Answers inform us, but questions move us forward. Breana Turner, 5th-year PhD candidate in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health at Virginia Tech, reveals how curiosity breaks barriers, challenges assumptions, and transforms how we see science, ourselves, and each other. Breana Turner, MPH, PhD(c), is a researcher, speaker, and advocate for women’s health and wellness. A former state titleholder in the Miss Volunteer America system, she brings the confidence of the pageant stage to the rigor of the PhD classroom—embodying “The Princess and the PhD.” Now a doctoral candidate at Virginia Tech, her research centers Black women’s health. As a 2025 Loudoun County Women and Girls Hall of Fame Trailblazer and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Breana fuses science, storytelling, and sisterhood to challenge barriers and inspire community transformation. 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

Sustenabilitatea culturală începe cu întâlnirea dintre oameni. Dincolo de idei, tradiții și identități, cea mai profundă nevoie umană este conexiunea cu celălalt. Iar întâlnirea dintre culturi nu ne divizează, ci ne îmbogățește. Jurnalistul și publicistul explorează interculturalitatea, diversitatea culturală și rolul artei ca limbaj universal, pornind de la o întrebare esențială: poate diversitatea culturală să fie nu doar frumoasă, ci și valoroasă și benefică pentru societate? Sabin Gherman, a journalist from Cluj/Kolozsvár, is a dedicated supporter of the Hungarian minority in Romania and national minorities in general – an opinion he has never hesitated to voice publicly. He has also repeatedly expressed the view that Transylvania should become independent from the rest of the country. As a commentator, he is a refreshingly rational voice, able to calmly and objectively reflect on and analyze key events in Romania and around the world. He was born in 1968 in Zau de Câmpie/Mezőzáh, Mureș County, and graduated from the University of Craiova with a degree in Romanian and French Philology. Between 1992 and 1999, he worked at the Cluj editorial office of Romanian Public Television (TVR). He is currently a freelance publicist. 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

Laurynas, a kiteboarding coach and community builder, believes that sharing knowledge and experience without fear of competition is always worth it - because giving is the best kind of multiplying. A kiteboarding coach 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 well-known actress, nominee of the “Golden Stage Cross,” and volunteer at the women’s support helpline, shares behind-the-scenes stories of her life and invites us all to listen to our hearts. Actress 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

The initiator of the “Run of Hope,” an active community member deeply dedicated to supporting people with cancer and children on the autism spectrum, will we believe become a beacon at the conference, inspiring others to look beyond themselves and truly see one another. Former monk 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

Drag queens Aura More and Edma share not only their authentic personal stories, but also a fascinating journey into the world of drag art and culture one that celebrates freedom, unrestrained creativity, and the courage to express identity without limits. Drag queens Aura More and Edma 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

Doctor, psychotherapist, and host of the psychological show and podcast “Savam prote” a seasoned speaker you’ve likely seen on Instagram or on stage will share insights on how to live with imposter syndrome. Psychotherapist 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

Entrepreneur and sales expert will share deeply authentic, astonishing stories and reveal how to rise from the ashes not once, but ten times over. Entrepreneur 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

Marius Lazdauskas, on the TEDxKlaipėda stage, shared his insights on leadership and revealed 27 habits that can be developed simultaneously. His talk was a reminder that true leadership begins with oneself- through daily discipline, consistency, and self-awareness. Entrepreneur 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

Can education connect the wisdom of home with the knowledge of the world? In this thought-provoking talk, Santhosh explores how true education balances global eyes and local roots, blending modern innovation with traditional wisdom. Through powerful examples and personal stories, he demonstrates how learning that connects global ideas with local realities can foster empathy, identity, and real-world impact, proving that education is not just about information but also about transformation. Santhosh Immanuel, an 8th-grade student at TIPS Trichy, possesses a uniquely global academic perspective, having experienced Cambridge, IB, and CBSE curricula. This diverse foundation took on profound meaning during a visit to his grandfather's village, which coincided with devastating floods. Witnessing the crisis firsthand, he saw the stark contrast—and potential connection—between advanced global technologies and deep-rooted local knowledge. This experience ignited a crucial insight: that the most effective solutions are not found in one domain alone, but at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Santhosh is now driven by the conviction that blending these two worlds is key to solving pressing, real-world problems. 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