How rule bending became identity shaping | Dr. Cristina González Alcalá | TEDxAkron
What happens when rule-bending becomes identity-shaping? In this reflective and culturally grounded TEDx talk, Dr. Cristina González Alcalá shares how moving from conformity to creation, and from sobrevivir to VIVIR, reshaped how she understands success, identity, and belonging. Drawing inspiration from artists who bent rules and lived unapologetically themselves, through her VIVIR framework, she invites us to reconsider what it means to live fully when the rules we inherited were never meant to hold us. Dr. Cristina González Alcalá (she/her) is a Mexican-born changemaker, equity architect, and narrative shifter who is redefining what leadership looks like—from boardrooms to the heart of the community. With roots in community and a mindset wired for systems change, Cristina blends data, heart, and lived experience to build a more just and connected world.She currently serves as Director of Community Investment at Akron Community Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s quarterly grantmaking and contributes to the strategic direction of a nearly $6 million portfolio focused on equity and regional impact. She’s also President of the Board of Trustees at the Akron Civic Theatre and a Senior Lecturer at The University of Akron.Cristina holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Arts in Communication—all from The University of Akron. A proud Triple Zip and graduate of Leadership Akron Class 40 "Forty Flair" and Torchbearers 2016, she’s known for bringing unlikely people together and sparking conversations that shift how power, possibility, and purpose are understood. She’s equally at home designing funding strategies, mentoring future leaders, or co-creating solutions with nonprofits and neighbors.And just to keep things spicy—Cristina is also the founder of Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce, a family-inspired small business that honors her roots, her culture, and her unapologetic flavor.Her work is guided by cultural humility, joy, and the belief that transformation begins when we ask better questions and create space for others to rise with us. Whether in philanthropy, academics, the arts, or entrepreneurship, Cristina leads with strategy, soul, and a little bit of heat. 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
More from TED
- 10:52The neurodiversity advantage: Why “too much” is a strength | Valentina Flores | TEDxUStreetWomenFor years, those with neurodivergent traits have been told to tone it down or blend in. But businesses don’t need more sameness; they need the power of pattern-breakers and bold thinkers. This talk challenges the bias that labels neurodivergent professionals as “too much” and shows how their cognitive diversity can enhance innovation, accelerate decisions, and reshape culture. It’s time to stop masking differences, and instead start leveraging them. Valentina is the Co-founder and CEO of Red Sentry, a cybersecurity company that simulates real-world hacks to expose vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. As a proudly neurodivergent leader, Valentina champions a future where powerful minds stop masking and start thriving, treating differences as superpowers, not setbacks. She is a fierce advocate for neurodiversity in tech and a challenger of the status quo, showing that true innovation happens when companies stop hiring for “fit” and instead embrace what makes people unique. Through Red Sentry, she’s making world-class cybersecurity accessible to organizations of all sizes, while proving that diversity of thought isn’t just an HR initiative, it’s a business advantage. Valentina speaks globally on innovative leadership and the power of neurodivergent talent, inspiring others to rethink what resilience and brilliance look like in the modern workforce. 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
- 12:02Demokratischer Optimismus | Dirk von Gehlen | TEDxMünchenWarum die Zeit vielleicht gar nicht aus den Fugen ist, wie wir uns für Optimismus entscheiden und was wir vom Ausdauersport für Demokratie lernen können: Weiter machen! Dirk von Gehlen ist Autor und Journalist. Er ist seit Anfang 2022 Director des Think Tanks beim SZ Institut der Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) und verantwortet dort die Analyse digitaler Transformation von Kultur, Gesellschaft und Wirtschaft. 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
- 11:53Keď odvaha nie je volba | Martina Kavalírová | TEDxPragueWomenJak žije svůj život mladá rodina ve stínu onemocnění ALS? Co pomáhá překonat všechny překážky? Obyčejná žena z Bratislavy, manželka Honzy, máma Elišky, podcasterka, kreativní duše, milovnice sportu a člověk, který věří, že když se chce, všechno jde – i navzdory nepřízni osudu. 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
- 9:02„Scheiße + X“: Eine einfache Formel gegen Ohnmacht | Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel | TEDxMünchenShit happens – in der Welt und in unserem eigenen Leben. Die entscheidende Frage ist: Was kommt danach? Journalistin Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel erzählt, wie ihre Arbeit als Kriegsreporterin sie zu einer überraschend einfachen Erkenntnis geführt hat: Hoffnung entsteht nicht durch Verdrängen, sondern durch den ersten Schritt. Ein Talk über Handlungskraft, Sinn und den Mut, anzufangen. Ronja von Wurmb-Seibel ist Journalistin, Bestseller-Autorin, Filmemacherin und Keynote Speakerin. Nach zwei Jahren in Kabul entwickelt sie eine erzählerische Haltung, die Mut macht. Sie schreibt über Einsamkeit, Zusammenhalt und den Umgang mit negativen Nachrichten. Gemeinsam mit Niklas von Wurmb-Seibel produziert sie Dokumentarfilme, die Debatten dorthin bringen, wo sie für Veränderung sorgen. Sie lehrt in Karlsruhe und München und betreibt ein Gästehaus für Künstler*innen in Dünzelbach. 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
- 13:01Klid 1000 metrů nad zemí | Anna Hanuš Kuchařová | TEDxPragueWomenCo pomáhá slacklinerům chodit po tenké pásce na dlouhých highlinách? A co se od nich můžeme naučit? Je architektkou a slacklinerkou (provazochodkyní), která chodí ve výškách po dva a půl centimetru širokém popruhu. Prošla se na třech kontinentech – v poušti, nad ledovcem i nad mořem. Nejvýš kráčela kilometr nad zemí. Před narozením syna téměř dekádu posouvala české rekordy a vytvořila jeden evropský. Založila Slackline Academy a napsala knihu Od slackline k tiché radosti. Rýsuje pro kancelář Mjölking a studuje v Manchesteru mindfulness pro zvládání bolesti. 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
- 10:48Your Voice is the Frequency: Architecting a New World | Jocely B. Smith | TEDxMünchenIn times of division and overwhelm, singer Jocelyn B. Smith bridges biology, psychology and music to reveal how your voice and inner dialogue shape motivation, connection and transformation. This inspiring talk explores how voice, responsibility and compassion are deeply connected - and why transformation begins at the moment we choose to speak with intention. A powerful reminder: change starts with the conscious frequency you emit. Jocelyn B. Smith wurde 1960 in New York geboren. Im Alter von 5 Jahren begann Jocelyn mit dem klassischen Klavierunterricht. Erst später, als sie 11 Jahre alt war, entdeckte Jocelyn, dass ihre Stimme eine weitere Form des musikalischen Ausdrucks war. U.a. ist sie bekannt aus dem Soundtrack von König der Löwen und spielt seit über 30 Jahre mehr als 3000 Konzerte in Deutschland und der ganzen Welt. 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
