NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal approach to and understanding of dreaming, consciousness, and the brain. Claims around near-death experiences and REM lack sufficient scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn this inspiring TEDx talk, Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden (“Doctor Dream”) encourages us to use our dreams to enhance our everyday lives. She reveals how our dreams are NOT random, but, instead, powerful gateways to creativity, innovation, and healing.Inspired by her own Near Death Experience (NDE) Kelly went on a deep dive into the phenomenon and found that the same regions of the brain that light up during REM sleep are also activated during NDEs, giving us access to higher consciousness and our infinite potential.With decades of experience as a dream expert, hypnotherapist, and bestselling author, Kelly shares that dreams have also played a big role in human history, sparking some of the world’s greatest breakthroughs.In her "Dreamifester Hall of Fame" she shares that Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Thomas Edison’s lightbulb filament, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Nikola Tesla’s inventions, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and many other great contributions to humanity have been birthed by dreams.Kelly believes that we cannot achieve the fullness of our potential without paying attention to the wisdom of our dreams. The great news is that that wisdom is available to everyone, without needing to die or eat a “special cookie” to access it. Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden is known as “Doctor Dream”. Kelly is a dream expert, hypnotherapist, past-life regressionist and the international, award-winning, best-selling author of numerous books and oracle decks on dreams and personal transformation, including the upcoming Dreamifesting: Harness the Power of Your Dreams to Create the Life You Desire. Her media appearances include national TV, radio, and podcasts worldwide, where she shares her passion for helping people awaken to their highest potential through the power of dreams. 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

Priyal, founder of Sangini Saheli, emphasizes that empathy goes beyond feeling — it requires action. Her journey began with listening to artisans' struggles, expanding into initiatives on education, menstrual hygiene, legal aid, and women's empowerment. A notable project transformed the lives of slum children near Delhi's Red Fort, growing from four to 68 in formal schooling. The foundation has impacted thousands through hygiene drives, self-help groups, and health screenings, including breast cancer checks. Priyal urges making empathy a daily practice, linking it to systemic change, women-led development, and community transformation, believing one empowered woman can uplift an entire community. Priyal Bhardwaj is currently serving as General Secretary, BJP Mahila Morcha (Delhi). She has led voter mobilization drives, G20 awareness sessions, and COVID-19 relief campaigns across India.Founder of LabelPB, Priyal celebrates India’s textile heritage by working directly with artisans and weavers. In 2018, she launched Sangini Saheli, an NGO dedicated to menstrual hygiene, education, and SHG-led livelihood programs. The initiative has distributed 5.6+ lakh sanitary pads and empowered thousands of women nationwide. Blending grassroots activism with creative leadership, Priyal represents a new wave of women change makers shaping India’s political and social landscape. 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 a world full of digital-native youth, parents often feel their children slipping away into online spaces they don’t understand. But what if we met them there? When Hannah finally caved to the constant pressure from her children to play Fortnite with them, she discovered more than just a game—she found a new way to connect. Esports offer an inclusive, engaging platform where kids develop problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. This talk explores the power of gaming to strengthen family bonds, support youth development, and even prepare them for future careers. Join Hannah in redefining quality time—one victory royale at a time.Dipping just a toe in has never been Hannah’s life strategy, so it came as no surprise when she started her career in marketing over 15 years ago it was with a deep dive into entrepreneurship. Now, as the Marketing Manager at a tech communications company, Hannah harnesses her passion for learning and connection in a multitude of ways including as an organizer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota's first free, all ages, community-wide esports competition, SoDak Circuit. This adventure all began with the insistence of her kids to play Fortnite with them. As it turns out, she loves to connect with her kids in the wild and wonderful world of esports. Beyond playing video games with her three incredible sons, you can find Hannah cycling, rock climbing, baking and foraging.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

Kat Marenzi wore masks for 20 years ~ the perfectionist mask, the “I’m fine” mask, the social media mask, and when alopecia arrived, the physical one too. She spent those years abandoning herself to avoid being abandoned by others.What if the thing you’ve been most ashamed of is actually the key to your freedom?Then came the moment everything changed. One terrifying night revealed a truth so profound it transformed her life: being unmasked wasn’t her greatest vulnerability ~ it was her greatest superpower.You’ll discover:• How your deepest shame might become your strength• Why authenticity is your most magnetic quality• The moment Kat realized her difference was her gift• The freedom that flows when you stop performing your lifeBecause when you stop performing, what’s left is eternal ~ untouched by shame and fear.So I’ll ask you: what mask are you wearing ~ and what might freedom look like without it?Let this be your permission slip to unmask, magnetize your truth & reclaim your joy. Kat is a Soul Realignment Guide who helps leaders unmask their authentic power. With 2 decades of automotive leadership, from Foreman at General Motors to dealership executive, she bridges worlds others keep apart. Her journey from dealerships to healership wasn’t theoretical ~ she walked away from a lucrative career to follow her authentic calling, later stepping onto the TEDx stage to share her story of unmasking through alopecia. A Purdue graduate with a B.S. in the School of Technology and minors in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Industrial Engineering, she taught welding labs ~ an anomaly in a male-dominated field ~ earning the Leadership and Achievement Award for bringing more women into engineering. (Friends compared her to “Flashdance,” welding by day while being a runner-up for Grand Prix Queen)Through www.TheSpace.Love, she continues her role as a bridge ~ translating between the corporate and the spiritual, guiding leaders toward alignment, authenticity & freedom. 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

What if the biggest turning point in your life came when you least expected it—when you were unprepared, uncertain, or even afraid? In this inspiring talk, entrepreneur and luxury wedding planner Devanshi Patel, founder of Shreem Events, shares how one unplanned “yes” as a college intern transformed her life and career. From managing celebrity weddings to crafting deeply personal ceremonies for families worldwide, Devanshi reveals the courage, emotional intelligence, and storytelling that have shaped her journey. Through heartwarming anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments, she invites you to embrace the unknown, trust your instincts, and take that first step—because the first “yes” can change everything. Devanshi Patel is the founder of Shreem Events, a luxury wedding and event planning company. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully curated and managed more than 450 events across the globe. Known for her attention to detail and creative flair, Devanshi specializes in designing meaningful, memorable experiences that reflect each couple’s unique story. 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, Jainam Jain shares how one bold decision sparked a nationwide movement that touched over 50,000 lives. What began as a simple desire to challenge personal limits evolved into a mission. Through cities, schools, and colleges, Jainam and his sister faced unpredictable setbacks, sleepless nights, and unfamiliar crowds, yet pressed forward with resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the power of small beginnings. From reading 50 books in 50 days to applying 50 life-changing skills, his story is a testament to how action—not perfection—creates impact. This talk is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big when you're willing to start small. Jainam Jain creates engaging, educational content centered around science experiments that spark curiosity and make learning fun. He uses his platform to spread positivity and encourage collective growth within communities, acting as a role model and inspiring people of all ages to contribute meaningfully to society. 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