Some keys unlock new adventure, and some keys lock you out and in. Through teaching, Jessica learned how to be authentic, bold, brave, and unafraid. Her idea seeks to inspire other women to embrace the unique and eventful journey of life, with gusto! When you are being yourself, completely, there is no limit to how fulfilling your adventure can be. Jessica Kesterson is an experienced educator spanning General Ed and Special Ed in elementary, middle, high school, and adult education and currently teaches at a medium security, all male state prison for incarcerated individuals to earn their GED. She has a BA in Mass Communications, MAT in Exceptional Student Education, MS in Educational Leadership, and NBTC in Exceptional Student Education. Jessica wants to share the unique and eventful journey she has had in teaching to inspire other women to glow and grow to seize their moment and reach their destiny. 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

Unemployment is not just a statistic but lost potential, untapped skills, and broken lives. By reforming our education system, providing opportunities for skill development, and supporting startups within our community, we can break the cycle. This talk is about recognising that unemployment is not just a statistic but lost potential, untapped skills, and broken lives. By reforming our education system, providing opportunities for skill development, and supporting startups within our community, we can break the cycle. Maanika is a student at Wimba Primary School. 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

Charity Carmody shares how community-based solutions can prevent family crises and keep kids out of foster care. Drawing on decades of experience, she highlights how programs and tech-driven partnerships are transforming isolation into connection and restoring hope. Charity Carmody is a fourth-generation Alaskan, business owner, and community leader. She and her husband, Kris, have four grown children and four grandchildren. Charity founded Carmody Insurance Agency in Anchorage in 2007 and has worked in finance and insurance since 1994.She is also the Executive Director of the Alaska Impact Alliance through her consulting firm, Beautiful Step Consulting, and co-founded Beacon Hill, a nonprofit focused on foster care prevention and family reunification.Charity has received multiple honors, including the Champion for Children Award from the Alaska Children’s Trust, Top 40 Under 40, and Athena Society induction. She is also a published author and public speaker, teaching business at Alaska Pacific University. 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

Elise explores the irreplaceable role of human storytellers in an age of AI-generated voices, drawing from her experience narrating major works like a Madonna biography. She calls for transparency and recognition in the audiobook industry, warning that replacing human voices with AI risks deepening disconnection and losing the empathy that makes storytelling truly powerful. Elise explores the irreplaceable role of human storytellers in an age of AI-generated voices, drawing from her experience narrating major works like a Madonna biography. She calls for transparency and recognition in the audiobook industry, warning that replacing human voices with AI risks deepening disconnection and losing the empathy that makes storytelling truly powerful. 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

Dr. Andre P. Walton explores how creativity drives human evolution in technology, relationships, and decision-making. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories, he encourages audiences to break free from rigid norms and embrace creative thinking as a daily practice. André Walton is an inventor, entrepreneur and educator. In his 20s he built businesses around his crazy ideas in medical ultrasound and professional music equipment, turning his inventions into global leaders in their field. He lived and worked in seven different countries and later earned a PhD in social psychology focused on organizational creativity. His first book, Embracing the New Era examines creativity from a unique perspective and explains many anomalies from why brainstorming doesn’t work to why creatives have a higher rate of psychological problems than most. He is a certified, accredited coach and Visiting Professor of Creativity and Entrepreneurship at Newport Business School. In his coaching practice he helps entrepreneurs and business executives overcome burnout through his unique Spherical Thinking process. He is a speaker and jazz musician living in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada with his wife, Robin, and has a wonderful time with his granddaughters. 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

Fulbright scholar Anilla Till shares her Arctic journeys to reframe climate change as a personal and urgent health issue. Blending poetic storytelling with scientific insight, she inspires action by connecting climate, resilience, and global health in a way that resonates across cultures. Fulbright scholar Anilla Till shares her Arctic journeys to reframe climate change as a personal and urgent health issue. Blending poetic storytelling with scientific insight, she inspires action by connecting climate, resilience, and global health in a way that resonates across cultures. 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