴らせば、数キロメートル離れた人にも届く。 母体の中で聴いた鼓動に似たその懐かしい響きを聴けば、シャイな日本人も反応せずにはいられない。 人びとが集まってくると、鐘の音や笛のメロディーも加わって、身体が動き笑顔がこぼれる。 言葉にできない思いも熱も伝え合える。 人びとの希薄になったリアルな繋がりを今、太鼓の力で創りなおす。Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble ”YUI”： The sound of drums awakens people's emotions and rebuilds connections.Long ago, drums served as a signal for people to gather. When struck, their sound could reach people kilometers away. Hearing that nostalgic sound, reminiscent of the heartbeat heard in the womb, even shy Japanese people cannot help but respond. As people gather, the sound of bells and Japanese flute melodies join in, bodies move, and smiles spread. Feelings and passion that cannot be put into words are shared. Now, the power of the taiko drum is rebuilding the real connections that have grown thin. Existence that connects souls through the sound of taiko drums. The taiko drum performance group based in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, aims to introduce the Uto Big Drum culture to the world, pursue the potential of taiko drum from various angles and spread it to society. Their goal is to connect people through the resonance of the taiko drum. In 2016, they earned the highest grade of 5 stars rating from Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2017, they performed at the Yuzu 20th Anniversary Concert "Harebutai." With the tradition and history of the Uto Big Drum as their root, they aim to reinvent and share it with 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