Loneliness is everywhere - but it doesn’t have to win. In this TEDx San Diego talk, Amanda Black, global community builder and founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network, the world’s largest community for women who travel solo, shares how grief, solo travel, and the spark of a shared first can change the way we connect. After leading hundreds of experiences across all continents, she’s seen how one moment of courage can open the door to adventure, belonging, and lifelong friendship.Discover resources on building community, traveling with purpose, and joining her events here: https://meetamandablack.com#TEDxSanDiego #TEDx #Connection #Loneliness #SoloFemaleTravel #Community Amanda Black is a serial entrepreneur, community strategist, and founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network—the largest women-only travel community in the world with over 600,000 members. She’s built multimillion-dollar brands, been featured in Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure, and led transformational retreats and international tours across 30+ countries.But her real work goes deeper than travel. Amanda designs intentional, connection-driven experiences—from remote villages to local backyards—where women feel safe enough to show up, be seen, and belong. She also teaches others how to create brave, community-centered spaces that spark lasting transformation.More at MeetAmandaBlack.com 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

Could one hug really change your day? Angela Pennella shares the inspiring journey behind her project Hugs in the Wild—an experiment in kindness that shows how a simple, unexpected hug can spark stories, bridge divides, and transform strangers into friends. Through touching encounters and surprising discoveries, Angela reveals the profound ripple effect of human connection. Her mission is both simple and powerful: to remind us that sometimes, all it takes is one hug to recharge the human heart and change everything. Watch to discover how something as ordinary as a hug can become extraordinary.Website - www.5HCollective.com Website - www.theofficialhugdealer.com YouTube Channel - angie_pennella15 Instagram - 1. angie_pennella15 2. theofficial_hugdealer Facebook - Angela Pennella #TEDxSanDiego #TEDx #AngelaPennella #HugsInTheWild #Kindness #Connection #Experiment #Hugs #Love Achiever, Believer, Survivor, Angela is a woman who reaches for the stars and dreams BIG, no matter what curveball, or truck in her case, may hit her! Angela’s "Don’t Stop Believing" attitude helped her survive an almost deadly car accident in 2002 when a reckless driver hit her head-on. She suffered severe head trauma, had over 1,000 stitches to her face & body, in addition to a lacerated liver, punctured lung, and many other internal injuries. Drawing upon her physical and mental inner strength as a standout athlete (Division 1 college volleyball Captain), she found courage to fight through a year-long rehabilitation to survive the horrific event. Against all odds, she got back on her feet to build a very successful career in medical device sales and started a real estate business. After being given a second chance in life, she felt a responsibility to inspire others to make an impact on the way they live their life everyday! Inspirational Speaker & Coach. www.AchieverSyndrome.com 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