What if loss wasn’t just an end—but a beginning?In this deeply personal and transformative TEDx talk, Dr. Sora shares her journey through grief, heartbreak, and profound personal loss. But instead of being consumed by it, she uncovered something unexpected: the alchemy of loss—a process that reshaped her identity, priorities, and sense of purpose.Through vulnerable storytelling and powerful insights, Sora explores how pain, when faced with courage and reflection, can become a catalyst for growth, meaning, and even beauty. Her talk invites us to reframe our darkest moments not as burdens to carry, but as raw materials for transformation.Whether you're navigating your journey of loss or supporting someone who is, this talk offers hope, perspective, and a path towards healing. Dr. Sora Al Rowas, CEO and Co-Founder of Al Sorat Consulting, has a unique global background. After earning her master’s in research from McGill, she completed board certification in internal medicine in the U.S. As an Assistant Professor at Tufts University and Director of Evidence-Based Medicine, she also earned a faculty development diploma from Stanford. Returning to the Gulf, she worked in the UAE and Oman, becoming Head of Risk Management and later Head of the Acute Medicine Unit at Royal Hospital. A Schwartz Award winner for compassionate care, she is passionate about using data to drive excellence in healthcare quality. Her consulting firm specializes in data-driven decision-making, guiding institutions toward excellence through informed, incremental steps. Since entering the business leadership space in 2021, she has received multiple leadership awards, solidifying her impact in the field. 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
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- 11:36Teaching AI about war: Why democratising history leads to better AI | Nick Hodder | TEDxWinchesterWhat if the key to better AI isn't more data, but better stories? This journey from class confusion to cultural revolution reveals why teaching machines about war requires a more rounded perspective that can only be achieved by removing barriers to people participating in the collection and interpretation of our cultural heritage. From 11 million uncatalogued war photos to your grandmother's untold stories, we'll learn how democratising historical narratives doesn't just make museums more human—it makes artificial intelligence more intelligent. This isn't just about fixing museums or improving algorithms; it's about ensuring that our cultural memory includes everyone's voice. The stories we feed our machines today will shape the history they tell tomorrow. Nick Hodder is an accomplished leader in digital transformation and engagement, bringing over 20 years of experience driving technology innovation across commercial and non-profit sectors. Nick has developed and executed digital strategies, cultivate innovation, and lead large-scale change initiatives. His expertise spans digital transformation, emerging technologies and human-centred design. Currently leading a major AI focussed digital transformation in the cultural sector, Nick leads an award-winning team at Imperial War Museums who have grown a digital audience of hundreds of millions people across the globe and has been recognised by Computing as one of the UK's most influential technology leaders in the UK. Nick chaired the Digital Transformation conference in 2023, the AI in Business Conference in 2024 and presented keynotes at both the IT Leaders Summit and Microsoft Global Non-profit Leaders Conference. 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
- 12:55Crossing the Atlantic on a 600 B.C. Phoenician Ship Replica | Sheimaa Oubari | TEDxLAU WomenCould ancient mariners have crossed the Atlantic 2,000 years before Columbus? Join Sheimaa El Oubari on her jaw-dropping journey across the ocean aboard a replica of a 600 B.C. Phoenician ship. This daring expedition explores one of history's greatest mysteries—did the Phoenicians reach the Americas? Discover powerful lessons in courage, ancient navigation, and cross-cultural connection in this unforgettable adventure. Sheimaa El Oubari is a communications specialist and cultural entrepreneur with over a decade of experience advancing cultural, educational, and development initiatives in Lebanon. In 2013, she founded Achillea, a Beirut-based cultural events company committed to supporting emerging Lebanese artists and promoting intercultural dialogue. Achillea has brought internationally acclaimed artists—such as Jordi Savall—to Lebanese audiences, while creating platforms for local talent to thrive. Sheimaa holds a Master’s degree in French Literature from the Sorbonne. In 2019, she joined the Phoenicians Before Columbus expedition as a volunteer crew member, contributing to the successful transatlantic crossing aboard a replica of a 600 B.C. Phoenician vessel, an initiative aimed at highlighting Lebanon’s historical legacy on the global stage. As a mother and committed advocate for sustainable development, Sheimaa brings a grounded, human-centered perspective to all her work. 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
- 18:38Allegory of Rethinking Tradition:Folk Music | Attila Özdek | TEDxNecmettin Erbakan UniversityIn this talk, Atilla Özdek explores folk music as an allegorical tool to reflect on the relationship between tradition and modernity. He invites us to reconsider how cultural narratives evolve through music. Born in 1973 in Ankara, he initially studied Astronomy at Ankara University but later pursued music. In 1997, he entered Selçuk University’s Music Education Department, graduating with honors in 2001. The same year, he ranked first nationwide in the teacher selection exam and became a music teacher. Shortly after, he became a Research Assistant and completed his master’s (2005) and Ph.D. (2012).An expert in Turkish Folk Music and Bağlama, he has published widely and trained award-winning musicians. He earned the title of Associate Professor in 2015 and Professor in 2021. He led major projects like the Mozaik Concert Series and was music director for the Yunus İçin Söyle project (2021) and 5th Islamic Solidarity Games (2022).Currently, he is Head of Fine Arts Education at Necmettin Erbakan University, mentoring students. He is married, has a daughter, and speaks English. 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
- 18:15Don't Wait to Be Discovered, Discover Yourself | Rahim Aladağ | TEDxNecmettin Erbakan UniversityEducationalist Rahim Aladağ shares his personal journey and how he moved forward despite life’s challenges. This inspiring talk highlights perseverance, belief, and the transformative power of learning. Since 2005, he has been providing training to NGOs, public institutions, and SMEs on various topics, including Communication Techniques, Body Language, Teamwork, Leadership, Effective Presentation Techniques, Advocacy, Government Incentives, PCM Training, Entrepreneurship, and NGO Management.He has over 500 training references from organizations such as the Union of Municipalities of Turkey, Hak-İş Confederation, Sağlık-Sen, Development Agencies, Chambers of Industry and Commerce, public institutions, and SMEs. 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
- 7:42The power of genuine communication for meaningful connections | Hicham Jadaoun | TEDxLAU ByblosIn a world of fast-paced messaging and digital filters, authentic communication has become a rare yet powerful force. Hicham Jadaoun unpacks how genuine, empathetic dialogue can build trust, deepen relationships, and foster stronger collaboration—whether in professional settings or personal life. This session invites attendees to rediscover the value of human connection in shaping impactful careers and communities. A certified trainer and facilitator, an experienced researcher and a Design, Monitoring and Evaluation expert with extended professional experience. Hicham is an accredited trainer on Leadership, Design Thinking, Mental Toughness and Social and Behavioral Change. Holding an advanced degree in public health, I have worked with governments, NGOs and the ICRC and have an extensive experience working across sectors including leadership, education, gender, community development, public health, livelihoods, social entrepreneurship, social cohesion, child protection, juvenile justice, play-based approaches, peace building, active citizenship, good governance, and women’s empowerment. I have a strong track record in qualitative and quantitative participatory research design and methodologies and stakeholders’ engagement for strategy development. I have led on the design, capacity building, facilitation, implementation, analysis and reporting of research projects, assessments, trainings and evaluations in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, KSA, UAE, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Mauritania, Niger, Syria, Turkey, DRC, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 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
- 12:09Think! Dream! Transform! | Osman Çaputçu | TEDxNecmettin Erbakan UniversityArchitect and entrepreneur Osman Çaputçu shares his journey of professional transformation and his approach to interdisciplinary thinking. In this talk, he explores how architecture, cultural heritage, digital tools, and creative problem-solving can come together to create socially impactful design strategies. Osman Çaputçu completed his architectural education as an "Honors Student." Throughout his studies, he aimed to integrate the vision he gained from various small, medium, and large-scale projects into his professional practice. He began his career during his student years and continues to expand his knowledge.Traveling and working across different cities in Turkey, he enhanced his technical skills while actively participating in national and international architectural design competitions, earning multiple awards. He views architecture not just as a profession but as a way of life.Since 2017, he has also been involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In early 2023, he founded **Deeplay Creative Studio**, a company specializing in game, design, and technology development services. Currently, he continues his work in Istanbul with a multidisciplinary approach. 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
